Lebanese fruit cocktail

Lebanese fruit cocktail

Lebanese fruit cocktail

8 servings

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.

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
  • 1peach, 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

Directions:

  1. First off, prepare the smoothie:
  2. Add all the smoothie ingredients to a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill.
  3. Prepare 8 tall cocktail glasses.
  4. Fill each glass halfway with fruits (in layers).
  5. Pour the smoothie equally on top, almost filling each glass.
  6. Spoon a tablespoon of areesha (curdled cream) on top of each glass.
  7. Drizzle each glass with a tablespoon of honey and garnish with almonds and pine nuts. Serve immediately.

If you make this recipe, share your pictures on Facebook! I would love to see your creations!Hashtag them #Hadia's Lebanese Cuisine

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