Turkish Sherbet: 4 of the Best Drink Recipes from the Ottoman Empire

Sherbet is a traditional Eastern sweet fruit or berry drink revered by Muslims worldwide. It is a mandatory drink during Ramadan iftar. Sherbet is very aromatic, delicious, and beautiful. It is now popular not only in the East but throughout the world. It serves as an excellent alternative to familiar drinks. It is extremely easy to prepare at home, but the results will surprise everyone.

What is sherbet in Turkey?

In Turkey, sherbet is, first and foremost, a national drink. It is considered the most refined of all non-alcoholic beverages. Besides Turkish homes, sherbet is also prepared in India, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other Arab countries. But it was in the birthplace of the great Suleiman II that it acquired symbolic significance and is still considered a special drink.

History of the Turkish drink

The first written references to sherbet date back to the 12th century. The Persian collection "Zakhirye Khwarazmshah" contains descriptions of grape, pomegranate, and mint sherbets. The original recipe for this very first drink has been lost, so the exact place and time of its origin remain unknown.

The drink's name comes from the Arabic verb "sherben," which translates as "to drink." Essentially, the Arabs called any sweet syrups and sweetened drinks "sherbet."

The drink emerged in the Ottoman Empire thanks to frequent military campaigns in ancient Iran. It is known that in the 16th century, during the reign of Suleiman II, fruit was specially grown for sherbet in Topkapi Palace under the supervision of doctors and pharmacists. In the TV series "The Magnificent Century," it is often mentioned as Roxelana's favorite drink. The Ottomans paid special attention to the preparation of sherbet. And although nobles were served it in expensive gilded vessels, and commoners drank it from ordinary glassware, sherbet always remained a special treat in the home.

What is sherbet made of in Turkey?

The first sherbet is believed to have been an ancient drink favored by rulers of the Ancient East. Its main ingredient was rose hips. To enhance the flavor and enhance the emperor's aroma, dried rose petals, dogwood, and spices were also added.

Nowadays, traditional sherbet is made with fruits (pomegranate, raspberry, apricot, cherry), flower petals (rose, hibiscus), basil, mint, and saffron. Variations with honey and sugar are increasingly common. Turkish cooks are experimenting with the drink's recipe, bringing something new and unique to it.

Modern traditions

Turks believe that sherbet not only has healing properties but also has sacred significance. It is an essential part of any festive table, whether it's a wedding, birthday, or other banquet. In preparation for a Turkish wedding, some villages still observe a special "Sherbet Day." It takes place in the bride's home. Sharing the drink symbolizes the formation of a new family. Sherbet is also a must-drink at circumcision ceremonies.

How to make Turkish sherbet?

Making Turkish liquid sherbet takes minimal time in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple and readily available. Pour your favorite berries, fruits, or herbs into cold water, juice, or syrup. The richness of the flavor depends on the ratio of liquid to the main ingredients. For additional notes, you can add spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and others. Citrus fruits, such as lemon or lime, are often included in recipes. The key is to avoid overdoing it, or the spices will overpower the overall effect. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it boils. Let the sherbet cool and add a couple of mint leaves for added flavor. Strain through a fine sieve.

Fruit and berry liquid sherbet recipe

Sweet and aromatic Turkish sherbet made with fruits and berries is a delicious and refreshing drink. It energizes, detoxifies, and improves digestion. It's easy and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• Water – 300 ml
• Apple juice – 250 ml.
• Sugar – 200 g
• Plums – ½ cup
• Grapes – ½ cup
• Berries – 1 tbsp.
• Cinnamon - 1 pinch

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: 500 ml

Step-by-step recipe

Step 1

Place the washed fruits and berries into a saucepan.

Step 2

Pour in sugar. Add cinnamon.

Step 3

Pour in a glass of apple juice. You can use packaged apple juice from the supermarket or homemade filtered apple juice.

Step 4

Pour out cold water.

Step 5

Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.

Step 6

While continuing to cook, carefully mash the fruit with a masher.

Step 7

Strain the sherbet through a sieve. Let it cool to room temperature.

Hibiscus Sherbet Drink

In Egypt, it's called the "drink of the pharaohs," and in the East, there's hardly a housewife who doesn't know how to make hibiscus sherbet. This drink is not only refreshing and invigorating, but also healthy and rich in vitamins. It's recommended for high blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and lowers cholesterol.

Ingredients

• Water – 2 l
• Lemon – 1 pc.
• Sugar – 250 g
• Hibiscus – 5 tbsp. l.
• Cloves – 1 tsp.
• Cinnamon - 2 pal.
• Bay leaf – 2 pcs.
• Ginger root – to taste
• Mint - optional

Cooking time: 10 – 15 minutes

Servings: 1 l

Step-by-step recipe

Step 1

Place hibiscus leaves in a saucepan with water and add sugar.

Step 2

Cut three thin slices of lemon and add them to the saucepan.

Step 3

Add ginger, cinnamon and bay leaf.

Step 4

Add the cloves. Stir. Place the pan with the spices on the stove. Bring to a boil.

Step 5

Remove the drink from the heat and strain through a sieve.

Step 6

Add a few fresh mint leaves. Let cool. The sherbet is ready!

If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the era of Hurrem Sultan, experience the traditions of the peoples of the East, and simply enjoy a delicious drink, Turkish sherbet is just what you need.

Video: Turkish Basil Sherbet (Reyhana)

The YouTube channel "I'm a Gourmet" offers a refreshing, vitamin-rich, and healthy Turkish basil sherbet. This refreshing oriental drink is a perfect way to beat the heat, quench your thirst, and invigorate yourself. It's very easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The video provides a detailed step-by-step recipe. The perfect drink is moderately sweet and has an incredible aroma reminiscent of nutmeg.

The channel also features video tutorials on Turkish cuisine for those who love to treat their loved ones to something unusual, yet certainly filling and delicious.