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Lebanon · Drinks

Lebanese Liquorice Drink (Erksous)

15 min
0 kcal
8 servings

By eatmundo · July 11, 2026

Lebanese Liquorice Drink (Erksous)🇱🇧AI-generated image

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Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Lebanese Liquorice Drink (Erksous). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Cold cooler105 recipes from 24 countries

A traditional, dark, and bittersweet herbal drink that is a staple of Lebanese street culture. This cooling beverage is prepared by steeping raw liquorice roots for a rich, earthy flavor profile.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Lebanese Liquorice Drink from another cuisine is Erk Sous (Egypt): the two share 100% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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8 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Place 50g of high-quality dried liquorice root into a large bowl.

  • 2

    Sprinkle 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda over the roots to help extract their natural color and flavor.

  • 3

    Add 500ml of water to the bowl, enough to cover the roots, and let them soak for 3 hours.

  • 4

    Wrap the soaked roots in a clean piece of cheesecloth and tie it securely to form a bundle.

  • 5

    In a large pitcher, place the bundle and add the remaining 1.5 liters of water.

  • 6

    Squeeze and knead the bundle repeatedly to infuse the water with the essence of the root until the color turns deep dark brown.

  • 7

    Remove the bundle and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or muslin cloth to remove any fine debris.

  • 8

    Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, then serve over plenty of ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erksous?

Erksous is a traditional Lebanese drink made from steeped liquorice root and a small amount of baking soda. This dark-colored beverage is typically served cold and is commonly consumed as a refreshing tonic, especially during the summer months and Ramadan.

What type of liquorice root is best for making Jallab Erksous?

Use high-quality, dried organic liquorice root pieces or shreds, rather than fine powder, to ensure a clean infusion without excessive sediment.

Why is baking soda added to the liquorice water?

The baking soda acts as a catalyst to help extract the deep, complex flavors and natural sweetness from the woody roots, while also balancing the slight bitterness.

How long should the liquorice root soak before brewing?

For the best flavor intensity, soak the liquorice roots in water with the baking soda for 3 hours at room temperature.

How can I tell if the Erksous has been strained enough?

The drink is properly strained when it is completely free of any fine plant particles and has a deep, dark, and translucent mahogany appearance without cloudiness.

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