Pomegranates originated in Persia and are among the oldest fruits in the world. Some scholars even suggest that it was a pomegranate instead of an apple in the Garden of Eden with which Eve tempted Adam. Sharab Rumman appears in almost every medieval Arabic culinary text attesting to its popularity for more than 1,000 years. A very popular drink in Saudi Arabia, it can be found in restaurants as well as in homes. In the Arab Gulf Countries this
drink is usually made from pomegranate syrup, which in North America is only available in Middle Eastern or Arab markets. To make this drink more accessible I call for using fresh pomegranate juice, which is now widely available in the refrigerated sections in supermarkets. When buying fresh pomegranate juice, make sure it’s pure and isn’t flavored with any other type of fruit.
Makes six 8-oz (250-ml) or eight 6-oz (175-ml) servings
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
REFRIGERATION TIME: 3 hours
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups (750 ml) fresh pomegranate juice
- 3 cups (750 ml) club soda
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
INSTRUCTIONS
- Process all the ingredients in a blender for 1 minute.
- Refrigerate for a few hours to chill or serve immediately over ice in glasses.
