Persian Refreshing Mint & Cucumber Elixir
Dive into the refreshing taste of this Persian Mint & Cucumber Elixir, also known as Sekanjabin. Traditionally enjoyed during family outings in Iran, this delightful drink perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess, making it an ideal refreshment for hot summer days. The syrup, crafted from granulated sugar and aromatic fresh mint, is enhanced with a splash of white wine vinegar, creating a unique flavor profile. This versatile elixir can be served in two enjoyable ways: as a finger-licking dipping sauce alongside crisp lettuce leaves or as a revitalizing drink, served over ice with grated Persian cucumbers. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the dilution with water, while a touch of lemon juice or extra vinegar can amplify the tanginess. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply to cool off, this recipe encapsulates the essence of summertime enjoyment.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granulated sugar
2 cups (none)
Water
7 cups, divided (measure out and separate)
White wine vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
Fresh mint, loosely packed
1 cup (washed and leaves plucked)
Persian cucumbers, grated
3 (washed and grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Persian Refreshing Mint & Cucumber Elixir?
Also known as Sekanjabin, it is a traditional Iranian drink or dipping sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess, perfect for hot summer days.
What are the primary ingredients in this elixir?
The main ingredients are granulated sugar, water, white wine vinegar, fresh mint, and grated Persian cucumbers.
How do I serve Sekanjabin?
It can be served as a refreshing drink over ice with grated cucumbers or as a dipping sauce for crisp lettuce leaves.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of water used to dilute the syrup.
How can I make the elixir more tangy?
To increase the tanginess, you can add a touch of lemon juice or a bit more white wine vinegar.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
This specific recipe calls for white wine vinegar to create its unique flavor profile.
Is this drink suitable for summer?
Absolutely, it is designed as a cooling refreshment specifically for hot summer days.
What type of cucumbers should I use?
The recipe recommends using three grated Persian cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
How is the mint prepared for the recipe?
The fresh mint should be washed and the leaves plucked before being loosely packed for measuring.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, Sekanjabin is a traditional drink often enjoyed during family outings and picnics in Iran.
Can I use this recipe for a picnic?
Yes, it is highly recommended for gatherings and picnics as a revitalizing beverage.
What is the role of granulated sugar in this elixir?
Granulated sugar is used to create the base syrup that provides the drink's essential sweetness.
How much water is required?
The recipe uses 7 cups of water in total, divided for different stages of preparation.
Does this drink contain caffeine?
No, this is a caffeine-free herbal and vegetable-based elixir.
Can I serve this to children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly drink that is popular with all ages in Persian culture.
Is the cucumber peeled or grated?
The Persian cucumbers should be washed and then grated into the drink.
What makes the flavor profile unique?
The combination of aromatic fresh mint and the sharp splash of white wine vinegar creates a distinct sweet and sour taste.
Can I add lemon juice to the mixture?
Yes, lemon juice is an excellent addition if you want to amplify the refreshing tanginess of the drink.
Is this a healthy drink option?
Given its use of fresh mint and cucumbers, it is considered a refreshing and relatively healthy beverage option.
How do I use it as a dipping sauce?
When kept as a thicker syrup, it is traditionally served in a bowl alongside fresh, crisp lettuce leaves for dipping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: sugar, water, vinegar, mint, and cucumbers.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include persian drink, refreshing beverage, mint, cucumber, sweet and sour, and summer drink.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar.
Should the mint be chopped?
The instructions suggest plucking the leaves; they are generally used to infuse the syrup with flavor.
What is the primary flavor balance?
The drink focuses on a balance between sweetness from the sugar and sourness from the vinegar.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, the syrup can be made ahead of time and stored before diluting and adding fresh cucumbers.
Is this drink served hot or cold?
It is strictly a cold beverage, best served over ice for maximum refreshment.
How many cucumbers are needed?
You will need 3 Persian cucumbers for this recipe.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all ingredients listed (sugar, water, vinegar, mint, cucumbers) are plant-based.
What is the recipe ID?
The unique identifier for this recipe is persian-refreshing-mint--cucumber-elixir.