5 Best Iftar Beverages

Iftar, or the breaking of the Ramadan fast, is an integral part of Muslim culture. It's a time to gather with family and friends and break the fast with a delicious meal. But what about the beverages? Here are five of the best iftar beverages to help keep you hydrated and energized during the holy month of Ramadan.

1. Rooh Afza/ Jam-e-Shirin (Lal Sharbat)

Rooh Afza/ Jam-e-Shirin (Lal Sharbat) can be a great drink for Iftar. The refreshing, sweet and tangy syrup not only quenches thirst but also helps in restoring energy levels. It combines various herbs, fruits, and spices and has been enjoyed by generations of South Asian people. It is usually served with water, milk, yogurt, or ice cream and can also be used for making various drinks like lassi, milkshakes, and smoothies. Rooh Afza/ Jam-e-Shirin (Lal Sharbat) is a great way to make Iftar time more enjoyable and perfect for breaking the fast.

2. Dates Honey Milkshake 

Dates are traditionally eaten shortly after the call to prayer at sundown and are the first food eaten to break the fast. According to tradition and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, most people marinade the dates in milk the day before they are served.

Some choose to eat plain dates while sipping milk, which is a simple and convenient method to ingest them.

Honey Milk Shake is a refreshing drink prepared with dates, milk, and honey that keeps you full and reduces bloating. This drink is a great way to quench your thirst and beat the summer heat. It is also packed with nutrients like calcium, protein, and antioxidants, which help to improve immunity. Add some ice for a cold shake and serve it chilled to your family and friends.

3. Thandai Refreshing

Thandai is an Indian cold drink made with almonds, kharbooj or tarbooj seeds (skinned, dried watermelon, and cantaloupe seeds), fennel seeds, rose water, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk, and sugar.

To make thandai, soak the almonds, kharbooj or tarbooj seeds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cardamom, and saffron in warm water for about an hour. Then grind them in a food processor or blender. Add the soaked ingredients to a pot of boiling milk and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve and then add sugar, rose water, and a pinch of saffron for flavor. Let the mixture cool before serving. Add crushed ice to the thandai for a refreshing summer drink.

4. Rooh-Afza Falooda

Rooh-Afza Falooda is a lovely concoction of falooda sev, cold milk, sabja seeds, rose syrup, and your choice of ice cream.

To make it, you'll need to first soak the falooda sev in cold water for about 10 minutes. Then, add the soaked sev and sabja seeds to a large bowl and pour cold milk over them.

Next, add the rose syrup and stir everything together. Finally, top it off with your favorite ice cream and enjoy!

The sweet, creamy, and fragrant combination of these ingredients make this Rooh-Afza Falooda a heavenly dessert that everyone will love.

5. Watermelon Smoothie

Milk is pure comfort food for those who are fasting. It calms both the body and the psyche. A milkshake or smoothie with watermelon is quite refreshing.

Watermelon chunks, condensed milk, and vanilla essence are combined to make this easy Watermelon Milkshake. To make this smoothie, simply blend the watermelon, condensed milk, and vanilla essence until smooth. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamier texture. This smoothie is perfect for a hot summer day and makes a great energy-boosting snack.