🇨🇳 China · Drinks
Traditional Sour Plum Drink (Suan Mei Tang)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇨🇳 CNDiscover the refreshing and appetite-stimulating delights of Suan Mei Tang, a beloved traditional Chinese beverage. This amber-hued drink, with its unique balance of sweet, sour, and smoky notes, is perfect for cooling down on a hot day or complementing rich meals.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Gather your dried ingredients: 50g dried sour plums (wumei), 30g dried hawthorn berries (shan zha), 5g dried liquorice root, and 5g dried tangerine peel. Rinse them briefly under cold water to remove any dust or impurities.
- 2
Place all the rinsed dried ingredients into a large non-reactive pot. Add 2 litres of fresh cold water, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 30-45 minutes. This slow simmer is key to extracting maximum flavor and beneficial properties.
- 4
After simmering, add 100-150g of Chinese rock sugar to the pot. Stir well until the rock sugar is completely dissolved, adjusting the sweetness to your personal preference. A little more sugar might be needed if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- 5
Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes after adding the sugar, allowing the flavors to meld and the drink to become more concentrated. The liquid should develop a rich, dark amber color.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or heatproof container, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
- 7
Allow the Suan Mei Tang to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. For the best experience, chill it thoroughly for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
- 8
Serve chilled over ice, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint if desired. This drink is particularly refreshing after a heavy meal or on a warm afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the dried ingredients for Suan Mei Tang?+
These dried ingredients, such as sour plums, hawthorn berries, and liquorice root, can typically be found in Chinese herbal medicine shops or the dried goods section of large Asian supermarkets.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?+
Absolutely. The amount of rock sugar can be adjusted to your taste. Start with 100g and add more in small increments until you reach your desired sweetness level.
What gives Suan Mei Tang its smoky flavor?+
The traditional smoky flavor comes from using smoked sour plums (wumei). If you can't find smoked ones, you can use regular dried sour plums, but the smoky note will be less prominent.
How long can I store Suan Mei Tang?+
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Suan Mei Tang can last for up to 5-7 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
