# Egyptian Liquorice Drink (Erksous)

> Erksous is made by soaking ground liquorice root with bicarbonate of soda in warm water for four hours, then straining it repeatedly through a cloth bag until it runs clear. The bicarbonate draws out the dark colour and the foam; the repeated straining is what removes the bitterness.

**Egyptian Cuisine · 255 min · 8 servings · 45 kcal per serving**

Erksous is a classic Egyptian Ramadan drink, and its flavour depends entirely on the straining: each pass reduces the bitterness and brings out the natural sweetness.

## Ingredients

- 200 g — ground liquorice root
- 1 tbsp — bicarbonate of soda
- 8 cups — water
- 2 tbsp — sugar

## Method

1. **Wet it with bicarbonate** — Put the ground liquorice in a bowl, sprinkle over the bicarbonate, and moisten it with just half a cup of water, rubbing it through with your hands. Leave for fifteen minutes.
2. **Soaking** — Add the rest of the warm water, stir well, cover, and leave for at least four hours in the fridge.
3. **Straining** — Strain through a clean cloth bag or folded muslin, pressing it through. Repeat at least three times — the bitterness drops and the colour clears with each pass.
4. **Serving** — Chill thoroughly, adjust the sweetness if you like, and shake hard before pouring so the white foam comes up.

## Tips

- A hard shake before pouring is the secret to the foam that makes the street-cart version.
- Don't increase the bicarbonate — too much gives a soapy taste.
- Liquorice is not suitable for people with high blood pressure; check with your doctor if that applies to you.

## FAQ

### Why is my erksous bitter?
It was strained only once. Strain it three or four times — the bitterness drops with each pass.

### Can I make it without bicarbonate?
You can, but the colour stays pale, there's no foam, and the flavour is weaker. The bicarbonate is core to the Egyptian version.

### How long does it keep?
Two days in the fridge. After that it starts to ferment and the taste changes.

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Source: https://hanakoleah.com/en/egyptian-cuisine/egyptian-liquorice-drink-erksous-recipe
Edited by: Marwa Mohamed
Last updated: 2026-10-29