Sekanjabin (سکنجبین) is a Persian sweet and sour mint syrup that can be a dip for crisp lettuce or can be mixed with water and cucumbers to make a refreshing drink.
Labor Day weekend, in the U.S., marks the end of summer. Of course, the fall equinox doesn’t hit until mid-September and the weather here in San Diego is screaming HOT! Summers in Iran can also be long and hot.
I’ve already shared with you several favorite ways to cool off Persian-style, from yogurt with cucumbers (mast-o khiar) to ice cream with saffron and rose water (bastani). Today I am going to share with you another traditional recipe, this time a Mint and Cucumber Cooler (sekanjabeen).
Why this recipe is so awesome
Back in Iran, a pitcher of sekanjabin was served at family picnics, especially during those long, hot months. When I attended the University of Arizona, my uncle would make me sekanjabin to help us chillax while we sat in the shade, hiding from the desert heat.
Sekanjabin is a syrup made with sugar, mint and water. Vinegar is mixed in once the syrup is done and helps to balance the sugary sweet syrup. It is basically a shrub.
A shrub is not just a bush of greens outside in your yard. It is also a drink that contains vinegar. Yes, you read that right: vinegar.
The term “shrub” is derived from the Arabic word “sharab” which means “drink.” This word is also used in the Persian language, too. Basically, a shrub is a sweet syrup that includes vinegar.
When diluted with water and served with shredded cucumbers, it makes a very refreshing sweet and sour drink. Shrubs can be added to other non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
I share many ways of how to use this fabulous mint syrup at the end of this post.
Ingredients you need
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- Granulated sugar: To make a simple syrup regular granulated sugar is used, not powdered or confectioners sugar.
- White wine vinegar: For the tang you get from cocktail shrubs, simple white wine vinegar is used. You can use other vinegars like apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar.
- Fresh mint: You must use fresh mint for this syrup. Dried mint will not work.
- Persian cucumbers: This is not needed for the syrup, but for the drink. For the sekanjabin drink, the diluted syrup is added to shredded cucumbers.
Tools to Use
Step-by-step directions
1. In a small pot over medium-high heat whisk together sugar and water until sugar is dissolved. Let syrup boil together for 10 minutes, then add vinegar.
2. Reduce heat to medium and cook until syrup thickens, about 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint. Remove mint when syrup has cooled.
Expert tips and recipe FAQs
Sekanjabin can be served two ways.
The first is as a dipping sauce for fresh, crisp romaine heart leaves. There is something quite novel about watching grown adults lick their fingers while dipping their crispy greens into this very sticky syrup. Heads of lettuce are consumed by the bunches as everyone dips on leaf after another.
And of course, sekanjabin can be served as a drink. Mix a pitcher with syrup (measuring about 1 ½ cups) with 6 cup s cold water and grate cucumbers. This will yield a sweeter drink. Add more water to dilute to your taste preference
Some prefer more tang and add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice. This may not be a traditional American Labor Day beverage, but it certainly will cool you off from that last heat wave summer has for you.
I have even mixed up the drink and frozen them to make sekanjabin popsicles, which were devoured by my family!
Traditionally it is not used for cocktails. But if you like something a little stronger, use the sekanjabin syrup to make my Vodka and Mint Fizz!
Mix sekanjabin with cranberries, you have a wonderful cranberry liqueur to gift to your friends or serve at your holiday party.
I also use the sekanjabin syrup to drizzle over some beautiful fruit to make this delicious yet simple citrus salad.
So you see, the uses for this unique mint syrup are endless! I hope you enjoy it!
A cocktail shrub is a drink that contains vinegar. The term “shrub” is derived from the Arabic word “sharab” which means “drink.” This word is also used in the Persian language, too. Basically, a shrub is a sweet syrup that includes vinegar. It can be mixed with fruits or herbs, mint for sekanjabin. The shrub can be diluted with water or club soda for a non-alcoholic drink, or mixed in with your favorite booze of choice to make a specially crafted cocktail.
Sekanjabin is a syrup made with sugar, mint and water. Vinegar is mixed in once the syrup is done and helps to balance the sugary sweet syrup. It is basically a cocktail shrub. This Persian simple syrup is diluted with water and can be served as a drink. The syrup also makes a dipping sauce for crisp romaine lettuce.
Persian Mint and Cucumber Cooler (Sekanjabin)
Sekanjabin is a Persian sweet and sour mint syrup that can be a dip for crisp lettuce or can be mixed with water and cucumbers to make a refreshing drink.
Ingredients
- 2 cup granulated sugar
- 7 cup water
- ½ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup fresh mint, loosely packed
- 3 Persian cucumbers, grated
Instructions
- In a small pot over medium-high heat whisk together sugar with 1 cup water until sugar is dissolved.
- Let syrup boil together for 10 minutes, then add vinegar.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook until syrup thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in mint.
- Remove mint when syrup has cooled.
- For a drink, mix a pitcher with syrup (measuring about 1 ½ cups) with 6 cup s cold water and grate cucumbers.
- This will yield a sweeter drink. Add more water to dilute to your taste preference.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: The drink is best served ice cold. You can also serve the syrup with hearts of Romaine lettuce for a cool treat.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1 glassAmount Per Serving: Calories: 268Total Fat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 14mgCarbohydrates: 69.7gFiber: 1.8gSugar: 66.8gProtein: 0.5g
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Sounds so good! I wish it was still hot here 🙂
Gorgeous pictures. This sounds so refreshing and perfect for summer!
Everything you mention in this post sounds so intriguing and refreshing! The lettuce dipped in mint syrup is so novel. Wonderful drink and gorgeous jar holder!
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I know I would love this. It looks so good!!
Gorgeous photos and sounds incredibly refreshing for summertime!
I love this idea…it’s hot in Texas still, so we’re always looking for refreshing ways to stay hydrated. Pinned this one to try later this week!!
Oh, yeah! It’s perfect for those hot Texas days – and nights!
So refreshing looking– must try
I really love seeing your traditional recipes and learning how they are enjoyed. I’m not the biggest cucumber fan, but I have to admit this does look beautiful and very refreshing!
You don’t have to include the cucumber. I offered the drink to some kids who don’t like cucumbers and they chugged the cup down!
How elegant and fresh! Such a different-sounding drink, that would be great at any cookout!
Oh, this looks SO cool and refreshing…perfect for a steamy day. And I am IN LOVE with that pitcher!
This is totally new to me – I love it! The vinegar must really taste good in this. Great combo of flavors – thanks for introducing me.
It gives this nice tang, making it a sweet & sour drink! And the hubby likes to spike it with vodka or rum!
I love the mint and cucumber combination! So refreshing! Lovely photos and I am a big fan of Persian cuisine. Not to digress, but I found the most difficult thing to make really well is Persian rice (mine always comes out mushy without that golden crust). It’s always the seemingly simplest dishes! So happy to find your index of recipes!
Oh, this sounds so refreshing and tasty! We’re having a rare rainy day, but I bet this would be perfect when the air heats back up again! Beautiful #SundaySupper post~
I love these flavors and the vinegar puts it over the top. It’s a bit too much sugar for me though, do you think stevia would work?
Absolutely, but you will have to determine the quantity. You can also use honey or agave nectar.
Sounds so refreshing!
Gorgeous photos! And this sounds so refreshing!
Nothing is more refreshing than cucumber and mint, I love this!
Sounds refreshing Laura! I love mint and cucumber in dressing, so i bet this tastes great together!
Oh how fresh and wonderful! And how fun and interesting to have it as a dipping sauce for lettuce. Something I never would have thought of. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I must try this! How unique and refreshing.