Rooh Afza

Rooh Afza is a sweet, bright rose-red cordial from the Indian subcontinent — a thick concentrated syrup, or sharbat, of rose with fruit, flower and herb extracts that is diluted with cold water or milk to make a cooling summer drink. Made by the Hamdard company since the early twentieth century, it is one of South Asia's most recognisable branded beverages, its scent dominated by rose and its colour an unmistakable ruby. It is non-alcoholic and is drunk across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, above all in the summer heat and during Ramadan. Beyond the plain rose drink it perfumes falooda, kulfi and milk-based desserts.