Jallab

A sweet, fruity drink made from grape molasses, dates and rose water, served over crushed ice with floating pine nuts and raisins. It is cooling, fragrant and slightly tangy.

Jallab

Jallab: Adam Jung, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Jallab is popular in Lebanon, Syria and across the Levant, and is also drunk in Egypt and Jordan. It is sold from street carts and cafes in warm weather and served at family tables.

Explore the cuisine of Lebanon, Syria.

Recipe

Make Jallab at home

Serves 4Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup jallab syrup (or 1/3 cup date molasses plus 3 tbsp grape molasses)
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1 tbsp rose water
  • Crushed ice
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • Fresh mint, to garnish

How it's made

  1. Whisk the syrup and the rose water into the cold water until fully dissolved.
  2. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them.
  4. Fill tall glasses with crushed ice.
  5. Pour the jallab over the ice.
  6. Top with pine nuts and raisins and a mint leaf.
  7. Serve with a spoon and a straw.

Variations

  • Date jallab: Uses extra date molasses for a darker, richer drink.
  • Pomegranate jallab: Adds pomegranate molasses for tang.
  • Egyptian jallab: Served with a handful of nuts and raisins.

Cook’s tip: Chill the mixture well before pouring over ice so it stays strong rather than watery.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Jallab: Adam Jung, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)