Classic Qamar-al-Deen Drink

Name: Classic Qamar-al-Deen Drink
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

roubashahin.com.au

Qamar-al-Deen is a Ramadan staple! This apricot drink is smooth, tangy, and nostalgic. Just soak, blend, and chill—simple and so refreshing!

PREP TIME

10 minutes (plus soaking)

COOK TIME

0 minutes

SERVES

About this recipe

Qamar-al-Deen is a Ramadan must-have—our version of a roll-up, made from dried apricot sheets that only seem to appear during this special month. We just pull it apart and eat it as is, but the real magic happens when it’s blended into this classic Qamar-al-Deen drink. Smooth, tangy, and refreshing, it’s enjoyed by Arabs all over the world, especially at iftar.

This Qamar-al-Deen drink recipe is so simple—just soak, blend, and chill! I love mine with texture, but you can strain it for a silkier finish. Garnish it with pine nuts and pistachios, just like we did as kids. If you want a twist, try my Qamar-al-Deen mango juice or the milk-based version for something richer. And if you love Qamar-al-Deen as much as I do, you’ll want to check out my No-Bake Qamar-al-Deen cheesecake—a creamy dessert with an apricot glaze that melts in your mouth!

Ingredients

200 grams Qamar-al-Deen (dried apricot sheet)
3 cups warm water
2 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
Ice cubes for serving

Notes from Rouba

No need to strain—I love the texture! But if you want a smoother drink, go ahead.
If Qamar-al-Deen is too thick after blending, add more water until you get the perfect consistency.
Adjust the sugar depending on how sweet your apricot sheet is. Some brands are naturally sweeter.

I’ll be sharing the equipment I used to make this drink, including my blender. A good blender makes all the difference in getting that smooth, creamy texture! You can find my appliance recommendations, including the blender I use, through the link I’ll be sharing.

If you’re looking for a great blender at a reasonable price, Dorsch Home has two solid options. Plus, you can use my code ROUBASFOOD for 10% off your purchase!

Method

Step 1. Soak & Soften

Cut the dried apricot sheet into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour 3 cups of warm water over them and let it soak for 4-6 hours or overnight until softened. Stir occasionally to help it dissolve.

Step 2. Blend & Serve

Once softened, blend the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a silkier texture, strain it. Add sugar and orange blossom water (if using) and blend again until fully dissolved. Serve chilled with ice cubes, pine nuts, and slivered pistachios