🇨🇳 China · Drinks
Refreshing Winter Melon Tea (Dong Gua Cha)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇨🇳 CNQuench your thirst with the subtly sweet and incredibly refreshing Winter Melon Tea, a popular cooling beverage from Southern China. This clear, golden drink offers a unique earthy sweetness and is renowned for its purported cooling properties, making it ideal for hot weather.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare 1kg of winter melon by washing it thoroughly. Using a sturdy knife, carefully remove the dark green skin and scoop out the seeds and fibrous core. Cut the peeled winter melon flesh into 2-3 cm cubes.
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cubed winter melon with 300g of Chinese rock sugar. Stir well to coat the winter melon evenly with the sugar.
- 3
Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, at room temperature. During this time, the sugar will draw out natural juices from the winter melon, creating a syrup at the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Add 1.5 litres of fresh cold water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. The winter melon should become translucent and very tender, and the liquid will turn a light golden color and thicken slightly.
- 6
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down slightly. Using a potato masher or a sturdy spoon, gently mash the cooked winter melon pieces directly in the pot to release more flavor. Don't mash it completely, just enough to break it down.
- 7
Strain the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or container, pressing firmly on the solids with the back of a ladle to extract all the flavorful liquid. Discard the spent winter melon pulp.
- 8
Allow the Winter Melon Tea concentrate to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator. Serve cold over ice. You can dilute it with a little more water if it's too sweet or concentrated for your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of rock sugar?+
While rock sugar is traditional and imparts a smoother, less cloying sweetness, you can substitute it with granulated sugar. You might need to adjust the quantity to achieve the same level of sweetness.
What if I can't find fresh winter melon?+
Some Asian supermarkets sell frozen winter melon cubes or dried winter melon strips, which can be used, though fresh is always best for flavor and texture. Follow package instructions for rehydration if using dried.
How long does homemade Winter Melon Tea last?+
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Winter Melon Tea can last for up to one week. It's best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Can I add other ingredients for flavor?+
Yes, some variations include a few dried longan fruits or a pandan leaf during simmering for added fragrance and sweetness. Be careful not to overpower the delicate winter melon flavor.
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