Kiru Sarbat — Print Recipe — The Culinary Codex

A refreshing Maldivian drink made from condensed milk, rose water, and crushed ice, flavored with cardamom and sometimes topped with basil seeds.

Ingredients

200ml condensed milk
600ml cold water
1 tbsp rose water
3 cardamom pods, ground
2 tbsp basil seeds, soaked
Crushed ice
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1 Soak basil seeds in water for fifteen minutes until they develop a gel-like coating.
2 Combine condensed milk, cold water, rose water, and ground cardamom in a jug. Stir well until fully mixed.
3 Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. Taste and adjust sugar if needed.
4 Fill tall glasses with crushed ice. Pour the milk mixture over the ice.
5 Top with soaked basil seeds which add a delightful textural pop to each sip.
6 Stir gently and serve immediately. This drink is best consumed very cold.

Did You Know?

During Ramadan, Kiru Sarbat is the first thing many Maldivians drink to break their fast, as its sweetness provides instant energy after a day of fasting.