Lebanese Rose Drink

Ease of Preparation: Easy
Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 drops red food colouring (optional)
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) rose water
• Pine nuts, for garnish

To serve:

• Pine nuts, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Method:

Add sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir until sugar has dissolved.

Bring mixture to a boil.

Squeeze lemon through fingers into saucepan to catch seeds. Discard seeds.

Boil for 5 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the top.

Add food colouring and rose water and boil for a few more minutes.

Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Pour into jar and seal.

To serve, pour 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of syrup over glass of ice, add water and stir. Garnish with a teaspoon of soaked pine nuts.

Serve with Grilled Halloumi (see recipe).