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Indonesian Fruit Drink

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Indonesian Fruit Drink

Indonesian Fruit Drink, often found gracing the tables of family gatherings and everyday home meals, is a staple in many Indonesian households. This refreshing beverage captures the simplicity and integrity of ingredients that define Indonesian home cooking. Traditionally, it is prepared with just the right amount of sweetness and served cold, making it a perfect accompaniment to the country's warm climate.

The drink should be a harmonious blend of bright citrus notes from the lemons or oranges, balanced perfectly with the subtle sweetness of sugar. The chill from the ice amplifies these flavors, leaving a crisp and invigorating sensation with every sip. Its straightforward preparation and refreshing taste make it an enduring favorite across Indonesia's diverse islands.

Ingredients

  • 4lemons or oranges
  • 100 gsugar
  • 1 Lwater
  • as neededice

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the citrus fruits. If using lemons, roll them on the countertop with the palm of your hand to release their juices before cutting them in half. For oranges, peel them and separate the segments. This helps in extracting maximum juice and flavor.
  2. Juice the lemons or oranges into a large bowl, ensuring you remove any seeds. You should aim for about 250 ml of juice. This measurement is crucial to maintain the traditional balance of sweetness and tartness in the drink.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 100 g of sugar with 1 L of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. The solution should become clear, signaling that the sugar is fully integrated.
  4. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This cooling step is essential to preserve the fresh citrus aroma when combined.
  5. After the sugar water has cooled, gently stir in the citrus juice. Use a spoon to mix slowly, ensuring the juice is evenly distributed without losing its fragrant aroma.
  6. Prepare a large pitcher and fill it with ice as needed. Pour the citrus mixture over the ice, allowing the drink to chill instantly. The ice will also dilute the drink slightly, balancing the flavors perfectly.
  7. Serve the Indonesian Fruit Drink immediately in traditional glassware, such as tall glasses or mugs. This ensures the drink is enjoyed at its freshest, with the ice still crisp and the citrus flavors vibrant.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indonesian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indonesian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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