Sour Plum Calamansi Drink is a refreshing and tangy beverage with a unique combination of flavors. The drink begins with the bright and citrusy aroma of calamansi limes, a small citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. As you cut the calamansi limes and squeeze their juice, a burst of fresh, zesty fragrance fills the air, awakening your senses. These preserved plums offer a complex flavor profile, with hints of sourness balanced by a subtle sweetness and savory undertones. Crushing the sour plums releases their intense flavor, infusing the drink with their unique essence.
To balance the tartness of the calamansi juice and sour plums, honey or sugar is added, bringing a touch of sweetness to the mix. The amount of sweetener can be adjusted according to personal preference, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that appeals to your taste buds.
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WHAT IS CALAMANSI?
Calamansi, also known as calamondin or Philippine lime, is a small citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines. It resembles a small tangerine in appearance, with a thin, smooth, and bright orange skin. The fruit is typically round or slightly oval-shaped, averaging about the size of a golf ball.
The flesh of the calamansi is juicy and divided into small segments, similar to other citrus fruits like oranges or lemons. It has a tangy and acidic flavor, resembling a combination of lime and mandarin orange. The juice of the calamansi is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a souring agent in dishes like marinades, sauces, and beverages.
Calamansi is prized for its refreshing citrus flavor and versatility in culinary applications. It is also popular for its use in beverages, including refreshing drinks, cocktails, and as a flavoring for teas and juices. Additionally, calamansi is valued for its aromatic zest, which can be grated or thinly sliced and used to add citrusy flavor to various dishes.
In addition to its culinary uses, calamansi is also recognized for its potential health benefits, as it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The fruit is often consumed fresh or used in traditional remedies and herbal medicines for its purported immune-boosting and detoxifying properties.
Overall, calamansi is a beloved fruit in Southeast Asia, prized for its vibrant flavor, culinary versatility, and potential health benefits.
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTES
Ingredient quantities please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!
- Rock Sugar – Rock sugar is a type of crystallized sugar that is less processed than granulated sugar. It has a milder sweetness and subtle caramel flavor compared to regular sugar. If you don’t have rock sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar or brown sugar. Adjust the amount to taste, as the sweetness level may vary.
- Sour Plums – Sour plums, also known as preserved plums or salted plums, are dried plums that have been preserved with salt and other seasonings. They add a tangy and savory flavor to the drink. If you can’t find sour plums, you can substitute them with tamarind paste or lime juice for a similar tangy taste.
- Calamansi – Calamansi is a small citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia, known for its tart and acidic flavor. If you can’t find calamansi, you can substitute it with a combination of lime and mandarin orange juice. Use equal parts lime juice and mandarin orange juice to mimic the flavor of calamansi.
- Cold Water – Cold water is used to dilute the drink and adjust the consistency to your liking. You can substitute it with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy version of the drink, or with chilled green tea for a different flavor profile.
RECIPES TIPS
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the drink after adding the rock sugar or sweetener and adjust according to your preference. Some people prefer a sweeter drink, while others enjoy it more tart. You can always add more sugar if needed.
- Select Ripe Calamansi: Choose calamansi fruits that are ripe for the best flavor. Ripe calamansi will be slightly soft to the touch and have a vibrant orange color. Avoid using overly ripe or bruised fruits, as they may affect the taste of the drink.
- Soak Sour Plums: If the sour plums are too salty or intense in flavor, you can soak them in water for a few minutes before using them in the recipe. This can help to mellow out the flavor and make it more balanced.
- Strain the Drink: Straining the drink after blending will remove any pulp or seeds from the calamansi and sour plums, resulting in a smoother texture. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the drink into a pitcher or serving jug.
- Serve Chilled: Chill the Sour Plum Calamansi Drink in the refrigerator before serving, or add ice cubes directly to the drink to make it cold and refreshing. Serving it chilled enhances the refreshing quality of the drink, making it perfect for hot days or as a thirst-quenching beverage.
- Garnish: For a decorative touch, garnish the drink with a slice of calamansi or a whole sour plum before serving. This adds visual appeal to the drink and can make it more enticing to drink.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adjusting the ingredient quantities or adding other flavorings such as ginger or mint. Make it your own by customizing it to suit your taste preferences.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Full recipes and Thermomix® instructions please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients needed for the drink. Wash the calamansi thoroughly and cut them in half. Remove any seeds from the sour plums if necessary.
- Muddle Sour Plums and Rock Sugar: Place the sour plums and rock sugar in a sturdy pitcher or large mixing bowl. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush the sour plums and rock sugar together until the sugar begins to dissolve and the plums release their flavor.
- Squeeze Calamansi Juice: Squeeze the juice from the calamansi halves into the pitcher or mixing bowl with the crushed sour plums and rock sugar. Use a citrus reamer or juicer to extract as much juice as possible from the calamansi.
- Add Cold Water: Pour the cold water into the pitcher or mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the rock sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Strain the Drink: If desired, strain the drink through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or seeds from the calamansi and sour plums. This step is optional if you prefer a pulpier texture in your drink.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Sour Plum Calamansi Drink for at least 1 hour to chill it thoroughly. Alternatively, you can serve it immediately over ice cubes for instant refreshment.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish the drink with slices of calamansi or whole sour plums for a decorative touch. Serve the drink cold and enjoy its refreshing and tangy flavor!
WHAT ELSE TO SERVE WITH ?
Sour Plum Calamansi Drink pairs well with a variety of snacks and dishes. Here are some suggestions for what else you can serve with it:
- Savory Appetizers: Offer some savory appetizers to balance the tangy flavor of the drink. Consider serving items like spring rolls, dumplings, or vegetable skewers with a dipping sauce.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve a platter of fresh fruit alongside the drink for a refreshing and healthy option. Sliced oranges, pineapple, watermelon, or berries would complement the citrusy flavors of the calamansi.
- Assorted Nuts: Provide a bowl of assorted nuts such as almonds, cashews, or peanuts for a crunchy and satisfying snack that contrasts nicely with the drink’s tanginess.
- Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter with a selection of cheeses, crackers, and olives. The creamy and salty flavors of the cheese will pair well with the tartness of the drink.
- Light Sandwiches: Offer light sandwiches or finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, or turkey and avocado. These options provide a satisfying bite without overpowering the drink.
- Sweet Treats: Finish off the meal with some sweet treats like cookies, brownies, or fruit tarts. The dessert’s sweetness will complement the tangy flavor of the drink.
- Asian Snacks: Consider serving some traditional Asian snacks such as rice crackers, seaweed snacks, or shrimp chips. These snacks offer unique flavors that can enhance the overall dining experience.
These are just a few ideas for what to serve alongside Sour Plum Calamansi Drink. Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences and dietary restrictions to create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining or snacking experience.
MADE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS
To prepare Sour Plum Calamansi Drink ahead of time, follow these instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Measure out the rock sugar, sour plums, calamansi, and cold water according to the recipe.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher or container, combine the rock sugar and sour plums. Optionally, you can crush the sour plums slightly to release their flavor.
- Add Calamansi and Water: Squeeze the juice from the calamansi into the pitcher, being careful to remove any seeds. Then, pour in the cold water.
- Mix Well: Stir the mixture well to dissolve the rock sugar and mix the ingredients evenly. Make sure the sour plums are submerged in the liquid.
- Refrigerate: Cover the pitcher or container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the drink chill for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Strain (Optional): Before serving, you may choose to strain the drink to remove any pulp or seeds from the calamansi and sour plums. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the liquid into a clean pitcher or serving jug.
- Serve: Once chilled and strained, the Sour Plum Calamansi Drink is ready to be served. Pour it into glasses filled with ice cubes and garnish with a slice of calamansi or a whole sour plum, if desired.
By following these steps, you can easily prepare Sour Plum Calamansi Drink ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing and tangy beverage with minimal effort when serving.
STORAGE & REHEATING
Storage:
- Refrigeration: After making the drink, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container or pitcher. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it chilled and maintain its freshness.
- Duration: Sour Plum Calamansi Drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it’s best to consume it within the first day or two for optimal flavor and quality.
Serving / Reheating:
- Cold Serving: Sour Plum Calamansi Drink is typically served cold, so reheating may not be necessary. If you prefer to serve it chilled, simply pour it into glasses filled with ice cubes and enjoy.
- Room Temperature: If the drink has been refrigerated and you’d like to serve it at room temperature, allow it to sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Give it a gentle stir to redistribute any settled ingredients.
- Warm Serving: If you’d like to serve the drink warm or at a slightly higher temperature, you can gently heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Transfer the desired amount of drink into a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave-safe container in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Avoid Boiling: Do not bring Sour Plum Calamansi Drink to a boil when reheating, as this may affect its flavor and texture. Heat it gently until just warmed through.
By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can ensure that your Sour Plum Calamansi Drink remains fresh, flavorful, and enjoyable, whether served cold, at room temperature, or warmed up to your preference.
RECIPES FAQS
Can I use fresh plums instead of sour plums?
Sour plums, also known as preserved plums or salted plums, provide a unique tangy flavor to the drink. While fresh plums may not offer the same intensity of flavor, you can experiment with using them if sour plums are unavailable. Adjust the sweetness and tartness of the drink accordingly.
Can I substitute calamansi with lemon or lime?
Calamansi has a distinct flavor that is a cross between lime and mandarin orange. While lemon or lime juice can be substituted, the flavor profile may differ slightly. Use equal parts lemon or lime juice to mimic the tartness of calamansi.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
The sweetness of the drink can be adjusted by varying the amount of rock sugar or sweetener used. Taste the drink after adding the sugar and adjust according to your preference. You can also use honey or other sweeteners instead of rock sugar.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, Sour Plum Calamansi Drink can be prepared ahead of time. Follow the recipe instructions, store the drink in the refrigerator, and serve it chilled when ready. Strain the drink before serving if desired.
Can I store leftovers?
Leftover Sour Plum Calamansi Drink can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, it’s best to consume it within the first day or two for optimal freshness and flavor.
Can I serve this drink warm?
While Sour Plum Calamansi Drink is typically served cold, you can gently heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave if desired. Avoid boiling the drink, as this may affect its flavor and texture.
What can I serve with Sour Plum Calamansi Drink?
Sour Plum Calamansi Drink pairs well with a variety of snacks and dishes, including savory appetizers, fresh fruit platters, cheese platters, and light sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired snacks for a complete meal experience.
Can I adjust the portion size of the recipes?
You can adjust this recipe to double portion. By clicking the serving size in the recipe in recipes card!
If you can find the exact portion that you like, you can, also, adjust this in manual mode. Please do not pass the max line indicated inside of the mixing bowl. The capacity of the mixing bowl is 2.2 liters.
This recipes is compatible with which model of Thermomix®?
This recipes suitable for TM31 / TM5 / TM6
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Thermomix® TM6RM7,488.00
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RECIPES CARD
Sour Plum Calamansi Drink
A Sour Plum Calamansi Drink is a refreshing and tangy beverage made from a combination of sour plums (ume or Chinese sour plums) and calamansi juice. It's a popular drink in some Asian countries, especially in places where calamansi, a small citrus fruit similar to a lime, is readily available.
Place rock sugar and sour plums in mixing bowl, grind Turbo | 2 sec | 2 times
Add calamansi and water, blend Turbo | 2 sec | 1 time. Insert simmering basket, hold it in place with spatula and strain calamansi drink into a jug. Serve cold.
Ingredients
Directions
Place rock sugar and sour plums in mixing bowl, grind Turbo | 2 sec | 2 times
Add calamansi and water, blend Turbo | 2 sec | 1 time. Insert simmering basket, hold it in place with spatula and strain calamansi drink into a jug. Serve cold.
