Lekhchef (Algerian Raisin Drink)

Lekhchef (الخشاف) is a refreshing Algerian drink from Constantine.

Ingredients

  • 1 L water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 150 g raisins, rinsed well
  • Sugar to taste
  • Orange blossom water
  • Rose water
Lekhchef (Algerian Raisin Drink)

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

Procedure

  1. Combine the water and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add the raisins to the boiling water, and simmer over low heat.
  3. Sweeten drink to taste with sugar, and stir over very low heat to dissolve sugar.
  4. Remove from the heat, remove the cinnamon sticks, and let the drink completely cool down.
  5. Flavour with orange blossom water and rose water.
  6. Put the beverage in the refrigerator and serve very cold with or without raisins.

Notes, tips, and variations

  • If you decide to blend the final mixture, do not add sugar, as your drink might end up too sweet.