Date and Raisin Libation with a Hint of Cinnamon
A dark, sweet infusion of dates and raisins, spiced with a hint of cinnamon, served chilled. Sweet as a promise, without a drop of alcohol: suitable from age 12.
A dark, sweet infusion of dates and raisins, spiced with a hint of cinnamon, served chilled. Sweet as a promise, without a drop of alcohol: suitable from age 12.
Drink, friend, drink without fear: this cup intoxicates only with sweetness. In Moab, they poured wine for me on the stone, but I prefer the date liquor that makes the spirit heavy and the body slow. Let the fruits soak all night — why hurry? — then strain and cool. One sip, and you will already find the effort of standing up too great: that is exactly what I want for you.
- •Ripe dates — a full bowl (sugar and body)
- •Raisins — a handful (fruity depth)
- •Spring water — enough to cover generously (infusion)
- •Cinnamon (bark) — a piece (flavor)
- •Honey — to taste (additional sweetness)
Date and Raisin Libation with a Hint of Cinnamon
A dark, sweet infusion of dates and raisins, spiced with a hint of cinnamon, served chilled. Sweet as a promise, without a drop of alcohol: suitable from age 12.
Why this dish? No Levantine cult without a libation: part of the cup was poured out for the god, the rest was drunk. This sweet, dark drink evokes the festive wine of Moab, but here it is alcohol-free — the cup that Belphegor holds out to lull vigilance.
Drink, friend, drink without fear: this cup intoxicates only with sweetness. In Moab, they poured wine for me on the stone, but I prefer the date liquor that makes the spirit heavy and the body slow. Let the fruits soak all night — why hurry? — then strain and cool. One sip, and you will already find the effort of standing up too great: that is exactly what I want for you.
Ingredients (period version)
- Ripe dates — a full bowl (sugar and body)
- Raisins — a handful (fruity depth)
- Spring water — enough to cover generously (infusion)
- Cinnamon (bark) — a piece (flavor)
- Honey — to taste (additional sweetness)
Ingredients
- Pitted dates — 250 g (sugar and body)
- Raisins — 80 g (fruity depth)
- Water — 1 liter (infusion)
- Cinnamon stick — 1 (flavor)
- Honey — 1 to 2 tbsp (optional) (additional sweetness)
- Rose water — a few drops (optional) (floral note)
Method
- Soak dates and raisins in water with the cinnamon stick, ideally overnight in the fridge (or for 1 hour in hot water then cooled).
- Blend everything, then strain through a cheesecloth, pressing the fruits well.
- Taste and adjust with a little honey if needed; add the rose water.
- Serve very cold, possibly over ice cubes, with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.
How it was made : Before sugarcane spread, dates, raisins, and honey were the main sweeteners of the Near East. Syrups and drinks were made from soaked and pressed fruits; cinnamon, imported at great expense, signaled a festive drink.
The contemporary twist : Poured over crushed ice like a souk drink, topped with a cloud of plumped raisins and pine nuts — a nod to the modern Levantine *jallab*.
Sources : Nathan MacDonald, What Did the Ancient Israelites Eat?, Eerdmans, 2008
Belphegor · Charactorium