Refreshing Dried Apricot Juice Nectar Drink

Rinse the dried apricots thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with 500ml of fresh water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to rehydrate.

Drain the apricots, reserving the soaking water. Transfer the rehydrated apricots to a medium saucepan. Add the reserved soaking water and an additional 500ml of fresh water.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the apricots are very soft and easily mashable.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apricot mixture cool slightly. Carefully transfer the apricots and their liquid to a blender.

Add the granulated sugar to the blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and forms a thick nectar. This may take 2-3 minutes.

Pass the blended apricot nectar through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or bowl, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard any remaining pulp.

Stir in the orange blossom water. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.

To serve, pour the chilled Qamar al-Din into glasses over ice cubes. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, if using. Enjoy!