Best Drinks for Iftar in Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for self-discipline and enhanced well-being. After hours of fasting, the body needs replenishment of liquids and nutrients. Choosing the right drinks for Iftar plays a crucial role in restoring energy and preventing dehydration. In this article, we introduce the best drinks for Iftar and explain how to prepare each one so you can enjoy a smooth and refreshing meal.
- Importance of Suitable Drinks for Iftar
- Preventing dehydration and fatigue: After long hours without water, the body urgently needs hydration and electrolytes. The right drinks can quickly reduce thirst and relieve fasting-induced fatigue.
- Providing energy: Some drinks contain natural sugars and essential nutrients, helping to boost energy and create a feeling of fullness.
- Aiding digestion: Choosing easily digestible drinks can prevent digestive discomfort after Iftar and support smooth digestion.
- Water and Natural Juices
2.1 Lukewarm or Moderately Cool Water
The best and simplest drink for starting Iftar is water. Drinking 1 to 2 glasses of lukewarm or cool water helps regulate body temperature and prevents sudden consumption of cold water, which can cause digestive discomfort.
Tip:
Extremely cold water may cause sudden stomach contractions, leading to abdominal pain or digestion issues. It’s best to drink lukewarm or mildly cool water.
2.2 Apple or Orange Juice
Apple and orange juices are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they can rapidly replenish blood sugar.
How to Prepare Fresh Orange Juice:
1- Wash and halve a few fresh oranges.
2- Extract the juice using a manual or electric juicer.
3- Add cool water or ice cubes for extra freshness.
4- To enhance flavor, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice.
- Traditional Sweet Drinks
3.1 Khakshir Syrup
One of the most popular traditional drinks in Ramadan is Khakshir syrup. These tiny brown seeds have cooling properties and combat thirst, making them ideal for Iftar.
How to Prepare:
1- Wash 1 tablespoon of Khakshir thoroughly to remove impurities.
2- Add it to a glass of cool water.
3- Stir in a little sugar or honey for sweetness. You can also use diluted Sekanjabin.
4- Mix well and consume immediately.
3.2 Basil Seed and Lemon Syrup
Basil seeds are rich in fiber and minerals. When soaked in water, they develop a gel-like coating, which is highly effective for reducing thirst.
How to Prepare:
1- Mix 1 teaspoon of basil seeds with cool water.
2- Wait a few minutes for the seeds to expand.
3- Add fresh lemon juice and a little sugar or honey (depending on preference).
4- Stir well and enjoy.
3.3 Sekanjabin and Cucumber Syrup
Sekanjabin is made from honey (or sugar) and vinegar. This classic Persian syrup has a balanced and cooling nature, and when combined with cucumber, it eliminates thirst.
How to Prepare:
1- Dilute homemade or store-bought Sekanjabin in a glass of water.
2- Grate or finely chop cucumber and add it to the syrup.
3- If desired, add rose water or fresh mint leaves for extra aroma and flavor.
- Herbal Teas for Iftar
4.1 Borage and Dried Lime Tea
Borage has calming effects and helps prevent blood pressure spikes after Iftar. Dried lime adds a pleasant tangy flavor to the tea.
How to Prepare:
1- Add 1 tablespoon of borage flowers and 1 pierced dried lime to a teapot.
2- Pour hot water over them.
3- Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes over indirect heat (like on a kettle or flame diffuser).
4- Sweeten with rock sugar or honey and enjoy.
4.2 Ginger and Honey Tea
Ginger aids digestion and helps the body process Iftar more efficiently. Additionally, this tea is warming, making it perfect for cold Ramadan months.
How to Prepare:
1- Add 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger or a few slices of fresh ginger root to hot water.
2- Let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
3- Strain and sweeten with 1 teaspoon of honey if desired.
- Dairy-Based and Energy-Boosting Drinks
5.1 Lukewarm Milk with Dates
After hours of fasting, lukewarm milk helps ease digestion and soothe the stomach, while dates provide quick energy and boost blood sugar naturally.
How to Prepare:
1- Warm a glass of milk (avoid boiling).
2- Add 1 to 2 pitted dates.
3- Mash the dates gently with a spoon to release their sweetness.
4- Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon powder for enhanced flavor.
5.2 Banana and Almond Milk Smoothie
Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, while almond milk is lactose-free, making it perfect for people with dairy sensitivities.
How to Prepare:
1- Slice a banana.
2- Blend it with a glass of almond milk in a mixer.
3- Add honey or cinnamon if desired.
4- Blend for a few seconds until smooth.
- Traditional Warm Drinks
6.1 Light Rice Pudding Drink
Though commonly seen as a dessert, rice pudding can be made thinner and served as a nourishing warm drink for Iftar.
How to Prepare:
1- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of rice flour in a little water or milk.
2- Heat 1 cup of milk over low heat and add to the rice flour mixture.
3- Stir constantly to prevent thickening.
4- Sweeten with sugar or honey and add rose water for aroma.
5- Serve warm, topped with cinnamon powder.
6.2 Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea has a warm nature and enhances circulation. Simply add a cinnamon stick to regular tea to make it aromatic and beneficial.
How to Prepare:
1- Add tea leaves to a teapot.
2- Drop in a small cinnamon stick.
3- Pour hot water and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
4- Strain and optionally sweeten with honey.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drink for Iftar significantly affects fasting comfort and overall health. From plain water and Persian syrups to herbal teas and dairy-based beverages, all of these options help replenish liquids, micronutrients, and energy. A diverse selection of drinks can also reduce exhaustion and promote vitality after long hours of fasting. However, moderation in sugar intake and attention to nutritional needs are essential to ensure that Iftar drinks not only provide energy but also support health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is it recommended to start Iftar with lukewarm liquids?
Drinking warm water or beverages puts less strain on the stomach and prevents digestive discomfort. Extremely cold or hot drinks may irritate the stomach.
- Is consuming carbonated drinks at Iftar appropriate?
It is better to avoid carbonated soft drinks, as they contain high sugar and carbon dioxide, which can lead to stomach irritation, bloating, and increased thirst the next day.
- Which recommended drinks are suitable for diabetics?
People with diabetes should opt for naturally sweetened drinks with controlled sugar levels or sugar-free options. Herbal teas or chia seed syrup without added sugar are good alternatives. Consulting a doctor is always advisable.
- Can industrial fruit juices be substituted for natural juices?
Processed fruit juices often contain more sugar and additives with lower nutritional value than fresh juice. Preparing fresh juice at home is a healthier option.
- How much liquid should be consumed at Iftar?
Drinking 1 to 2 glasses of liquid at the beginning of Iftar is sufficient. After a short rest and a balanced main meal, additional water or healthy drinks can be consumed until bedtime to prevent dehydration.
Hopefully, selecting one of these beneficial drinks for Iftar will make Ramadan more refreshing and healthy. Enjoy!
