Delicious Refreshing mint and cucumber cooler made with homemade sugar-vinegar and mint syrup. 
In Kerala (South India) during hot summer days we used to drink lemonade with syrup made of an herb Nannari/Sarasaparilla. So when I came to know about Sekanjabin, which is one of the oldest sweet and sour syrups from Iran, dating back to 10th century, I decided to try it. It's a combination of vinegar (serkeh) and "angabin," which refers to honey. Sekanjabin used to make a drink called sharbat-e sekanjabin are usually served during the summer.
Sekanjabin is Persian beverage syrup made of vinegar and honey (or sugar) and is an impression more than a specific recipe. In the 10th Century a physician named Ibn Sina (or Avicenna) wrote a Canon of Medicine which listed the medicinal benefits of sekanjabin. When writing his encyclopedia in the 12th Century, royal physician Ismail Al-Jurjani described the types of “sharbat”, or syrups, popular in Persia. In this book he wrote about the beneficial properties that ease indigestion and other “body imbalances”. These same types of syrups are presented again in the Manuscrito Anonimo, an Arabic Cookbook of 13thCentury Andalusia.
I also read that, Skanjabin is used as a dipping sauce for crisp lettuce leaves a healthy, refreshing snack that can cool off on a hot day. I came to know about this recipe from a book edible Houston. This recipe is using 2 pound of sugar which is not possible for me to use. Secondly I didn’t know how it going to taste and nobody in the house will drink it every day. So I decided to reduce the serving and made only 5 serving recipe. I also used white wine vinegar and cucumber, the seedless variety.
I made the skanjabin syrup with sugar and homegrown mint. Yes my mint is growing nicely now but when the sun is at peak they may slow down. Then I made the sharbat-e-sekanjabin. The grated cucumber on this recipe did wonders to the ice filled water and got an extra kick with grated cucumber. During every sip you get a nice little crunch with cucumber. This gave me an idea of try cucumber –mint Popsicle with coconut milk I will let you know once I got success with that recipe
Give a try to this ancient beverage working it wonders even in 21st century. You will love it. Here comes the recipe.
Sharbat-e Sekanjabin/Mint and cucumber cooler
Ingredients
- For making Sekanjabin/ Mint sugar syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- For making sharbat-e Sekanjabin/Mint and cucumber cooler
- 2 tablespoon Sekanjabin
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup ice
- 3 tablespoon grated cucumber
- 2 lemon slice
- 1 sprig mint.
Instructions
- For making syrup
- In a small sauce pot add hot water and sugar and mix sugar and water for 1 minute or until thickened.
- Add vinegar and continue to mix until the sugar fully dissolved and the mixture starts boils again.
- Add the mint and let the mixture boil for 10 minutes or until the syrup has thickened and feels sticky
- For making sharbat-e Sekanjabin/Mint and cucumber cooler
- For traditional recipe you need to add 1 parts of syrup with 5 parts of water.
- I made one drink like this 2 tablespoon of syrup with ½ cup water and ¼ cup ice and then added grated cucumber and garnish with two slice of lime and mint.
- Enjoy.
Notes
Once sugar dissolved add vinegar and continue to boil. Then add mint and comtinue to boil until the syrup thickens For making Sharbat/drink In a glass add two tablespoon of syrup, Then add water and ice Top with grated cucumber and lime slices and fresh mint. Enjoy If you want to make it adult drink add dash of vodka . Pin it for later
This is Swathi ( Dr. Ambujom Saraswathy Ph.D) from Zesty South Indian Kitchen who loves to explore cuisines from all over the world. Whenever possible I try to to give an Indian touch to several of the world cuisine, and has weakness for freshly baked bread. All the recipes you see here are created by me and approved after taste-test by my family.
traditionallymodernfood says
I like mint and cucumber combo drink it frequently for detox this drink looks so refreshing. I should definitely try it soon
Priya Srinivasan says
stunning presentation swathi!! Love how simple it is and at the same time so gorgeous! it possible to substitute that white wine vinegar?? i really want to try this and i m sure i might not get it here!!!
karyn says
A lovely bit of history to go with a very delicious drink!!! Gorgeous Photos x
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
The drink looks so refreshing -- the vinegar (acid) I would imagine would help quench thirst. I like the idea of using cucumber in it. We always buy the long seedless cucumbers and we have mint growing outside the kitchen door. This will be such a great drink this summer.
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
I've been searching for the perfect drink to make for a brunch get together with the girls in 2 weeks. I love how easy this recipe is to make and it just seems fitting to make on a hot summer day in the south!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
I enjoy the scent of cucumber things more than the taste. I've never tried cucumber and mint together, it sounds like it would be an interesting combination.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Loved all the information and history about the drink! This is so refreshing and nothing can beat this for summer days. This really is a flavorful way to keep myself hydrated!
Uma Srinivas says
looks refreshing ! I like lemon and mint combination.This sounds interesting, love to try this soon 🙂
Christine - Jar Of Lemons says
I've never had this before, but it looks and sounds like a really refreshing drink! Perfect for summer 🙂
Daniela Anderson says
This delicious drink makes me thirsty only looking at it. Fantastic recipe and such an interesting read about the history of this syrup.
Veena Theagarajan says
refreshing drink.. Love the presentation
Adriana Lopez Martn says
Intrigued with using vinegar in a sweet syrup can you replace with lemon or lime juice? The drink looks very refreshing though.
Amanda says
The photo looks so refreshing. I couldn't wait to read how to make it. It is perfect for a hot afternoon or evening.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I love reading about the history of this drink - thank you for sharing that interesting info! This looks so cool and refreshing, perfect for summer ahead!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
This sounds so refreshing and delicious. A great way to beat the summer heat. I'm in Phoenix, AZ - and we have plenty of heat!!
ManilaSpoon says
This is new for me. I wouldn't have thought of adding vinegar in a drink and yet it makes total sense!! This looks so summer-perfect!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Hopefully the hot weather will be here soon. Mint is so good as a refresher when it is hot. Great combination of flavours...and your pictures are stunning.
Platter Talk says
Wow! Does this look refreshing and good. Great pictures too, I might add!
Luci's Morsels says
You had me at lime! This looks both delicious and refreshing. I am doing to have to try this as it heats up. Thanks for sharing! Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Renee Gardner says
This look like the perfect drink to sip on a patio as the sun sets. I can't wait for summer!
Tara says
Such a delicious and refreshing drink to cool off during the summer! Love the combination of mint and cucumber.
Misa O'Donnell says
Looks perfect for the coming summer! Such refreshing drink!
Veena Azmanov says
This is a beautiful blog post, such amazing information. The drinks sounds so refreshing
Sarah says
This was such an interesting blog post full of information! The drinks sounds so refreshing. I agree, 2 pounds of sugar would be way too much!