ISRAELI DRINKS TO TRY

Freshly squeezed Pomegranate juice (or really any fresh squeezed juice):

You can find delicious, fresh squeezed pomegranate juice at literally any fruit juice stand in any shuk (market) during the winter. Fresh squeezed pomegranate juice in Israel is such a treat for me, as it is so affordable compared to the United States! For as little as 5 shekel (slightly over a dollar) many vendors will sell a small cup of fresh pomegranate juice). When pomegranate juice isn’t in season, I like getting carrot orange juice, called Tapoogezer in Hebrew.

Shot

A shot (called a “Chaser” in Israel, don’t ask me why) of Tubi or Arak is a must try. Tubi is an Israeli citrus based spirit beverage and Arak is a licorice flavored alcohol that is often given complimentary at Israeli restaurants

Cafe Afuch– literal translation is upside down coffee, and resembles a milky cappuccino. This seems to be one of the most popular drinks in Israel, and you can get it almost everywhere. Learn more about it here

Ice Cafe

A sweet coffee slurpy. Most popular destination to buy this from is Aroma, which is located almost everywhere in Israel. You can also go to Cofix and get it for only (5 shekel), a little over one dollar. If you want a traditional American Iced Coffee ask for Cafe Kar!

Gazoz from Cafe Levinksy

Gazoz is a soda water infused with fresh fruit, fermented fruit syrups and herbs. I found it so refreshing on a hot summers day! You can also include their freshly brewed kombucha in your drink. It’s more of a grab and go place to enjoy a refreshing drink while walking around Shuk Levinsky, but they do have a truck with cushions you can sit in.

Etrogat

from Etrogman– try a small “chaser” of any juice for only 2 shekels! I recommend trying the unique and delicious Etrogat. Etrogman is located in Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv and in Shuk Machne Yehuda in Jerusalem. The smoothies here look delicious based on what I have seen on instagram and come with fresh fruit slices on top.

Shoko beh Sakit

literal translation= chocolate milk in a bag. Literally my childhood in a bag! Chocolate milk is no different than one you get out of a bottle, but drinking it out of a bag is so much fun. Plus chocolate milk is so much tastier in Israel because the dairy is local

Sachleb (Sachlav in Hebrew)

Thick, warm and creamy, this drink is perfect for cold and rainy winter days! Or for when you are craving a filling sweet drink in warmer days.  According to Tourist Israel, “Its signature flavor, and what gives it its overpowering fragrance is the dried and ground up bulbs of the sahlab orchid (so the name of the orchid and the drink are one in the same). Mixed with hot milk, orange blossom water, cinnamon and vanilla – and sachlav is born. Cheaper versions of the drink use corn starch instead of sachlav powder.” You can find this drink everywhere in Israel in the winter, and it is especially common on cold days! Hamalabiya in Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv has a unique version where you can add nutella or dulche de leche (they also have a coconut base option for vegans), but generally it comes with solely coconut and sugared peanut toppings at any other vendor. Check out this site for a recipe to make your own at home

Hope you enjoyed reading! Check out my favorite restaurants in Tel Aviv and in A Foodie’s Guide to Jerusalem here and let me know if you #ahavabite!