Cherbet Meliana (Algerian Cherry Beverage)

Cherbet Meliana (شربات مليانة) is a refreshing Algerian drink. As the name indicates, the drink originates from Meliana, a town located in Aïn Defla Province, northwestern Algeria, where it is considered a traditional drink. The consumption of the drink has considerably ceased due to the decrease of production of cherries in the region.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of sugar cubes
  • 1 glass of warm water
  • 1 glass of pressed cherry juice
  • 1 tsp of broken cherry pits
Cherbet Meliana (Algerian Cherry Beverage)

Photo: Mohamedaminearb / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Procedure

  1. Mix sugar cubes with warm water. Add cherry juice and broken pits.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat while skimming until the syrup drips into a thin stream.
  3. Remove from heat and strain. Bottle. Serve with sparkling or still water.

Notes, tips, and variations

  • This beverage can also be prepared with lemon, grape, or pomegranate juice.