On very hot days, there is one thing many Ottomans looked forward to—a cold drink of sherbet! Sherbet can be made in a variety of different ways, but it usually contains fruits or flower petals. By the 17th century, this sweet treat was a popular street food that people of all classes drank. Use the recipe below to make your own sherbet.
2 red rose petals (make sure they are washed and clean)
2 tablespoons of sugar (or honey)
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
2.5 cups of water
Place rose petals and sugar in a bowl. Use your hand or a mortar to crush the petals into the sugar until they have broken down.
Next, add the lemon juice and water. Stir until all the sugar dissolves.
Cover the bowl and leave in the refrigerator to chill for at least four hours.
After four hours, pour the juice through a strainer to get rid of the petals. Your sherbet is ready! Serve it in a glass with ice cubes.