Sipping on History: The Untold Stories Behind Ramadan’s Iconic Drinks
As the sun sets and the call to Maghrib prayer echoes, families gather eagerly to break their fast. And while the smell of the feast makes your stomach rumble, you’ll always reach out first to the refreshing, nostalgia-filled Ramadan drinks.
Yet, beyond the familiar flavors of the tamr hindi, sobia and kharoub that we await from one year to another, each of these drinks carries a unique story, shaped by history, culture, and even legendary figures. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic Ramadan drinks and the fascinating tales behind them.
1. Kharoub: The Ramadan Drink of Generosity
In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, offering Kharoub to a guest was a sign of generosity. Offering tea or coffee, however, was an outright insult.
Egyptians believed that serving tea or coffee made you feel full, subtly signaling that the guest would not be getting any food.
Today, kharoub remains a cherished Ramadan drink, valued for its rich taste and energy-boosting properties.
2. Qamar Al-Din: The OG Ramadan Drink
Legend has it that Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marwan was the first to drink qamar al-din. He drank it upon sighting the crescent moon, which marked the start of Ramadan.
And so the drink’s name is forever tied with the moon of Ramadan and ever since, qamar al-din remained a staple of the holy month, loved for its balance of sweetness and tartness.
3. Sobia: The Ramadan Drink of Hardships
During a time of economic hardship, when flour was scarce and basic food supplies were rationed, sobia emerged as an alternative that combined the ingredients that were available at the time: coconut, sugar, white flour, and water.
Over time, sobia became a Ramadan staple, with vendors fiercely guarding their secret recipes, passing them down through generations.
4. Erk Sous: The Ramadan Drink of Ancient Egyptians and Napoleon Bonaparte
Not for the faint of heart, erk sous (licorice juice) has been a Ramadan favorite for centuries, particularly in Egypt and Syria.
Ancient Egyptians
Ancient Egyptians considered erk sous a drink fit for royalty, using it in sacred rituals and even placing it in the tomb of Tutankhamun. They believed it had protective properties, warding off evil spirits and guiding the deceased into the afterlife.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Centuries later, Napoleon Bonaparte relied on licorice to calm his nerves on the battlefield, chewing it so obsessively that his teeth turned black. Today, erk sous remains a love-it-or-hate-it classic drink of Ramadan, with street vendors proudly pouring it from brass jugs in bustling markets.
5. Tamr Hindi: The Drink of Healing
Tamarind juice is known as tamr hindi. Archaeologists have discovered tamarind remains in ancient Egyptian tombs, and it was mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus as a remedy for intestinal ailments.
Centuries later, scholars like Ibn Sina also praised its healing properties. Tamarind’s cooling and digestive benefits made it a natural fit for Ramadan, offering relief after long hours of fasting. Today, the tangy-sweet flavor of the drink remains popular in Egypt, Sudan, and the Gulf.
These drinks are a connection to history and tradition. Every sip carries stories of ancient empires, bustling markets, and treasured recipes passed down through generations. Whether you prefer the creamy sweetness of Sobia or the tangy kick of tamarind, Ramadan’s drinks are a testament to the richness of the region’s culinary heritage.
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