Tales from the Shark Tank

Sekanjabin was invented by the Arabs in the middle ages, as a beverage that makes it easier to deal with heat.  It starts out as a syrup, to be mixed into cold water.  It serves much the same purpose as sports drinks are supposed to, but without all the undecipherable chemicals.  Those eleventh century Moors knew what they were doing; the stuff not only works, it tastes wonderful.

The basic recipe calls for sugar, vinegar, water and mint.  With the heat index at 100 F., now was a good time to make a batch, and me being who I am, I couldn’t resist messing with it.  The result is good enough to share.

Ginger Sekanjaben

• 1 1/2 cups honey
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• pinch salt
• juice and grated rind of 1 lemon
• 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• handful of fresh mint (about 5 generous sprigs)

Mix honey, water, vinegar and salt in a heavy pan.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Reduce heat to simmer.  Add lemon and ginger.  Simmer 30 minutes.

Remove from heat.  Stir in mint.  Let cool to room temperature.

Strain.  Pour into a suitable jar.  Dilute to taste; I use about 1 tsp per cup of water.  The syrup does not require refrigeration.