Sobia (drink) facts for kids
A glass of white sobia produced by the Al-Khudary family in Makkah
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| Region of origin |  Saudi Arabia, hejaz Egypt |
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| Alcohol by volume | 0.2% ~ 6.8% |
Sobia (Arabic: سوبيا) is a cool and refreshing drink. It is very popular in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia and also in Egypt. In Saudi Arabia, Sobia is often made from ingredients like bread, barley, or oats. However, in Egypt, it is usually made from rice, coconut powder, and dairy products. This special drink is widely made and enjoyed, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
How Sobia is Made
Sobia syrup is created from different ingredients. These can include barley, dry bread, oats, or even raisins. First, these ingredients are mixed and then filtered. After filtering, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon are added in the right amounts. Finally, ice is put in to make it cool and ready to drink.
Sobia comes in several colors. White Sobia gets its color from barley. You might also find red Sobia, which often has a strawberry flavor. If tamarind is added, the drink turns brown. It's best to drink Sobia within two or three days. After this time, it starts to lose its good taste and nutritional value. Generally, it is known as a very refreshing drink. In Egypt, another common way to make Sobia is by using milk and vanilla.
Natural Changes in Sobia
Sobia, like many drinks that contain sugar, can change over time. This happens because of a natural process called fermentation. During fermentation, a very small amount of ethanol (a type of alcohol) can form. This is a natural chemical reaction that occurs when sugar is present.
Because of this natural process, Sobia is best enjoyed fresh. If it is stored for more than two days, the fermentation process continues. This is why it's always recommended to drink Sobia soon after it's made to enjoy it at its best.
