flipOrange Juice and Lemonade with Cap Bon Orange Blossom Water
Orange Juice and Lemonade with Cap Bon Orange Blossom Water
Why this dish? The glass of orange juice is among Bourguiba's iconic objects. Tunisia, and especially Cap Bon, is a vast citrus orchard; for a health-conscious man, fresh orange juice was the symbol of a sunlit sobriety.
A tall glass of freshly squeezed orange and lemonade, perfumed with a drop of orange blossom water and a mint leaf. The coolness of the Cap Bon orchards in a misted glass.
I was often seen with this glass in hand, and it was no accident. Our Tunisia is an orchard: the orange trees of Cap Bon perfume the air in spring, and their flower we have distilled for centuries. Squeeze the morning orange, add a hint of lemon for liveliness, a drop of orange blossom water for the soul — and drink it fresh. That is my cup: no intoxication, but the sun of the homeland.
- •Cap Bon oranges — several (sweet and sour base)
- •Lemons — one or two (liveliness)
- •Orange blossom water — a few drops (signature perfume)
- •Honey or sugar — to taste (sweetness)
- •Fresh mint — a few leaves (freshness)
Orange Juice and Lemonade with Cap Bon Orange Blossom Water
A tall glass of freshly squeezed orange and lemonade, perfumed with a drop of orange blossom water and a mint leaf. The coolness of the Cap Bon orchards in a misted glass.
Why this dish? The glass of orange juice is among Bourguiba's iconic objects. Tunisia, and especially Cap Bon, is a vast citrus orchard; for a health-conscious man, fresh orange juice was the symbol of a sunlit sobriety.
I was often seen with this glass in hand, and it was no accident. Our Tunisia is an orchard: the orange trees of Cap Bon perfume the air in spring, and their flower we have distilled for centuries. Squeeze the morning orange, add a hint of lemon for liveliness, a drop of orange blossom water for the soul — and drink it fresh. That is my cup: no intoxication, but the sun of the homeland.
Ingredients (period version)
- Cap Bon oranges — several (sweet and sour base)
- Lemons — one or two (liveliness)
- Orange blossom water — a few drops (signature perfume)
- Honey or sugar — to taste (sweetness)
- Fresh mint — a few leaves (freshness)
Ingredients
- Juice oranges — 6 (base)
- Lemons — 2 (acidity)
- Orange blossom water — 1/2 tsp (perfume)
- Honey or cane sugar — 1 to 2 tbsp (sweetness (adjust))
- Cold water — 200 ml (dilutes the lemonade)
- Mint + ice cubes — a few leaves + to taste (serving)
Method
- Squeeze the oranges and lemons.
- Dissolve honey or sugar in a little warm water, then let cool.
- Mix the juices, sweet syrup, and cold water; adjust the sweet-sour balance.
- Perfume with half a teaspoon of orange blossom water (do not overdo it).
- Serve very cold over ice with a mint leaf.
How it was made : In Cap Bon, orange blossom water was artisanal distilled in copper alembics (the qattar) to perfume drinks and pastries. Hand-squeezed citrus fruits offered a festive non-alcoholic drink, in keeping with customs.
The contemporary twist : Served in a frosted pitcher with suspended orange and lemon slices, and a mist of orange blossom water sprayed just before serving.
Habib Bourguiba · Charactorium
