Description
Sharbat is a refreshing and sweet cordial made with a fragrant rosewater syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of saffron and mint. Perfect for cooling down on a warm day, this easy-to-make drink combines floral and citrus flavors in a lightly sweetened iced beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rosewater
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of saffron threads (optional)
- Few sprigs of fresh mint
To Serve
- 3 cups chilled water
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the sugar syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves into the water, creating a clear syrup.
- Flavor the syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of rosewater, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of saffron threads if using, and a few sprigs of fresh mint. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Strain and cool: Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a clean jar or pitcher to remove the mint leaves and saffron threads. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Prepare the drink: To serve, add 3 tablespoons of the chilled syrup into a glass filled with ice cubes. Top the glass with chilled water (about 3/4 cup) and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the sharbat with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves as desired. Serve immediately for a refreshing, sweet cordial.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup according to taste.
- For a richer color and aroma, soak saffron in a little warm water before adding it.
- Rosewater is key for authentic flavor; avoid imitation extracts.
- Sharbat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best refreshing citrus taste.
- For a sparkling version, replace chilled water with sparkling water.
