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This Lebanese fruit cocktail is a refreshing medley of juicy fruits in a sweet strawberry puree, topped with creamy ashta and a nutty crunch. You can use your favorite fruits or whatever you have on hand to whip up this fruit cocktail. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet, and kids love it. It’s also an excellent choice for breakfast or after-dinner dessert!
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this chunky Lebanese fruit cocktail drink
- Ingredients to make Lebanese fruit cocktail with Ashta
- How to make a Lebanese fruit cocktail
- Tips for making the best Ashta fruit cocktail
- Popular substitutions & additions
- How to store a fruit cocktail with fresh fruit and juice
- Frequently asked questions
- More fresh fruit recipes:
- Lebanese Fruit Cocktail Recipe
Growing up, we always made fruit cocktails with chunky fruit pieces, although it’s common for it to be blended into a smoothie. Instead, we blend frozen strawberries, make strawberry juice, and pour it over the fruit. This Lebanese fruit cocktail is already delicious, but adding the toppings takes it to the next level of flavor and texture.
Why you’ll love this chunky Lebanese fruit cocktail drink
- Make it your own. My version of this fruit cocktail combines a tropical blend of fruits, and I could make it many times over, and it would be different each time. You could even swap out the juices or toppings.
- A healthier snack option. Fresh fruits are full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It is a natural and wholesome alternative to processed sugary snacks and a deliciously refreshing and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
- Lebanese street food. There are different variations of this fruit cocktail, but one thing that stays the same is the addition of Ashta, or rose water clotted cream. This version is a “shikaf” in Lebanese which literally translates to chunks of fruit.
Ingredients to make Lebanese fruit cocktail with Ashta
- Frozen strawberries: Use the frozen strawberries to create the “juice” for your fruit cocktail by blending smoothly.
- Rose water: This floral water is popular in Middle Eastern fruit recipes and provides a sweet, sugar-free flavor addition. You could also use orange blossom water.
- Fresh Fruit: For my fruit cocktail, I used a medley of freshly chopped strawberries, kiwis, mangoes, and pineapple. It’s a fresh and tropical blend that is so refreshing. Use whatever fresh fruits you like!
- For serving: A dollop of Ashta on top adds a creamy element to this cocktail with various nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, and a final drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
How to make a Lebanese fruit cocktail
To make the ashta cream, I have a step-by-step tutorial, and you’d want to make this ahead of time to allow it time to set up in the fridge. For this easy-to-make Middle Eastern fruit cocktail, you’ll need a cutting board, knife, and blender.
Make the strawberry juice
- Place the frozen strawberries, water, and rose water in a small blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Layer cocktail ingredients
- Layer half the chopped strawberries then chopped mangoes, then chopped kiwi, and chopped pineapple in a serving glass more than halfway full.
- Divide the strawberry juice over the fruit.
- Add the remaining chopped strawberries on top of the juice to fill the glasses.
- Add a large dollop of ashta on top of each glass. Sprinkle with the almond, walnuts, and pistachios, and drizzle with honey.
Tips for making the best Ashta fruit cocktail
- Chop the fruit finely. To allow the medley of fruits to absorb all the flavors, it’s best to dice them as small as possible. This way, every spoonful will contain a bit of each fruit.
- Rose water is worth it. The addition of rose water gives this fruit cocktail a unique flavor you’ll love. It adds a lovely floral flavor that isn’t as strong as you may think but is a delicious addition. It’s easy to find online and in Middle Eastern markets.
- Layer the fruit first. Juice before fruit will be messy as the chunks splash into your serving cup, so adding the fruit first prevents this. You can also add the fruit how you like to make an attractive dessert with layers of fresh colors.
- Blend it up! Add all your fruit, honey, and rose water to a blender and blend until smooth. Finish off with the ashta and nuts for a smoothie fruit cocktail.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Use another frozen fruit for the juice. Instead of strawberries, you can blend any frozen fruit you like, such as mangoes, blueberries, or peaches!
- Substitute the Ashta cream. This Lebanese-inspired fruit cocktail pairs so well with homemade ashta with its floral aromatics, but if you want to make this Middle Eastern cocktail and don’t have the time to prepare it (though I highly recommend trying it!) you can use ricotta or whipped cream instead. You may also find premade ashta at a Middle Eastern store.
- Swap out the nuts. The nut mixture adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor, so choose the ones you like and leave out what you don’t. You could even add seeds like toasted sunflower or chia seeds soaked into the strawberry sauce. Maybe take it up a notch with sweet, crunchy candied walnuts!
- Use another sweetener. Honey adds sweetness, but you could use maple, date, or agave syrup instead. Or, when you blend your frozen strawberries, use granulated or brown sugar.
How to store a fruit cocktail with fresh fruit and juice
Store the leftover fruit cocktail mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the Ashta and nut mixture separately to add when ready to enjoy.
How long will the fruit cocktail last in the fridge?
Fresh fruit cocktails are perfect for making ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Can I freeze a fruit cocktail with juice?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing Lebanese “shikaf” (fruit cocktail) as it’s best served fresh or eating leftovers within a few days. The fruit may become mushy, lose its texture, and be less fresh. One alternative will be if you freeze the cocktail without toppings to blend it into a smoothie like these freezer smoothie packs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lebanese fruit cocktails can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several hours or a day or two before serving. Just add the toppings before serving to maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
If you don’t have rose water or don’t like its flavor, you can use flavorings such as orange blossom water, vanilla extract, or almond extract to add a different aroma to the Lebanese fruit cocktail. Start with a small amount until you reach the flavor you like.
The nuts used in Lebanese fruit cocktails can vary based on personal preference but commonly used options include chopped pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or a combination.
This Lebanese Fruit Cocktail recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the goodness of fresh fruits with an aromatic twist. Its colorful and creamy ashta and crunchy nuts make it a treat that will brighten up any meal or gathering. So what are you waiting for? Whip up this traditional Lebanese delight and enjoy the flavors and textures that come with every bite!
More fresh fruit recipes:
- Tropical Fruit Salad
- Fruit Pizza
- Dragon Fruit Smoothie
- Fruit Ice Cubes
- Grilled Fruit Kabobs
- Watermelon Fruit Pizza
- Fruit Popsicles
- Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
- Smoothie Bowl (3 Ways)
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Lebanese Fruit Cocktail
Ingredients
For the Juice
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rose water
For the Chopped Fruit
- 2 cups finely chopped strawberries
- 4 kiwis finely chopped
- 2 mangoes finely chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped pineapple
For Serving
- ½ cup Ashta
- 4 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 4 teaspoons crushed pistachios
- 4 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- Place the strawberry, water and rose water in a small blender and blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Set aside.
- Layer half the chopped strawberries, then chopped mangoes, then chopped kiwi and chopped pineapple in four 12 ounce clear serving glasses more than half way full. Divide the strawberry juice over the fruit about ¾ full. Add the remaining chopped strawberries on top of the juice to fill the glasses.
- Add a large dollop of ashta on top of each glass. Sprinkle with the almond, walnuts and pistachios and drizzle with honey.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Could I replace the water for for orange juice instead? That’s how I make coulis and it makes a delicious dessert topping. The different between the 2 is that the juice to this recipe is alot thinner.
You sure can! I love that idea!