25 Popular Middle Eastern Beverages

Chai, a word that simply means “tea” in many parts of the world, refers to a spiced milk tea drink that originated in the Indian subcontinent but has become beloved in Middle Eastern cuisine as well.

This aromatic beverage combines black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices and herbs, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise, and cloves, among others.

Chai is sweetened with sugar and milk, offering a warm, comforting, and soothing flavor. Chai has countless variations, with masala chai being one of the most famous.

Chai is a staple in the daily lives of many people in the Middle East, South Asia, and many parts of the world, but it also holds a special place during gatherings and celebrations.

Turkish coffee is an iconic Middle Eastern beverage renowned for its strong, bold flavor. It is prepared using very finely ground coffee beans without filtering.

Characteristically, Turkish coffee is rich and intense. This traditional drink is often sweetened according to taste and sometimes flavored with cardamom.

As suggested by its name, Turkish coffee is one of Turkey’s national beverages. It has various regional variations.

In addition, this famous coffee drink is popular throughout the Middle East, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe. People usually prepare it in large quantities during festive occasions like Eid.

Turkish tea, also known as “çay,” is a traditional black tea deeply embedded in the fabric of Turkish society. Locals brew it with a stacked teapot to create a strong infusion.

The taste of Turkish tea is bold and robust. People typically enjoy it without milk, but some like to sweeten it with sugar.

As a symbol of hospitality and friendship, this beverage is a staple in daily life across Turkey, served from morning until night in homes, offices, and tea gardens.

Arabic coffee, known in many places as qahwa, is a traditional and integral part of Middle Eastern culture. It is brewed from Arabica beans and has a distinctive taste that can range from slightly spicy to herbal.

Arabic coffee is immensely popular across the Middle East, notably in countries like Saudi Arabia, where it is considered a national beverage. Some regions also enjoy variations with cloves, saffron, or cinnamon.

This coffee is often associated with important social gatherings, religious meetings, and significant cultural events, such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations. Serving qahwa is a classic gesture of welcome and generosity in all settings.

Soft drinks in Middle Eastern cuisine encompass a variety of carbonated beverages. Many locals love a good fizzy drink, even if it isn’t traditional.

Middle Eastern soft drinks vary from classic colas to unique flavors like pomegranate juice and rose water. Big names like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are everywhere, but local stars like Iran’s Zamzam Cola and Dubai’s Rani also shine.

These drinks are enjoyed all the time, especially during family gatherings and big celebrations like Eid. They’re a cool way to beat the heat and add a touch of sweetness to the spicy and aromatic Middle Eastern meals.

Ayran is a traditional yogurt-based beverage in many Middle Eastern nations, especially Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iran. This savory drink is a simple blend of yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt.

Classic ayran boasts a creamy texture with a tangy, thirst-quenching taste. It is commonly consumed with meals or as a refreshing drink on hot days.

While ayran is an everyday beverage, it also holds a place in the Ramadan tradition, serving as an ideal beverage for breaking the fast.

Kefir is a Middle Eastern fermented milk drink that originated from the Northern Caucasus region. It has a tart, slightly sour taste and a consistency thinner than yogurt, with a natural carbonation that gives it a light effervescence.

Traditional kefir is made from cow or goat milk, but several modern variations use non-dairy alternatives. This probiotic-rich beverage is a healthful drink that has gained global popularity.

Pomegranate juice, or rumman juice, is a popular beverage in the Middle East. It has a bright red color, a sweet-tart taste, and significant nutritional value.

People in Iran, Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon have a soft spot for pomegranate juice. They either consume it fresh or incorporate the beverage into various recipes for daily meals and special celebrations.

Hibiscus tea, also known as karkade in some Middle Eastern regions, is a traditional herbal tea made from the dried petals of the hibiscus flower. Some versions have sugar and mint for added flavors.

Hibiscus tea can be enjoyed hot or cold. Both forms come with a deep red color and tart, cranberry-like flavor. People in Egypt and neighboring countries often consume it during wedding celebrations and other festive occasions.

Outside the Middle East, hibiscus tea is also available in many parts of Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Maghrebi mint tea, also known as Moroccan mint tea, is a traditional beverage that symbolizes hospitality and culture in the Maghreb region. It is an iconic drink in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

This refreshing tea is characterized by its vibrant flavor. People prepare it by combining green tea with fresh mint leaves and sweetening generously with sugar.

Serving Maghrebi mint tea to guests is the ultimate expression of respect and hospitality. This tea also plays a central role in celebrations and feasts, such as Ramadan and Eid.

Rakı is a potent, anise-flavored alcoholic beverage in many Middle Eastern countries, especially Turkey. When served with water and ice, it transforms from a clear appearance to a milky white.

With a distinct aniseed flavor, rakı is an acquired taste for many. This spirit is typically enjoyed as an accompaniment to meals, especially with meze (a selection of small dishes).

As the national drink of Turkey, rakı is often associated with festive gatherings, celebrations, and traditional dining experiences. It is celebrated in literature, music, and social customs.

Arak is a traditional spirit enjoyed throughout the Middle East. Known for its potent anise flavor, it is a clear, unsweetened distilled spirit that turns milky white when water is added.

This transformation, often referred to as the “louche effect,” is a hallmark of arak’s unique serving ritual. Most locals consume arak as an aperitif and pair it with meze dishes.

Arak originated from the Levant region, particularly in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Although Islam looks down on alcohol consumption, arak is a vital part of many gatherings and celebrations in the Middle East.

Sharbat, or sherbet, is a popular Middle Eastern drink known for its refreshing qualities. It is made from diluted fruit juices or extracts, sweetened with sugar, and flavored with flowers or herbs.

Sharbat varies in taste from sweet and tangy to floral. Popular flavors are rose, tamarind, and lemons.

Sharbat is a staple in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Balkan regions. It is one of the most favorite drinks during Ramadan and festive occasions.

Jallab is a popular Middle Eastern non-alcoholic drink with refreshing qualities. Locals enjoy it in large amounts during the hot summer months and in social settings.

The main ingredients of jallab are dates, grape molasses, and rose water. The drink is then topped with crushed ice and often garnished with pine nuts and raisins.

This concoction results in a sweet, fragrant, and deeply refreshing beverage. The rose water provides a distinctive floral undertone that sets it apart from other drinks.

Jallab enjoys popularity across several Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. It is especially prevalent during iftar, evening meals that break the fast during Ramadan.

Salep is a distinct beverage in the Middle Eastern region, particularly in Turkey. It is made from the tubers of the orchid genus Orchis.

These tubers are ground into a fine powder and mixed with hot milk and sugar to create a thick, comforting drink with a slightly floral taste.

Warm salep is often garnished with cinnamon or nutmeg. This traditional and aromatic drink is a must-have during the cold winter months.

Qamar al-din is a traditional Middle Eastern beverage crafted from amar al-din (apricot fruit leather). The fruit leather is soaked in water for many hours to create a thick, sweet, and slightly tangy apricot juice.

The resulting beverage is a refreshing choice for iftar. Qamar al-din is most commonly enjoyed in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Levant region.

Limonana, or mint lemonade, is a refreshing fusion beverage popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It combines the tangy zest of lemonade with the cool, aromatic presence of mint.

This delightful lemonade is known for its thirst-quenching properties and is a favorite during the hot summer months. The name “limonana” is a portmanteau of the Arabic and Hebrew words for lemon (“limon”) and mint (“nana”).

While beloved in countries like Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon, limonana has also gained popularity in other parts of the world.

It’s often enjoyed as a casual drink but can also be found as a welcome beverage in social gatherings and festive occasions.

Kurdish coffee, also known as menengiç coffee, is an integral part of Turkish and Kurdish cuisines. It is made in a similar manner to Turkish coffee but involves a distinct roasting and grinding process that results in a different flavor profile.

Kurdish coffee is usually served strong and unfiltered, with a rich layer of foam on top. It is a symbol of hospitality and is often served during social gatherings, meetings, and cultural celebrations.

Tamer hindi, also known as tamarind juice, is a favorite drink in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is a common sight in Egypt and some Gulf countries.

Made from tamarind pulp, this beverage is characterized by its sweet and sour flavor profile, which can be adjusted according to personal preference by adding more or less sugar.

Tamer hindi is often consumed cold as an exceptionally refreshing choice during hot weather or during Ramadan.

Sugarcane juice is a beloved street beverage prevalent in various parts of the Middle East. It is a refreshing drink extracted from pressed sugarcane stalks.

Flavorwise, sugarcane juice is very sweet with a subtle earthy undertone, making it a popular choice during the sweltering heat. Some regional variations add lemon, mint, or ginger for a more diverse taste.

Boza is a thick, fermented drink for the colder months in the Middle East and the Balkans. Its main ingredients are grains like millet, corn, or wheat.

Classic boza is a sweet and tart beverage rich in probiotics. Many people even flavor it with cinnamon or roasted chickpeas for a more diverse flavor profile.

Leben, also known as laban, is a traditional beverage deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culinary culture. This drink is essentially a form of fermented milk, similar to buttermilk, with a tangy and slightly sour taste.

Leben is a staple in daily diets in countries like Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq. Its popularity stems not only from its delightful flavor but also from its digestive benefits.

While leben is consumed daily, it also holds significance during various cultural and religious events.

Camel milk is a traditional beverage in some Middle Eastern and North African areas. It has a rich, salty taste and a smoother texture compared to cow milk.

Nomadic cultures have enjoyed camel milk for centuries due to its nutritional benefits. In addition, camels can live in arid environments, but other dairy animals can’t.

While camel milk is mainly consumed in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it has also gained international interest for its health properties. In particular, camel milk has lower lactose levels and a richer nutritional profile than many other types of milk.

Nabidh is a traditional Middle Eastern drink made by soaking dates or raisins in water to create a sweet, slightly alcoholic beverage. The fermentation time and ingredients affect its taste and potency.

Nabidh dates back to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, yet its popularity has declined in modern times. Nevertheless, it remains an integral part of the region’s historical and cultural heritage, especially in Saudi Arabia and nearby areas.

Barbican is a non-alcoholic malt beverage found in various parts of the Middle East. It comes in various flavors, such as apple, lemon, and strawberry.

The beverage is known for its sweet, slightly hoppy flavor that mimics the flavor of beer without the alcohol content. Therefore, Barbican is perfect for those who wish to enjoy a beer-like drink in a region where alcohol is often restricted.

Many people in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf states enjoy Barbican as a refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages.