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4.8 from 30 votes

Sour Plum Drink (Suan Mei Tang - 酸梅汤)

Before any commercial beverage companies made their way into China, sour plum tea was, and still is, the ultimate thirst quencher––especially in the heat of the summer! The color is a deep magenta and it's deliciously refreshing!

Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 48 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 2.5 L water (about 10 cups)
  • 50-100 grams dried hawthorn (山楂片)
  • 30-100 grams dried sour plum (乌梅)
  • 3-10 grams dried orange peel (陈皮)
  • 3-10 grams dried licorice root (干草)
  • 10-20 grams dried hibiscus flower/tea (洛神花)
  • 1-3 grams dried osmanthus flower (optional)
  • 100 grams rock sugar (or to taste)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse all the dried ingredients under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris. In a large pot, combine the water and the dried ingredients (if you like, you can wrap all the dried ingredients in a cheesecloth to avoid the straining step later), and soak for 1 hour.
  2. After soaking, bring everything to a boil, and immediately turn the heat down to low. Simmer (with the lid on) for 45 minutes. Add the rock sugar, let it dissolve completely, and turn off the heat to let the liquid cool.
  3. Once cooled, strain the liquid into a large container, and serve over ice. Remember to store the leftovers in the refrigerator; it will last for 3-4 days. You’ll know that the drink has gone bad if there are air bubbles floating on top and the liquid is opaque instead of clear!

Nutrition Information

Calories 48kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Sodium 16mg (1%) Sugar 12g (24%) Calcium 9mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 48

% Daily Value*

Calories 48kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Sodium 16mg 1%
Sugar 12g 24%
Calcium 9mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.