Erk Sous
A cold, dark, intensely flavored drink made from licorice root extract — the ancient street drink of Ramadan, sold by vendors in brass urns throughout the Levant, with a flavor that is bittersweet, cooling, and unlike anything else.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 60 g dried licorice root sticks or powder (erk sous)
- 1.5 litres cold water
- 3 tbsp (or to taste) white sugar
- 1 tsp (optional — traditional in some Lebanese versions) anise seeds
- 1 tray ice cubes
Instructions
- If using licorice root sticks: break them into short pieces and place in 1 litre of cold water. Soak overnight in the refrigerator. This cold-infusion method produces the cleanest flavor. If using powder: whisk 60g powder into 1 litre cold water until dissolved.
- The next morning (or after overnight soak): strain the soaked liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze the roots firmly to extract all liquid.
- If using anise: add anise seeds to the strained liquid, cover, and let infuse for 30 minutes, then strain again.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste — erk sous should be bittersweet and intensely licorice-flavored. Adjust sweetness.
- Add the remaining 500ml cold water to dilute to your preferred strength.
- Refrigerate until very cold. Serve over ice in glasses. It is traditionally poured from a height to create foam.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Erk Sous?
A cold, dark, intensely flavored drink made from licorice root extract — the ancient street drink of Ramadan, sold by vendors in brass urns throughout the Levant, with a flavor that is bittersweet, cooling, and unlike anything else.
Where is Erk Sous from?
Erk Sous comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Erk Sous vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Erk Sous uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of anise seeds in Erk Sous?
The anise seeds called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Erk Sous its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Erk Sous?
In a Lebanese drinks spread, Erk Sous is served as a refreshment on its own, warm or chilled as the recipe directs.
Can I make Erk Sous ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
This can be made ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Stir or shake before serving, and adjust sweetness or dilution to taste.