Mohabbat Ka Sharbat Recipe (Old Delhi’s Famous Watermelon Milk Drink)
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Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. Its flavors come from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it.
Here are some more summer drinks: Thandai, Badam Sharbat, and Aam Panna.
Table of Contents
What Is Mohabbat Ka Sharbat?
Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a popular summer drink sold at shops in Old Delhi. It translates to ‘Love Drink’. It is a delicious and refreshing combination of fresh watermelon, rose syrup, milk, sugar, ice cubes, and rose petals.
I had this Mohabbat wala sharbat for the first time when we went to Karims for lunch. It was Ramadan, and many street stalls sold this lovely pink drink. It looked so tempting that I couldn’t resist trying it, although I usually refrain from drinking non-packaged liquids when I eat out.
This drink became popular from a street shop (thela) opposite Jama Masjid, run by Nawab Qureshi. He named it Pyaar Mohabbat Wala Sharbat. Soon, its popularity grew, and many street vendors sold it during the summer.
This drink is perfect for sipping on hot summer days. It is also popularly served during Ramadan and Eid. You can also serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Unlike a classic Punjabi sweet lassi, which is yogurt-based and thick, mohabbat ka sharbat stays thin and pourable. You can finish a tall glass without feeling heavy, which is why it works so well in 45-degree Delhi heat.
Why You’ll Love This Family Favorite Recipe!
- Ready in 15 minutes with just 4 main ingredients
- No cooking, no straining required
- Perfect for iftar, summer parties, or pool days
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan with plant milk
- Kid-approved thanks to the pretty pink color and sweet flavor
- Tastes exactly like the Old Delhi version when you follow the milk-to-watermelon ratio in this post
Ingredients
- Chilled Milk (2 cups) – I like to use whole milk (full-fat milk) to make this drink, as it makes it rich and creamy. You can also choose to use low-fat or skim milk. To make the drink vegan, use a plant-based milk alternative, such as coconut milk, cashew milk, or almond milk.
- Sugar (¼ cup) – Use granulated white sugar to sweeten the drink. You can replace sugar with honey or maple syrup. Adjust the sugar as per your taste.
- Rooh Afza (3 tbsp) – This is the soul of the drink. Rooh Afza is a Hamdard-brand rose-and-herb syrup sold in every Indian grocery store. It adds the rose flavor, the deep pink color, and most of the sweetness in one go. If you cannot find Rooh Afza, use any rose syrup or rose sherbet concentrate.
- Watermelon Juice (1 cup) – For the best taste, use fresh watermelon juice. Check out my post on how to make watermelon juice.
- Watermelon (1 cup, finely cubed) – You will also need cubed watermelon. Pick a ripe, deep-red watermelon. The redder the flesh, the prettier the final color. Try to use seedless watermelon. If your watermelon has seeds, then remove them all.
- Others – You will also need chilled water (1 cup), ice cubes (20-25), and fresh rose petals (10-15).
How To Make Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
Step 1: Add the following ingredients to a large mixing bowl or pitcher. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- 2 cups of chilled whole milk
- ¼ cup of granulated white sugar
- 3 tablespoon Rooh Afza
Step 2: Add the following ingredients and stir well.
- 1 cup of fresh watermelon juice
- 1 cup of finely cubed watermelon (¼-inch cubes)
- 1 cup of chilled water
Step 3: Now add 20-25 ice cubes and garnish with 10-15 fresh rose petals. Pour the sharbat into serving glasses and serve chilled.
Pyar Mohabbat Sharbat FAQs
No, watermelon is not acidic enough to curdle milk at this ratio. As long as your milk is fresh and cold, the drink stays smooth.
Yes. Use any rose syrup or rose sherbet. Add a drop of pink food coloring for the signature Old Delhi color. The flavor will be slightly less complex since Rooh Afza contains a blend of herbs and fruit extracts beyond just rose.
No, drink it within 30 minutes of making for the best taste. After that, the watermelon and milk separate, and the texture turns watery.
Variations
- Falooda-style: Add 1 tablespoon of soaked basil seeds and a few cooked falooda noodles to the bottom of each glass before pouring the drink.
- Boozy version: Add 1 ounce of vodka or white rum per serving for a summer party cocktail.
- Thicker: For a thicker version, add 2 tablespoons of malai (clotted cream) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Other Indian Beverage Recipes We Recommend
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Shikanji Recipe (Authentic North Indian Masala Lemonade)
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Mohabbat Ka Sharbat Recipe (Old Delhi’s Famous Watermelon Milk Drink)
Ingredients
- 2 cups chilled whole milk (full-fat milk)
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 3 tablespoons rooh afza
- 1 cup fresh watermelon juice
- 1 cup finely cubed watermelon (¼-inch cubes)
- 1 cup chilled water
- 20-25 ice cubes
- 10-15 fresh rose petals
Instructions
- Add milk, sugar, and rooh afza to a large mixing bowl or a pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add watermelon juice, cubed watermelon, and chilled water and stir well.
- Now add ice cubes and garnish with rose petals.
- Pour the sharbat into serving glasses and serve chilled.
I can’t wait to try it!
I like this recipe