Sekanjabin (Persian Mint and Vinegar Syrup Drink)
Local name: سکنجبین
In short: A sweet-sour mint and vinegar syrup stirred into iced water with grated cucumber, a cooling Persian summer drink that keeps for weeks. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 130 kcal
Sekanjabin is the old Persian summer cooler: sugar syrup sharpened with vinegar and infused with mint, kept in a bottle and stirred into iced water as needed. Many families serve it with grated cucumber or a plate of crisp lettuce hearts for dipping. The first sip surprises people, since the vinegar is mellowed by the sugar into a clean, refreshing sourness. It is also served during Ramadan and keeps in the fridge for weeks.
Instructions
- Stir the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the vinegar and half of the mint and simmer gently, without stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the syrup coats the back of a spoon lightly. Open a window, since the vinegar steam is sharp at first.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining mint. Let the syrup cool completely with the mint still in it, then strain through a fine sieve into a clean bottle.
- To serve, stir 3 tbsp (45 ml) of the syrup into a tall glass of cold water with ice. Add 2 tbsp grated cucumber and a few mint leaves.
- For the traditional lettuce serving, dip the romaine hearts into a small bowl of the syrup and eat them with your fingers.
Tips
- Simmer the syrup gently and do not let it darken. Taste a drop of the cooled syrup in water, then adjust: more water for a mellower drink, or a splash of lemon juice for a brighter one.
- Keep the cooled syrup in a clean, sealed bottle in the fridge. Use about 1 part syrup to 4 or 5 parts cold water, and a clean spoon every time.
Questions and answers
How long does sekanjabin syrup keep?
In a clean, sealed bottle in the fridge, it keeps for up to 2 months. The high sugar and vinegar content preserve it.
What does sekanjabin taste like?
Sweet first, then pleasantly sour, with a fresh mint finish. It is like a sweet-sour mint cordial, much gentler than plain vinegar.
How do I serve sekanjabin the traditional way?
Stir 2 to 3 tbsp of syrup into a glass of iced water with grated cucumber. Some people also dip crisp romaine lettuce hearts into the syrup and eat them as a snack.
How long does it take to make Sekanjabin (Persian Mint and Vinegar Syrup Drink)?
About 40 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sekanjabin (Persian Mint and Vinegar Syrup Drink)?
About 130 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 130 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
