Persian Apricot and Almond Juice
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe apricots (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup raw almonds
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
- 2 cups cold water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apricots:
- If using fresh apricots, wash them thoroughly, cut them in half, and remove the pits. If using dried apricots, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften. Drain and pat dry.
- Soak the Almonds:
- Place the raw almonds in a small bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. Drain and rinse the almonds.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine the apricots, soaked almonds, and 2 cups of cold water (or sparkling water for a fizzy version). Blend until smooth.
- Strain the Juice:
- To achieve a smooth texture, strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing down to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.
- Sweeten and Flavor:
- Taste the juice and add honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Stir well to dissolve. For a hint of floral aroma, you can also add rose water at this stage. Mix thoroughly.
- Chill and Serve:
- If you like your juice cold, add ice cubes to the pitcher or refrigerate the juice for about an hour.
- Garnish:
- Serve the juice in glasses garnished with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Enjoy your Persian Apricot and Almond Juice as a refreshing and nutritious beverage that combines the sweetness of apricots with the creamy richness of almonds!