Lebanese fruit cocktail
Lebanese fruit cocktail: a thick smoothie packed with a medley of assorted fresh fruits including bananas,cherries, avocados, mangoes, kiwis, etc – topped with areesha, (curdled cream) pine nuts, and slivered almonds and sweetened with a drizzle of honey, traditionally served in a tall glass accompanied by a spoon -a classic that is found almost in every street corner café in Beirut and a summer refreshing treat for both kids and adults; this is just what the hot summer weather calls for!
Writing the post, my mind travelled to the summer shopping days in Beirut. I would take a break and stop by the nearest coffee corner and indulge myself with a cup of a Lebanese cocktail – pure heaven on a hot summer day!!. If you ever visit Lebanon, this is a must stop and totally not to be missed, or simply follow our recipe!
My youngest son, Hussein, has an intense addiction to ice cream – I topped his glass with a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of areesha(curdled cream) and it still tasted wonderful! Enjoy!! Happy eating!!
If you’re looking for an easy non-alcoholic drink to enjoy with friends this summer then my “Lebanese Style Fruit Cocktail” recipe is for you. A refreshing pink fruit juice packed with seasonal fruits. It is a huge hit.
Lebanese fruit cocktail
Description
Ingredients
For the smoothie:
- 2 cups milk chilled
- 1 cup canned guava juice
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jello
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 medium-sized ripe bananas
For the fruits
- 10 cherries pitted and halved
- 2 bananas sliced
- 1 medium-sized mango peeled and cut into 2.5cm/1 inch chunks
- 2 kiwis peeled and cut into 2.5 cm/1 inch chunks
- 1 small avocado peeled and cut into 2.5 cm/1 inch chunks
- 1 peach pitted and cut into 2.5 cm/1 Inch chunks
For the topping
- 8 tablespoons areesha curdled cream
- 8 tablespoons honey
- ½ cups pine nuts washed, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup slivered almonds rinsed and drained
Instructions
- First off, prepare the smoothie:
- Add all the smoothie ingredients to a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill.
- Prepare 8 tall cocktail glasses.
- Fill each glass halfway with fruits (in layers).
- Pour the smoothie equally on top, almost filling each glass.
- Spoon a tablespoon of areesha (curdled cream) on top of each glass.
- Drizzle each glass with a tablespoon of honey and garnish with almonds and pine nuts. Serve immediately.
Notes
If you make this recipe, share your pictures on Facebook! I would love to see your creations!Hashtag them #Hadia's Lebanese Cuisine
