Mediterranean / Middle East

Lebanese Jallab

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Chilled Lebanese jallab with ice, pine nuts, and golden raisins.

Jallab is a refreshing Levantine drink with the deep fruitiness of date and grape molasses, lifted by rose water. Pine nuts and raisins make the glass both a drink and a light treat.

The molasses base is whisked with cold water and lemon, then balanced with rose water. Chilling before serving lets the flavors settle without relying on excessive sweetness.

Molasses brands vary in sweetness and intensity, so start with less and adjust after the mixture is cold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve very cold over ice with mezze, grilled meats, or pastries, especially during warm weather or Ramadan evenings.

Lebanese jallab in a tumbler with pine nuts and raisins.

Recipe Notes

Keep the mixed drink refrigerated for up to four days. Add ice, pine nuts, and raisins only when serving.

Chilled Lebanese jallab with ice, pine nuts, and golden raisins.

Lebanese Jallab

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A chilled Lebanese date and grape molasses drink scented with rose water and garnished with pine nuts and raisins.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 drinks
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 185

Ingredients
 
 

Jallab
  • 1/2 cup date molasses
  • 1/3 cup grape molasses
  • 6 cups cold water
  • 1 tbsp rose water plus more to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins
  • 3 cups ice cubes for serving

Equipment

  • Large glass pitcher
  • Long-handled spoon or whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Serving glasses

Method
 

Mix:
  1. Whisk date molasses and grape molasses with 1 cup of the water in a pitcher until completely dissolved.
  2. Add the remaining water, rose water, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with a little more molasses or lemon if needed.
Chill and Serve:
  1. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir again before serving.
  2. Divide ice among six glasses, pour in the jallab, and finish each glass with a few pine nuts and golden raisins.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSodium: 18mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34g

Notes

  • Use unsweetened pure date and grape molasses rather than flavored pancake syrups.
  • For nut-free servings, omit the pine nuts and add only raisins.