Shami Mulberry Juice - The Legendary Damascus Drink | CookPick
Shami Mulberry Juice – The Legendary Damascus Drink
Shami Mulberry Juice is the taste of old Damascus. This deep ruby-red drink has been served on the streets of the Syrian capital for centuries, especially during hot summer months and the holy month of Ramadan. It's sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing.
Unlike ordinary fruit juices, Shami Mulberry Juice is a concentrated syrup that you dilute with water or soda. This way, one batch gives you enough to serve a crowd, and it stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
What Makes Shami Mulberry Juice Special?
It's not just about the mulberries. The Syrian version balances sweetness with a touch of floral aroma and a hint of lemon. The result is a drink that's complex, refreshing, and deeply nostalgic for anyone who grew up in Damascus. It's also incredibly easy to make – you just need 5 ingredients and 30 minutes.
🌿 Ingredients (serves 6)
- 1 kg fresh red or black mulberries (if using frozen, thaw them first)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water (Ma Zahr – find it in Middle Eastern stores)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, but recommended for balance)
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Shami Mulberry Juice (Step-by-Step)
- Wash the mulberries – Place the mulberries in a large bowl and cover with water. Gently swish them around to remove any dirt or debris. Drain and repeat 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
- Cook the mulberries – In a large pot, combine the washed mulberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mulberries have released their juices and the liquid is deep red.
- Mash and strain – Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash the mulberries against the side of the pot to extract all the juice. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Strain the juice – Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the mulberry mixture through the strainer, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp and seeds.
- Flavor and chill – Stir in the orange blossom water and lemon juice (if using). Transfer the syrup to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve – To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled mulberry syrup over the ice, diluting it with cold water or soda water to your taste (ratio: 1 part syrup to 2-3 parts water). Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy!
Why This Recipe Wins
- 🍇 Made with real mulberries – no artificial colors or flavors
- 🌸 Authentic Syrian orange blossom water note
- ❄️ Perfect for hot summer days
- 🕒 Ready in under 30 minutes
- 🧊 Stores well in the fridge for up to 7 days
- 🇸🇾 The real taste of Damascus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shami Mulberry Juice?
It's a traditional Syrian sweet syrup made from mulberries, sugar, and orange blossom water. It's diluted with water or soda to make a refreshing drink.
Can I use frozen mulberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw them before cooking. You might get slightly more liquid, which is a good thing.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed jar or pitcher, it stays fresh for up to 7 days.
Can I make it sugar-free?
You can replace sugar with honey or a sweetener of your choice, but the flavor and texture will change slightly.
What goes well with it?
It's perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light pastries, shortbread cookies, or savory Syrian appetizers.
Shami Mulberry Juice is more than a drink – it's a sip of Syrian history. Every time you pour it into a glass, you're carrying on a tradition that's been passed down through generations of Damascenes.
🍽️ CookPick – Authentic Syrian Recipes Made with Love
Sahtain 💚
Made with mulberries, orange blossom, and a little bit of Damascus.
Keywords: Shami Mulberry Juice, mulberry juice, Syrian drink, Damascus drink, summer drink, Middle Eastern drink, orange blossom water, Ramadan drink.
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