🇲🇦 Moroccan Cuisine · Drinks

Rosewater Lemonade

Prep

10 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Fresh-squeezed lemon juice sweetened with sugar syrup and delicately scented with rosewater and mint.

Ingredients

  • 400g merguez sausage
  • 400g vermicelli noodles
  • a handful of finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tsp saffron threads
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • dried apricots, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the crusty bread and water in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the harissa paste and pitted dates, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 0 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with preserved lemon, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with mint just before serving.

Tips

Serve in a chilled glass for the most refreshing result on a hot day.

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.