What many don't know is that this concentrated drink was discovered back in 1906 in India by Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed. It was later manufactured by Hamdard Laboratories, the company founded by him and his sons. It made its way to Pakistani households, and is served iced on every iftar table since 1948. No matter where South Asians are in Ramadan, they deem Rooh Afza the beverage of the month and for most it is absolutely imperative to have this delicacy ready for guests during the holy month.

Rooh Afza is said to be a gratifying alternative for iced-tea, lemonade and even strawberry milk. The fun fact is you can have it in soda form, with water or you can make a milk beverage out of it. It is often mixed with milk and ice, ice cream, 7 Up, and Coke. It is popularly served in most Indian and Pakistani households and restaurants with water as a refreshing drink to quench the thirst in the month of Ramadan, summer, for sunstrokes, palpitations, and even nausea. It provides sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphate among other nutrients to keep the body hydrated.

Rooh Afza can be found in local stores in the Kingdom, most South Asian shops and worldwide at supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsburys and Morrisons.

Its original concentration is the fusion of Khurfa Seeds (Portulaca oleracea), Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Munaqqa (raisins from Vitis vinifera Linn.), Nilofar (Nymphaea alba Linn., Nymphaea stellata Willd., Nelumbo lotus Linn.), Gaozaban (Boraginaceae) and Hara Dhania (cilantro). It also includes fruits such as orange, pineapple, carrot and watermelon, vegetables like spinach, mint and hari ghia (Luffa cylindrica). Flowers include rose and Keora (Pandanus fascicularis), lemon and orange, and “khas.”

Since there are various ways to enjoy a glass of chilled and tasty Rooh Afza, AN suggests these recipes. (Each method serves one person/one serving)

Take a glass of water and add ice cubes. To this add Rooh Afza, lime and mint juice, sugar to taste and ice cold water.

You can add slices of lemon and garnish the drink with mint leaves. Serve chilled.

To a glass of cold milk, add two tablespoons Rooh Afza, add sugar to taste and serve with ice cubes.

Blend 1/4 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of pineapple juice, two tablespoons of Rooh Afza with ice-cubes till well blended. Place crushed ice at the bottom of a cocktail glass and pour the blended mixture. Garnish the drink with cherries, shredded coconut and pineapple slices.

Add a teaspoon of Rooh Afza to 1/4 cup of your regular tea and 1/2 cup of hot water and two teaspoons of condensed milk. This one can be served hot in case you feel like a hot cup of Rooh Afza.

Rooh Afza is a healthy and stimulating drink, apt for summer and when served chilled.