Coffee, tea and milk are beverages that many people consume each day either hot or cold as part of a daily ritual. These drinks can be comforting, soothing or invigorating and can be drunk to begin or end the day.
If you feel as though your favorite beverage has lost its appeal, or you want to add some new flavors to your day, consider changing the flavor of these everyday beverages by giving them a Middle Eastern flair.
Milk and Saffron
Milk and saffron is a Middle Eastern staple, given to children and adults a like. Saffron has long been thought to have healing properties, and while this may or may not be true, the flavor of this unique, orange colored drink has helped with its longevity.
Ingredients
- 8 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup of white sugar
- 2 tablespoons saffron
Instructions
- Stir the sugar and saffron into the milk in a large saucepan.
- Heat to a boil, stirring constantly to keep the saffron from sticking.
- Boil for approximately five minutes, until the saffron has dissolved.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm, or chill and pour over ice for a refreshing cold drink.
Ginger Coffee
Flavored coffees have been popular for years, but many of them are weak with only secondary or tertiary flavors that are stronger in scent than they are in taste. Ginger coffee is both spicy and sweet with a complex and rich flavor. It can be made in an ibrik like Turkish coffee, or simply in a saucepan on the stove.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 6 teaspoons finely ground coffee
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients in a small pan on the stove.
- Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat.
- Watch until the water stills, then return it to the stove and bring it to a boil again.
- Remove from the stove and when the water stills, return it to the stove to boil one last time.
- Serve in small cups with or without milk and let stand for a few minutes to allow the coffee grounds to settle to the bottom of the cup.
Pomegranate Tea
Pomegranates are used in many Middle Eastern recipes and are prized for their strong flavors and antioxidant packed juice. Adding pomegranate juice to plain, black tea immediately infuses the tea with additional depth and flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 bags of black tea
- 2 cups of pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a tea kettle or pan.
- Place the tea bags and sugar in the water and steep for six to eight minutes.
- Remove the tea bags from the water and transfer to a pitcher.
- Pour the pomegranate juice into the tea.
- Serve immediately or chill and serve over ice for a refreshing summertime drink.
Add Some Spice to Your Life
These three Middle Eastern beverages take just minutes to make, but will wake up your taste buds with their flavor. If you want to add some complexity to your palette, give a try to these Middle Eastern flavored drinks.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
