Egyptian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and rich history, and this extends to its unique array of traditional beverages.
From refreshing herbal teas to nutrient-packed yogurt drinks, Egypt offers various drinks catering to different tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re exploring the streets of Cairo or looking for new flavors to try at home, these 15 Egyptian drinks provide a glimpse into the country’s diverse and flavorful culture.
Let’s journey through some of the most popular and beloved beverages Egyptians have enjoyed for generations.
List of Egyptian Drinks You Must Try
1. Karkade (Hibiscus Tea)
Karkade, or hibiscus tea, is a popular Egyptian drink from dried flowers.
It has a deep red color and a tart, slightly sour taste similar to cranberries.
Karkade can be served hot or cold and is not only refreshing but also packed with antioxidants.
It’s often sweetened with sugar to balance the tartness.
- Flavor: Tart, tangy, and slightly sour, similar to cranberries.
- Uses: Served hot or cold, sweetened with sugar or honey.
- Why It’s Great: A refreshing, antioxidant-rich drink that can be enjoyed in any season.
2. Sahlab
Sahlab is a creamy, warm drink made from milk, sugar, and sahlab powder derived from ground orchid tubers.
This comforting drink is thickened to a pudding-like consistency and often topped with cinnamon, nuts, or coconut.
It’s especially popular during winter and is both nourishing and satisfying.
- Flavor: Sweet, creamy, with subtle floral notes.
- Uses: Served warm, often topped with cinnamon or nuts.
- Why It’s Great: A cozy, warming drink that feels like a dessert in a cup.
3. Sugarcane Juice (Asab)
Asab is a popular street drink in Egypt made from freshly pressed sugarcane.
The juice is sweet and refreshing, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Despite its sweetness, sugarcane juice contains essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, making it a hydrating and energizing beverage.
- Flavor: Naturally sweet and refreshing.
- Uses: Served cold, often sold by street vendors.
- Why It’s Great: A naturally sweet, nutrient-rich drink for hot weather.
4. Tamr Hindi (Tamarind Drink)
Tamr Hindi is a tangy, refreshing drink made from tamarind pulp, water, and sugar.
The tamarind gives the drink a unique sour-sweet flavor that many love.
It’s a popular beverage during Ramadan, offering a cool, refreshing break from fasting.
- Flavor: Tangy, sweet, and slightly sour.
- Uses: Served chilled, often during Ramadan.
- Why It’s Great: A tangy, refreshing drink balancing sweet and sour flavors.
5. Erk Sous (Licorice Drink)
Erk Sous is a traditional Egyptian drink made from licorice root.
Known for its distinctive earthy and slightly sweet flavor, this drink is often enjoyed for its health benefits, such as aiding digestion.
It’s usually served cold and is especially popular during Ramadan.
- Flavor: Earthy, slightly sweet, with a strong licorice taste.
- Uses: Served cold, often during Ramadan.
- Why It’s Great: A unique, refreshing drink with digestive health benefits.
6. Qamar Al-Din (Apricot Juice)
Qamar Al-Din is a sweet, thick juice made from dried apricots, soaked and blended into a rich, tangy drink.
It is especially popular during Ramadan and is often a refreshing, nutrient-packed beverage to break the fast.
The apricot gives this drink a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Flavor: Sweet, tangy, with a rich apricot flavor.
- Uses: Served chilled, especially during Ramadan.
- Why It’s Great: A flavorful and nutrient-rich drink perfect for rehydrating after fasting.
7. Ayran (Salty Yogurt Drink)
Ayran is a salty, tangy yogurt-based drink popular across the Middle East, including Egypt.
Made by mixing yogurt, water, and salt, it is refreshing and cooling. It is often served alongside savory dishes or enjoyed on hot days.
It is known for its hydrating and digestive benefits.
- Flavor: Tangy, salty, and refreshing.
- Uses: Served cold, often paired with savory meals.
- Why It’s Great: A refreshing, hydrating drink with digestive benefits, perfect for hot climates.
8. Sharbat (Traditional Sweet Syrup Drink)
Sharbat is a traditional Egyptian drink made from concentrated fruit or flower syrups mixed with water.
The flavors of Sharbat can vary, including rose, orange blossom, or pomegranate.
It’s sweet, fragrant, and often served at celebrations or during hot days as a refreshing treat.
- Flavor: Sweet and aromatic, with flavors depending on the fruit or flower used.
- Uses: Served chilled at celebrations or as a refreshing drink.
- Why It’s Great: A fragrant and customizable drink that’s perfect for special occasions.
9. Zabadi (Egyptian Yogurt Drink)
Zabadi is a smooth, cool yogurt drink that is enjoyed throughout Egypt.
It’s made by mixing yogurt with water and sometimes flavored with herbs or cucumber.
It’s commonly consumed as a refreshing, light drink during meals, especially in the summer, and is known for its cooling and digestive benefits.
- Flavor: Mild, tangy, and slightly creamy.
- Uses: Served cold, often paired with meals or enjoyed as a snack.
- Why It’s Great: A light and refreshing drink that aids digestion and hydrates on hot days.
10. Helba (Fenugreek Drink)
Helba is a traditional Egyptian drink made from fenugreek seeds, which are soaked and boiled to create a tea-like beverage.
Known for its slightly bitter and earthy flavor, Helba is often consumed for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and promoting lactation in nursing mothers.
- Flavor: Earthy, slightly bitter, with a nutty undertone.
- Uses: Served warm or cold, often for health benefits.
- Why It’s Great: A nutritious drink that provides digestive and health benefits.
11. Mint Tea
Mint tea is one of the most popular drinks in Egypt, known for its refreshing and soothing qualities.
It is made by steeping fresh or dried mint leaves in hot water, often with a touch of sugar for sweetness.
Mint tea is served throughout the day and is enjoyed both hot and cold, making it a versatile drink for any occasion.
- Flavor: Refreshing, mildly sweet, with a strong minty taste.
- Uses: Served hot or cold, with or without sugar.
- Why It’s Great: A calming and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
12. Lemon Juice with Mint
Lemon juice with mint is a zesty and refreshing drink, perfect for hot Egyptian summers.
The combination of tangy lemon juice and cooling mint creates a rejuvenating beverage that is often sweetened with sugar.
This drink is both refreshing and hydrating, making it a favorite during warm weather.
- Flavor: Tangy, zesty, and refreshing with a hint of mint.
- Uses: Served chilled, often sweetened with sugar.
- Why It’s Great: A perfect summer drink that’s both refreshing and hydrating.
13. Dom Palm Fruit Juice
Dom palm fruit juice is made from the fruit of the dom palm, a native tree in Egypt.
The juice has a unique flavor, described as a mix of sweet and slightly tangy, with a subtle hint of caramel.
Dom juice is packed with nutrients and is enjoyed both as a refreshing drink and for its health benefits.
- Flavor: Sweet, slightly tangy, with a caramel-like undertone.
- Uses: Served chilled, often enjoyed for its health benefits.
- Why It’s Great: A unique and nutritious juice with a one-of-a-kind flavor.
14. Egyptian Coffee
Egyptian coffee, or “ahwa,” is a strong and flavorful coffee brewed with finely ground coffee beans, sugar, and cardamom.
It’s traditionally served in small cups and enjoyed slowly.
Egyptian coffee is rich and aromatic, with a bold flavor enhanced by the addition of cardamom.
It offers a unique experience for coffee lovers.
- Flavor: Strong, bold, with a hint of cardamom.
- Uses: Served hot, usually in small cups.
- Why It’s Great: A bold, aromatic coffee experience that’s deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture.
15. Sobya (Coconut Milk Drink)
Sobya is a creamy, sweet coconut milk drink that is particularly popular during Ramadan.
Made from a blend of coconut milk, sugar, and rice, Sobya is served cold and is known for its rich, smooth texture.
It’s often enjoyed as a dessert-like treat, offering a refreshing and indulgent beverage option.
- Flavor: Sweet, creamy, and rich with a subtle coconut flavor.
- Uses: Served cold, often during Ramadan.
- Why It’s Great: A smooth and creamy treat that offers a refreshing, dessert-like experience.
What Makes Egyptian Drinks Unique?
Egyptian beverages reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, combining traditional ingredients with modern twists.
Egyptian drinks are known for their versatility and bold flavors, from cooling herbal teas to nutrient-packed yogurt drinks.
Here are a few reasons why Egyptian drinks stand out:
1. A Blend of Sweet and Tangy Flavors
Many Egyptian drinks, like Karkade and Tamr Hindi, balance sweet and tangy notes, creating refreshing beverages that are perfect for hot climates.
The combination of bold flavors makes these drinks both satisfying and thirst-quenching.
2. Natural Ingredients with Health Benefits
Egyptian drinks often feature natural, wholesome ingredients such as hibiscus, apricots, mint, and yogurt.
Drinks like Helba and Zabadi are not only delicious but are also consumed for their health benefits, from aiding digestion to providing essential nutrients.
3. Drinks with Cultural and Religious Significance
Many Egyptian beverages, such as Qamar Al-Din and Sobya, are important during religious celebrations like Ramadan.
These drinks help to break fasts and provide hydration, making them a key part of Egyptian social and cultural traditions.
4. Refreshing and Nourishing for Any Time of Year
Whether you’re enjoying a hot cup of Sahlab in the winter or cooling off with Sugarcane Juice in the summer, Egyptian drinks cater to different seasons and occasions.
These beverages offer nourishment and refreshment, making them beloved by locals and travelers alike.
Conclusion
Egyptian drinks offer a diverse range of flavors, from the sweet and tangy to the rich and creamy.
Whether you’re sipping on a refreshing Karkade or enjoying a warm cup of Sahlab, these 15 must-try drinks give you a taste of Egypt’s rich culture and history.
Perfect for any season, these beverages provide a unique experience for every palate, making them a must-try for any food lover exploring Egyptian cuisine.
