No, it's not milk. It's not coconut milk, and it is definitely not soy milk or almond milk, it is one of the most traditional drinks to break the fast during Ramadan.
My first experience with it last year was not great. It reminded me a lot of Tropicana Suntan Lotion in a glass. The texture is slightly thick, and creamy, and it tastes a little like a melted vanilla shake and then the after taste of coconut goes through your nose. For me, I was not a fan. However! This Ramadan, I decided to give it another try because if it is that popular amongst everyone here in Cairo, I must not be "getting" it. The juice shop around the corner from my flat, sells Sobia for 2 EGP in a plastic bag secured with curling ribbon. My husband serves it the "Egyptian" way and opens it from the bottom of the bag with his teeth to create a small hole. He pinches the opening closed and tips it over into the glass and slowly releases the milky drink from the bag, and quickly into another glass when perfectly full.
Success! It is so much better than I remembered! Sweet? Yes. Spiced with something like cinnamon and cardamom maybe? Definitely. Served ice cold and frothy after prayer on a hot day.....peeeeerrrrrrrrrfect!
Why do I like it so much now? What is sooo different from last year? I have no idea. Is it just this shop's version that I like? I have to find out.
Last year, I lived on the other side of town, Darasaa. We got our Sobia from street vendors that would fill up water bottles full of the drink. This year, I am in Maadi. There are 2 shops on my way home from work. The one closest to the street is my next candidate. Same procedure. Plastic bag, curling ribbon, ice cold, but not as good. This one is slightly watered down and the flavor just isn't there. The next day, my hubby brings home another version from the downtown area. It is not as white, almost a cream color. Hmmmmmm. This one is super sweet. Like a melted milkshake with that suntan lotion taste. Nope, can't do it. It's not refreshing, it's too much before breakfast and it brings back memories of last year. So I'm sold on my corner shop's version and won't stray. But I have to find out why it is so different from shop to shop.
With research I have found many different recipes. Some made with bread, barley, sugar, spices and milk. Some with raisins, some without. Another made with milk, coconut, sugar and water. And for a more festive look, apparently red food coloring is added, but I have yet to find this version. Then there is the already made powdered mix you can buy and just swirl with cold water.
Ramadan Kareem!
UPDATE!
I have a recipe!!!!
I have only been able to find the powder mixes and really wanted to make my own. This is my own creation, which differs slightly from the drink sold on the streets.....hope you like it!
1 cup milk, full cream
1/2 cup coconut milk*
1/4 cup sugar (1 tbs +- depends on your sweetness liking)
1 tbs sweetened coconut
3/4 cup water
1 tsp cornstarch
1 small piece cinnamon stick
1 cardamom pod, smashed
*The thickness of the coconut milk will have an effect on the overall product of the drink. You may need to add more water or less.
Make a slurry of the water and cornstarch by whisking in a bowl, set aside.
Bring milk, coconut milk, sugar and shredded coconut to a boil. Add slurry, and whisk vigorously.
Simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add the cinnamon and cardamom. Steep for only 5 minutes.
Strain and chill well.
Enjoy!
