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.
Recipe Notes
Keep the mixed drink refrigerated for up to four days. Add ice, pine nuts, and raisins only when serving.
Lebanese Jallab
A chilled Lebanese date and grape molasses drink scented with rose water and garnished with pine nuts and raisins.
Equipment
- Large glass pitcher
- Long-handled spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Serving glasses
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
Instructions
Mix:
- Whisk date molasses and grape molasses with 1 cup of the water in a pitcher until completely dissolved.
- Add the remaining water, rose water, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with a little more molasses or lemon if needed.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir again before serving.
- Divide ice among six glasses, pour in the jallab, and finish each glass with a few pine nuts and golden raisins.
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSodium: 18mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34g