Cherbet The refreshing classic of Ramadan
Cherbet, Among the many culinary traditions that define Algerian food culture, homemade lemonade holds a special place, and during the holy month of Ramadan, the famous Cherbet Boufarik stands out as one of the most cherished drinks served at Iftar. Its delicate balance of sweetness, citrus aroma and refreshing texture makes it a favorite for families looking to end their meal with something soothing that supports digestion after a generous dinner.
In many homes, preparing a large pitcher of chilled cherbet has become a comforting ritual that signals the arrival of Ramadan evenings shared with loved ones, and for people from Boufarik in the region of Blida, this drink carries even more meaning since it has been passed down from one generation to another, known for its gentle sweetness, deep citrus flavor and the fragrant touch of orange blossom water that gives it an unmistakable identity.
What makes this Algerian lemonade so appealing is the variety of methods used to prepare it, with some versions relying on a base of fresh lemon juice combined with a concentrated infusion made from the peels, which are simmered slowly until they release their aroma. This traditional technique enhances the drink with a rich, vibrant lemon flavor that becomes even more enjoyable when mixed later with milk, orange blossom water and vanilla to create the authentic taste that people from Boufarik love and that many others across the country look forward to rediscovering every year.
Below, you will first find the full recipe for the homemade lemonade made with fresh juice and lemon peel infusion, followed by its transformation into Cherbet Boufarik by adding just a few key ingredients. Together, these two preparations create either a pure and aromatic lemonade or the smoother and more delicate version that Boufarik is famous for.
Homemade Lemonade
Fresh lemon juice and simmered peel infusion
Ingredients
- About 5 medium to large lemons
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Water
- A little orange blossom water
Instructions
Begin by washing and drying the lemons, then cutting off both ends before slicing them in half to extract all the juice, which you will then cover and refrigerate to keep it fresh. Place the lemon peels in a large pot with about 10 cups of water, set it over medium heat and bring it to a boil before lowering the heat and letting the mixture simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour if you want a deeper, more aromatic citrus flavor.
Once this first step is complete, pour in about 4 additional cups of water and stir in the sugar. Increase the heat, bring it back to a boil and allow it to cook for two to three minutes. Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely for several hours or ideally overnight so the lemon peels can release their full aroma. Strain this infused liquid and combine it with the fresh lemon juice you kept chilled, adding a small amount of orange blossom water if you want a light floral note.
This gives you a fragrant and balanced homemade lemonade that can be enjoyed as is or used as a base for Cherbet Boufarik.
Cherbet Boufarik
The celebrated version from Blida
This specialty from Boufarik builds directly on the lemonade above, enriched with three essential ingredients that transform it into a smoother, more aromatic drink.
Ingredients
- The homemade lemonade you prepared
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
- A little vanilla powder if desired
Instructions
Pour the chilled lemonade into a large pitcher and whisk in the milk, which softens the acidity and creates the gentle texture that defines cherbet. Add the orange blossom water, which brings the signature aroma appreciated throughout Algeria, especially in Boufarik where this recipe is part of local heritage. Finish with a pinch of vanilla if you prefer a more rounded scent, then mix everything thoroughly and refrigerate it.
After a few hours, you will have a drink that is lightly sweet, delicately fragrant and perfectly refreshing, ideal for Ramadan evenings and equally enjoyable on hot summer days when a cool citrus drink becomes a simple pleasure.