I first had this basil seed drink in the summer during my stay with my in-laws in Iran. I remember how soothing this saffron basil seed drink was when I took the first sip.
That time, my husband and I just got home after hours of being stuck in Tehran’s traffic. Having this basil seeds drink my mother-in-law made was exactly what I needed to cool down.
Table of Contents
- About this Persian Basil Seed Drink
- Benefits of Persian Basil Seed Drink
- Ingredients to make Persian Basil Seed Drink
- How to make basil seed drink – Step by step guide
- FAQ
In the Persian language, it’s called Sharbat-e Tokhme Sharbati, which translates to sweet drink with basil seeds. It’s a famous traditional thirst-quenching drink for summer in Iran.
While it’s common to find this hydrating drink at restaurants and drinks stalls, it’s just as commonly made at home.
About this Persian Basil Seed Drink
Sharbat (a sweet drink in Farsi) is typically sweetened with sugar, but there are some variations that use honey, adding more floral notes to the drink and more antioxidant goodness to benefit from.
Though each household has its own recipe varying from floral extract, this basil seed recipe is simple and traditional. Reflecting the original flavor of Persian sweets, plus extra nutrients.
Making this cold basil seed drink recipe is just as easy as brewing honey lemon tea, except you’ll be steeping floral water and soaking basil seeds as the hydrating filler.
Benefits of Persian Basil Seed Drink
1. Packed with ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Antioxidant properties in saffron (crocin, crocetin, and safranal) may help manage inflammatory conditions and reduce the chances of chronic conditions. The benefits of saffron are linked to:
- Anti-cancer
- Help to manage IBD
- Reduce arthritis pain
- Manage PMS symptoms
- Protect against heart disease
2. High-fiber and high-mineral drink. Basil seed is nutrient-rich, especially fiber and minerals. 1 tbsp of basil seeds contains:
- 7g of fiber, which is 25% of the RDI
- Calcium – 15% of the RDI
- Magnesium and Iron – 10% of the RDI (source)
3. Boosting Immunity (Vitamin C). Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which is not just an excellent antioxidant to protect your cells from damage but also helps boost immunity. 1/2 a lemon has approximately 20-25mg of Vitamin C, 15-20% of adults’ recommended daily intake (RDI).
4. Hydrating – Basil seeds can absorb water and hold it for a longer time. This helps our body to get the water it needs to stay hydrated.
Ingredients to make Persian Basil Seed Drink
1. Basil seeds – Basil seeds are also known as Sabja, Tukmaria, and Tokhme Sharbati (in Farsi). This seed is from sweet basil, not from holy basil. Do not mistake basil seeds for chia seeds. Though they look alike and have similar ability to absorb water, basil seeds have cooling properties and have more fiber content.
2. Saffron – Saffron is the natural flavor and color that makes this basil seed drink yellow. You can use saffron thread and powder versions. I include both versions of the recipe.
3. Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon is the sour agent and the main source of vitamin C in this drink. Some variations use key lime juice, feel free to use it, too.
4. Honey – The natural sweetener for this drink is enough to make it tasty without being overly sweet. I recommend using good-quality honey to benefit from its antioxidant properties. For a vegan option, consider swapping to maple syrup.
5. Rose water (optional) – I use rose petals in this recipe. Another natural option can be a rose tea bag. But if you can’t find them, rose extract works, too!
6. Ice cubes
How to make basil seed drink – Step by step guide
Step 1. Prep saffron water, rose water, lemon juice and basil seeds.
❶ Steep the saffron. If you’re using saffron threads, start by grinding the saffron threads using a pestle and mortar until they turn into powder. Add 2 tbsp of water to the ground saffron and leave it for 15 minutes. You can also find more detailed instructions on how to bloom saffron water. But if you are using saffron powder, add it directly into the jar filled with 3 cups of lukewarm water (at step 5 below).
❷ Steep the rose petals in a cup of hot water and leave them for 15 minutes. Once done, strain the petals and keep the water.
❸ At the same time, rinse 1 tablespoon of basil seeds to remove any dust and soak them in 1 and 1/2 cups of water. This too, will take 15 minutes.
❹ While waiting for that, squeeze the lemon into a bowl or cup and discard the seeds. I do this in a separate bowl to better control how much lemon juice to add.
Step 2. Mix all the ingredients in a jar.
❺ Combine saffron water, rose water, and lemon juice in a jar filled with 3 cups of water. While the water is still lukewarm, add honey to the jar and stir well. Adjust the amount of honey accordingly.
❻ Strain the basil seeds with a fine mesh strainer, discard the water, and transfer the soaked basil seeds to the jar.
Step 4. Serve with ice cubes and enjoy!
If you are looking for more cooling drinks or a hydrating dessert, try this Clear Coconut Jelly with Agar-Agar or Lin Chee Kang.
FAQ
Are basil seed drinks good for you?
Basil seed drink with low sugar content can be healthy for you. Basil seeds are hydrating, low-calorie, and rich in minerals and fiber, which is good for overall health. A recipe like this Persian Basil Seeds Drink includes lemon and saffron, which add nutritional value and antioxidants to the drink!
What do basil seeds taste like?
Basil seeds do not have a specific taste, but they have a jelly-ish texture. That is probably why most basil seed drinks come with sweeteners, which are easier and delicious to consume.
Is basil seed the same as chia seed?
Basil seeds and chia seeds are two different types of seeds. Basil seeds come from the sweet basil plant, while chia seeds come from the chia plant. Both can absorb water, but they differ in nutrient content. Basil seeds are higher in fiber, while chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids.
Where to get rose water?
You can get rose water extract from the Middle Eastern market or buy it from Amazon.
Persian Basil Seed Drink with Honey
4
cups15
minutes66.7
kcal20
minutesA famous traditional Persian basil seed drink for hydration – Sharbat-e tohme sharbati. Refreshingly sweet, citrusy, with a hint of floral, this drink is also rich in antioxidants that can help boost immunity during summertime.
Ingredients
1 tbsp Basil seeds/Sabja
A scant pinch of saffron threads / 1/8 tsp of saffron powder
1/2 a lemon or (3 tbsp of lemon juice)
3 tbsp honey
10 pieces dried rose buds/petals (or 1 tsp of rose extract) –optional
3 cups water (normal temp/lukewarm)
1 cup hot water
Directions
- Steep the saffron.
If you’re using saffron threads, start by grinding the saffron threads using a pestle and mortar until they turn into powder. Add 2 tbsp of water to the ground saffron and leave it for 15 minutes. Or you can find more detailed instructions on how to bloom saffron water. But if you are using saffron powder, skip this part - Crush the dried rose buds and steep them in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes. If you’re using rose extract, skip this part.
- Rinse 1 tablespoon of basil seeds on a strainer to remove any dust and transfer them into 1 1/2 cups of water. This too, will take 15 minutes.
- While waiting for the ingredients above, cut the lemon into wedges and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Don’t forget to discard the seeds.
- Combine saffron water/saffron powder, rose water that has been strained/rose extract, and lemon juice in a jar filled with 3 cups of water. Add honey to the jar and stir well. Meanwhile, taste and adjust the amount of honey accordingly.
- Strain the soaked basil seeds with a fine mesh strainer, discard the water, and transfer the basil seeds into the jar.
- Add ice cubes into the jar or pour the drink into a glass filled with ice cubes and enjoy!
Notes
- Add the ice cubes to a glass when you’re ready to drink, so if there’s any leftover, you can keep it in the refrigerator.
🥣 Did you try this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
