Beat the summer heat with this incredibly refreshing Aloe Vera Rock Sugar Drink! This simple yet elegant beverage combines the soothing properties of aloe vera with the subtle sweetness of rock sugar, creating a delightful and healthy treat. The slight chewiness of chia seeds adds a pleasant texture, while the vibrant green of pandan jelly provides a beautiful visual contrast and a hint of fragrant sweetness. This drink is perfect for a hot day, offering a light and hydrating refreshment that will leave you feeling revitalized. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks.
Forget sugary sodas and artificial flavorings; this recipe uses natural ingredients to deliver a taste sensation. The combination of aloe vera’s cooling effect, the gentle sweetness of rock sugar, and the delightful textural elements makes this a truly unique and satisfying drink. Ready to create your own batch of this delightful summer cooler? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Refrigerator
- Pot
- Stove
- Mold
- Knife
- Bowl
- Ice
Ingredients
- Aloe vera leaves: 4 (approx. 1-1.3 kg total)
- Pandan leaves: 20-30 grams
- Water: 400ml + 600ml + 1L + 2.5L
- Chia seeds: 5-10 grams
- Agar powder: 13 grams
- Coconut milk: 400ml
- Rock sugar: 2-3 spoons + 100-150 grams
- Granulated sugar
- Coconut water
- Salt: a little bit
- Lemon: half
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Blend pandan leaves with 400ml water. Refrigerate overnight. Strain, keeping only the green essence (approx. 30-40ml).
- Wash aloe vera leaves thoroughly (10-15 times). Peel and cut into cubes.
- Boil 1L of water with lemon and salt. Blanch aloe vera for 1-2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For extra crispness, immediately soak in ice water.
- Wash chia seeds and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to expand.
Step 2. Make the Jelly and Aloe Vera Syrup
- Mix agar powder, coconut milk, rock sugar, granulated sugar, coconut water, pandan essence, and 600ml of water. Let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Cook the jelly mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth (about 7-10 minutes).
- Boil 2.5-3 liters of water with pandan leaves and 100-150 grams of rock sugar. Add blanched aloe vera and cook for 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice water.
Step 3. Assemble the Drink
- Layer the jelly, aloe vera, and chia seeds in a bottle or jar.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for 5-7 days before serving.
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Tips
- Soaking the pandan essence overnight prevents bitterness and yields a more attractive green color.
- Use agar-agar jelly for a chewy texture or a crispy jelly for a different experience.
- Use fresh coconut milk for a richer flavor, or canned for convenience.
- Don't overcook the aloe vera; it should be crisp, not mushy.
- Soaking chia seeds in cold water is key to preventing them from becoming mushy.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the rock sugar with other sweeteners?
Yes, you can use granulated sugar or honey instead of rock sugar, but the taste might be slightly different. Rock sugar provides a unique subtle sweetness.
2. Where can I find pandan jelly?
Pandan jelly is readily available at Asian grocery stores or online retailers. You can sometimes find it in the international aisle of larger supermarkets.
3. How long can I store the finished drink?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chia seeds will absorb more liquid over time, so the consistency may change slightly.
This Aloe Vera Rock Sugar drink is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day, offering a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary drinks. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a truly delightful experience, and the simple recipe is easy to follow for even the most novice cooks. Enjoy this vibrant and delicious beverage all summer long!