About Persian Basil Seed Drink
In Farsi, this basil seed drink is called ‘Sharbat-e Tokhme Sharbati‘, which means a sweet drink with basil seeds and citrus.
It’s a famous traditional thirst-quenching drink on summer in Iran. While it’s common to find this hydrating drink at restaurants and drink stalls in the streets, it’s just as common to make it at home.
Table of Contents
- About Persian Basil Seed Drink
- Why I Love This Persian Basil Seed Drink Recipe
- Basil Seed Drink with Honey – A nutritious choice to cool down
- Ingredients Needed
- How to Make Basil Seed Drink: Step-by-Step Guide
- FAQs
- Other Nutritiously Cooling and Refreshing Drinks To Try
I still remember vividly how soothing and refreshing this saffron basil seed drink felt when I took my first sip at the local drink stall in Tehran city.
I immediately asked Maman (my Persian mom-in-law) to teach me how to make it, because there was no way I could return to my tropical home country without bringing this refreshing, nourishing drink recipe with me.
Why I Love This Persian Basil Seed Drink Recipe
Sweetened with honey instead of sugar, this version adds more floral notes and antioxidant benefits.
While each household has its own variation with floral or fruit extracts, this basil seed recipe is;
✅ Simple
✅ All natural
✅ Traditional flavor – It’s poetically fragrant.
Reflecting the nature of Persian cuisine and flavor profile.
Making this cold basil seed drink is just as easy as making honey lemon tea.
You’ll simply:
- Soak basil seeds
- Steep floral water
- And mixing them all into a saffron-infused honey-lemon mixture.
Basil Seed Drink with Honey – A nutritious choice to cool down
1. Packed with ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Antioxidant properties in saffron (crocin, crocetin, and safranal) is known to help manage inflammatory conditions and reduce the chances of chronic conditions.
The benefits of saffron are linked to:
- Anti-cancer
- Help to manage IBD
- Reduce arthritis pain
- Manage PMS symptoms
- Protect against heart disease
2. High-fiber and high-mineral drink. Basil seed is nutrient-rich, especially in fiber and minerals. 1 tbsp of basil seeds contains:
- 7g of fiber, which is 25% of the RDI
- Calcium – 15% of the RDI
- Magnesium and Iron – 10% of the RDI (source)
3. Boosting Immunity (Vitamin C). Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which is not just an excellent antioxidant to protect your cells from damage but also helps boost immunity. 1/2 a lemon has approximately 20-25mg of Vitamin C, 15-20% of adults’ recommended daily intake (RDI).
4. Hydrating – Basil seeds can absorb water and hold it for a longer time. This helps our bodies get the water they need to stay hydrated.
Ingredients Needed
1. Basil seeds – Basil seeds are also known as Sabja, Tukmaria, and Tokhme Sharbati (in Farsi). This seed is from sweet basil, not from holy basil. Do not mistake basil seeds for chia seeds. Though they look alike and have a similar ability to absorb water, basil seeds have cooling properties and are rich in fiber.
2. Saffron – Saffron is the natural flavor and color that makes this basil seed drink yellow. You can use saffron in both thread and powder form. I include both versions of the recipe.
3. Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon is the sour agent and the main source of vitamin C in this drink. Some variations use key lime juice.
4. Honey – I prefer to use a mild-flavored honey to not overpower the saffron. For a vegan option, consider swapping to maple syrup.
5. Rose water (optional) – This is traditional. Since rose water has its own health benefits, I like to include it. I use rose petals, feel free to use a rose tea bag too. Rose extract will add just the same flavor.
6. Ice cubes
How to Make Basil Seed Drink: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1. Prep saffron water, rose water, lemon juice and basil seeds.
❶ Steep the saffron.
If you’re using saffron threads:
Grind the threads using a pestle and mortar until powdery.
Add 2 tbsp of warm water to the mortar and mix the ground saffron with a spoon.
Steep for 15 minutes.
You can also find more detailed instructions on how to bloom saffron water with ice cubes for the maximum color and flavor. But if you are using saffron powder, add it directly into the jar when mixing all ingredients (at step 2).
❷ Steep the rose petals/rose tea bag in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Then strain the petals, keep the water.
❸ Soak the basil seeds. Rinse 1 tablespoon of basil seeds to remove any dust and soak them in 1 and 1/2 cups of water. This too will take 15 minutes.
❹ Squeeze the lemon (discard the seeds). I do this in a separate bowl to better control how much lemon juice to add.
Step 2. Mix all the ingredients in a jar.
❺ Filled a big jar with 3 cups of water, then combined saffron water, rose water, and lemon juice. While the water is still lukewarm, add honey to the jar and stir well. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.
❻ Strain the basil seeds through a fine-mesh strainer, discard the water, and transfer the soaked basil seeds to the jar.
Step 3. Serve with ice cubes and enjoy!
FAQs
Are basil seed drinks good for you?
Basil seed drink with low sugar content can be healthy for you. Basil seeds are hydrating, low in calories, and rich in minerals and fiber, which is good for overall health. A recipe like this Persian Basil Seeds Drink includes lemon and saffron, which add nutritional value and antioxidants!
What do basil seeds taste like?
Basil seeds do not have a specific taste, but they have a jelly-like texture. That is probably why most basil seed drinks come with sweeteners, which are easier to consume and taste better.
Is basil seed the same as chia seed?
Basil seeds and chia seeds are two different types of seeds. Basil seeds come from the sweet basil plant, while chia seeds come from the chia plant. Both can absorb water, but they differ in nutrient content. Basil seeds are higher in fiber, while chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids.
Where to get rose water?
You can get rose water extract from the Middle Eastern market or buy it from Amazon.
Other Nutritiously Cooling and Refreshing Drinks To Try
Persian Basil Seed Drink with Honey
4
cups15
minutes66.7
kcal20
minutesA classic Persian basil seed drink, traditionally enjoyed during the summer. Sweetened with honey, this light and refreshing drink is fragrant, gently sweet, and tangy. Perfect for cooling down.
Ingredients
1 tbsp Basil seeds/Sabja
A scant pinch of Saffron threads / 1/8 tsp of saffron powder
1/2 a Lemon or (3 tbsp of lemon juice)
3 tbsp Honey
10 pieces Dried rose petals (optional) /1 tsp of rose extract/ 1 rose teabag
3 cups Water (normal temp/lukewarm)
Directions
- Steep the Saffron
If you’re using saffron threads:
i) Grind the threads using a pestle and mortar until powdery.
ii) Add 2 tbsp of warm water to the mortar and mix the ground saffron with a spoon.
ii) Leave it for 15 minutes.
You can also find more detailed instructions on how to bloom saffron water with ice cubes for the maximum color and flavor. If using saffron powder, add it directly into the jar when combining all waters (at Step 5). - Steep the rose petals/rose tea bag in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Then strain the petals, keep the water.
- Soak the basil seeds. Rinse 1 tablespoon of basil seeds to remove any dust and soak them in 1 and 1/2 cups of water. This too will take 15 minutes.
- Squeeze the lemon (discard the seeds). I do this in a separate bowl to better control how much lemon juice to add.
- Combine. Filled a big jar with 3 cups of water, then combined saffron water, rose water, and lemon juice. While the water is still lukewarm, add honey to the jar and stir well. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- Add soaked basil seeds. Strain the basil seeds through a fine-mesh strainer, discard the water, and transfer the soaked basil seeds to the jar.
- Serve with ice cubes and enjoy it cold!
Notes
- Add the ice cubes to a glass when you’re ready to drink, so if there’s any leftover, you can keep it in the refrigerator.
🥣 Did you try this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
