By This Lebanese Fruit Cocktail with Ashta balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Lebanese Fruit Cocktail with Ashta captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Lebanese Fruit Cocktail with Ashta becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Fruit Cocktail:
2 lb. strawberries, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
3 kiwi, cut into 1-inch cubes (reserve a few slices for garnish)
2 bananas, sliced
1 cup pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes (reserve a few slices for garnish)
2 mangoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 teaspoons honey, for drizzling
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or halved almonds
1/2 cup water
For the Ashta (Lebanese Clotted Cream):
6 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons lemon juice (plus more if needed)
2 teaspoons rose water
1 teaspoon orange blossom water
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Ashta:
In a medium pot, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to bubble around the edges. Stir in the rose water and orange blossom water, mixing well.
Add the lemon juice to the milk mixture. The milk will immediately begin to clot. Continue heating until the curds separate from the whey.
Place a large strainer over a medium-sized bowl
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the clotted cream (Ashta) and transfer it to the strainer, allowing any excess liquid to drain
Continue this process until the remaining liquid is clear or yellowish
If needed, add more lemon juice to encourage clotting.
Once strained, refrigerate the Ashta until cold. It will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Strawberry Juice:
In a small blender, blend 1 pound of strawberries (frozen or fresh) with 1/2 cup of water until smooth and juice-like
This will serve as the base for your fruit cocktail
Alternatively, you can use 2 cups of your preferred juice.
Assemble the Fruit Cocktail:
Wash and prep all the fruits. Cut the strawberries, mangoes, kiwis, and pineapple into 1-inch cubes. Slice the bananas and set aside a few slices of kiwi and pineapple for garnish.
Fill your serving glasses halfway with the mixed fruit. Pour about 1/2 cup of the strawberry juice over the fruit.
Add the remaining fruit to fill the glasses
Top each glass with 2 tablespoons of chilled Ashta
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or halved almonds and drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with the reserved kiwi and pineapple slices for an elegant presentation
This fruit cocktail is a perfect combination of fresh fruit, creamy Ashta, and a delightful crunch from the nuts
Enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
