I’ve featured sharbat (the South Asian equivalent of the Western chocolate milk for kids) in the past. The key ingredient in sharbat is a product called Rooh Afza, which is a syrup made of flower petals such as Gulab (Rose), coriander seeds, kewra and watermelon extract. It literally translates to “that which tempts your soul”.
Rooh Afza is fairly versatile and is used in many other drinks and desserts. One such recipe is similar to sharbat, but without the milk and nuts. I often make this drink when I need to cool off a bit. It’s very refreshing and light.
1. Info for Rooh Afza, Summer Drink of The East
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 274kcal
2. Ingredients for Rooh Afza, Summer Drink of The East
- 2-1/2 cups Rooh Afza syrup
- 1 quart ice cubes
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 8-3/4 cups water, to taste
3. Directions:
- For the simple syrup: In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar in 3/4 cup of water. Bring to a near boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Let the syrup cool completely.
- Assembly time: Combine the simple syrup and Rooh Afza syrup. Dissolve the syrup with water.
- Serve over ice in tall glasses; stir and enjoy with pink cookies.
- Enjoy!