🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍷 Drinks > 🇨🇳 China Drinks > 🍷 1.Chinese Sour Plum Drink (Suanmeitang)
🍷 Refreshing Chinese Sour Plum Drink (Suanmeitang): A Traditional Summer Favorite
Published by Supakorn | Updated: November 2026
🧊🍑 Introduction – Discover Chinese Sour Plum Drink: Authentic China Refreshing Beverage
When the summer heat arrives, few things feel better than a cold, refreshing drink with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. In China, one traditional beverage has been enjoyed for generations as a delicious way to cool down: Chinese Sour Plum Drink, also known as Suanmeitang (酸梅汤).
This beautiful deep reddish-brown beverage is especially popular during hot summer months. It is commonly enjoyed in Chinese restaurants, traditional eateries, street food areas, and homes. Whether someone is exploring the bustling streets of Beijing, visiting historic neighborhoods in Shanghai, or enjoying a traditional meal in northern China, Suanmeitang is a familiar taste that connects everyday food culture with generations of culinary tradition.
Unlike ordinary fruit drinks, Chinese Sour Plum Drink has a distinctive flavor created by combining smoked Chinese plums, dried hawthorn, licorice root, and a touch of rock sugar. The result is a wonderfully balanced beverage that tastes fruity, slightly tangy, gently sweet, and pleasantly aromatic.
Its popularity has also spread beyond China, particularly among people who enjoy Asian cuisine and traditional homemade beverages. Today, you can find versions of this refreshing drink in Chinese restaurants and Asian grocery stores around the world.
The best part? You do not need special equipment or professional cooking skills to prepare it.
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Chinese preparation method but has been adapted with practical measurements and straightforward instructions so you can recreate the experience in your own kitchen.
We will use authentic-style ingredients, explain how to extract their flavors properly, and share useful preparation tips for getting that beautiful balance of sweet and sour.
Ready to bring a little Chinese summer tradition into your home? Let's make a delicious batch of Suanmeitang together!
🍹 Authentic Chinese Sour Plum Drink (Suanmeitang) Recipe
🥢 Culinary Background & Flavor Profile
Suanmeitang is one of China's best-known traditional fruit-based beverages. Its name literally translates to sour plum soup, although it is generally served as a chilled drink rather than a thick soup.
The beverage is traditionally associated with Chinese summer food culture, particularly in northern China. It has long been appreciated as a refreshing accompaniment to everyday meals, especially when temperatures become uncomfortable.
One of its defining characteristics is the use of wumei (乌梅), or smoked Chinese plums. These dried fruits provide a concentrated sour flavor with a subtle smoky depth. They are different from fresh plums and are an important ingredient in creating the recognizable taste of traditional Suanmeitang.
Another essential ingredient is dried hawthorn, which contributes a fruity tartness and gives the drink additional complexity. Licorice root introduces a gentle natural sweetness, while rock sugar softens the sharper flavors and creates a smooth finish.
Some traditional preparations also include dried osmanthus flowers. These tiny golden blossoms contribute a delicate floral fragrance that makes the finished beverage especially inviting.
The flavor profile is easy to understand:
✦ Sweet: Rock sugar rounds out the natural tartness.
✦ Sour: Smoked plums and hawthorn create the signature tangy character.
✦ Fruity: Dried fruits provide a deep, concentrated flavor.
✦ Aromatic: Licorice and optional osmanthus add gentle fragrance.
✦ Refreshing: Chilling the finished drink creates a crisp, satisfying experience.
The color usually ranges from deep amber-red to dark reddish-brown, depending on the ingredients and brewing strength.
A good homemade Suanmeitang should not taste overwhelmingly sweet or aggressively sour. Instead, the different ingredients should work together to create a smooth, layered flavor.
🛒 Essential Ingredients & Precise Measurements
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, with enough drink to fill four medium glasses.
For the most authentic flavor, look for Chinese dried ingredients at an Asian grocery store or a Chinese herbal food shop. Choose food-grade ingredients intended for culinary use.
✨ Main Fruit & Herbal Ingredients
◦ Smoked Chinese plums (Wumei): 40 grams – The most important ingredient. They provide the characteristic sourness and deep fruity flavor.
◦ Dried hawthorn slices: 25 grams – Add a pleasant tartness and a slightly fruity aroma.
◦ Dried licorice root: 5 grams – Provides gentle sweetness and helps balance the sharper fruit flavors.
◦ Dried osmanthus flowers: 1 teaspoon – Optional, but recommended for a delicate floral fragrance.
◦ Fresh water: 1.5 liters – The main liquid used to extract the flavors from the dried ingredients.
✨ Sweetening Ingredients
◦ Chinese rock sugar: 80 grams – Creates a smooth sweetness without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
◦ Additional rock sugar: Up to 20 grams – Keep this amount available if you prefer a sweeter drink.
✨ Serving Ingredients
◦ Ice cubes: As needed – For serving the beverage cold.
◦ Chilled filtered water: Up to 100 milliliters – Optional, for adjusting the strength if the finished drink tastes too concentrated.
◦ A small pinch of dried osmanthus flowers: Optional – For a fragrant finishing touch.
✨ Ingredient Selection Tips
When buying smoked Chinese plums, choose fruits with a naturally dark appearance and a pleasant sour-fruity aroma. Avoid ingredients with unusual odors, visible mold, or excessive moisture.
Dried hawthorn should have a clean reddish appearance and a pleasantly fruity smell. Licorice root should be food-grade and free from foreign materials.
Rock sugar is a traditional choice because it dissolves easily during simmering and produces a clean, rounded sweetness.
If you cannot find dried osmanthus, simply leave it out. The drink will still have its characteristic Suanmeitang flavor.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Brewing & Preparation Instructions
Making traditional-style Chinese Sour Plum Drink is straightforward. The most important things are washing the dried ingredients, allowing enough soaking time, and controlling the simmering temperature.
Follow these steps for a flavorful homemade result.
Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Dried Ingredients
Place the smoked Chinese plums, dried hawthorn slices, and licorice root in a large bowl.
Rinse everything briefly under cool running water to remove loose dust and small particles.
Do not scrub the ingredients aggressively because some of their natural surface characteristics contribute to the final flavor.
Transfer the cleaned ingredients into a large saucepan.
Step 2: Soak the Ingredients
Pour approximately 1.5 liters of fresh water into the saucepan.
Make sure all the dried ingredients are completely submerged.
Allow them to soak for 30–45 minutes.
This soaking period helps soften the dried fruits and prepares them to release their flavor more effectively during simmering.
You may notice the water beginning to develop a light reddish-brown color. This is perfectly normal.
Step 3: Begin the Brewing Process
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once small bubbles begin appearing across the surface, reduce the heat to low.
Avoid maintaining a vigorous boil because excessive heat can cause too much evaporation and make the finished drink overly concentrated.
Step 4: Simmer to Extract the Flavors
Allow the ingredients to simmer gently for approximately 30–35 minutes.
Keep the saucepan partially covered to reduce unnecessary evaporation.
During this stage, the water will gradually become darker, and the aromas of the smoked plums, hawthorn, and licorice will become more noticeable.
Stir gently once or twice if necessary.
The goal is to extract the natural flavors without cooking the mixture too aggressively.
Step 5: Add the Rock Sugar
After the initial simmering period, add 80 grams of Chinese rock sugar.
Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Taste a small spoonful of the liquid after allowing it to cool slightly.
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little more rock sugar, up to the additional 20 grams.
Remember that chilling can change how strongly you perceive sweetness, so avoid adding too much sugar at this stage.
Step 6: Add the Osmanthus Flowers
Turn off the heat.
Add 1 teaspoon of dried osmanthus flowers to the warm liquid.
Allow them to steep for approximately 5 minutes.
This short infusion provides a subtle floral fragrance without making the drink taste overly perfumed.
If you prefer a more traditional fruit-focused flavor, you can skip this ingredient.
Step 7: Strain the Beverage
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl or another clean container.
Carefully pour the liquid through the strainer.
Remove the spent dried fruits and herbal ingredients.
For an especially smooth texture, strain the liquid a second time through a fine sieve.
Do not press the ingredients too aggressively because doing so may introduce unwanted sediment into the finished drink.
Step 8: Cool the Drink Safely
Allow the strained beverage to cool slightly.
Transfer it into a clean, heatproof storage container if necessary.
For faster cooling, place the container in a cold-water bath, making sure that outside water cannot enter the drink.
Once it is no longer steaming hot, refrigerate it promptly.
Allow at least 2–3 hours of chilling time for the flavors to settle and the drink to become thoroughly cold.
Step 9: Adjust the Flavor Before Serving
Remove the chilled beverage from the refrigerator and taste it.
If the flavor is too concentrated, add a small amount of chilled filtered water.
If it tastes too tart, dissolve a little additional rock sugar in a small amount of warm water, cool it, and mix it into the drink.
If it tastes too sweet, add a little chilled water to bring the flavor back into balance.
Step 10: Serve Your Homemade Suanmeitang
Fill four serving glasses with ice cubes.
Pour the chilled Chinese Sour Plum Drink over the ice.
For an attractive presentation, garnish with a few dried osmanthus flowers if desired.
Serve immediately while cold.
Your homemade Chinese Sour Plum Drink is now ready to enjoy!
⭐ Chef's Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
A successful Suanmeitang recipe depends on the quality of the dried ingredients and how carefully their flavors are extracted.
Here are some practical kitchen tips to help you achieve a delicious result every time.
1. Choose Authentic Smoked Chinese Plums
Wumei is the defining ingredient of traditional Suanmeitang. Regular dried plums or fresh plums are not exact substitutes because they have different moisture levels and flavor characteristics.
If possible, purchase genuine food-grade Chinese smoked plums from a reputable Asian grocery store.
2. Do Not Skip the Soaking Period
Soaking allows the dried ingredients to absorb water before heating.
This helps them soften and release their flavors more evenly during cooking.
Although it may be tempting to skip this step when you are in a hurry, allowing 30–45 minutes for soaking can improve the final result.
3. Keep the Heat Gentle
One common mistake is boiling the mixture too vigorously.
High heat can evaporate too much water, resulting in an overly concentrated beverage.
A gentle simmer is the better approach because it gives the ingredients enough time to release their flavors.
4. Balance Sweetness and Sourness
Suanmeitang should have a noticeable tangy character, but it should not make your mouth uncomfortable.
Rock sugar helps soften the tartness of the smoked plums and hawthorn.
Start with the recommended amount and adjust gradually after tasting.
5. Do Not Overuse Licorice Root
Licorice has a distinctive natural sweetness and a recognizable flavor.
Adding too much can overwhelm the fruity character of the drink.
Stick to the recommended 5 grams for this batch.
6. Strain Carefully
Small particles from dried fruits and herbs can affect the smoothness of your beverage.
Use a fine-mesh strainer, and strain twice if necessary.
A clean, smooth drink makes the finished result more enjoyable.
7. Give the Drink Enough Chilling Time
Suanmeitang is particularly enjoyable when thoroughly chilled.
Refrigeration also allows the different flavors to settle together.
For the best serving experience, prepare it several hours before you plan to enjoy it.
8. Adjust the Recipe to Your Personal Taste
Some people enjoy a sharper sour flavor, while others prefer a sweeter and softer finish.
You can adjust the rock sugar and water slightly without changing the essential character of the recipe.
However, avoid changing the proportions of the main ingredients too dramatically on your first attempt.
9. Use Clean Kitchen Equipment
Always use clean cookware, strainers, storage containers, and serving glasses.
Good kitchen hygiene helps protect the quality of homemade beverages and makes storage more reliable.
🍽️ Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Chinese Sour Plum Drink is wonderfully versatile and works particularly well with meals that feature rich, savory, spicy, or crispy flavors.
In Chinese food culture, beverages are often enjoyed alongside dishes rather than treated as an entirely separate part of the meal.
Here are some delicious ways to serve homemade Suanmeitang.
1. Pair with Chinese Dumplings
Serve a chilled glass alongside steamed or pan-fried dumplings.
The drink's fruity tartness creates a pleasant contrast with savory dumpling fillings.
2. Enjoy with Crispy Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls have a rich, savory filling and a crunchy exterior.
Suanmeitang provides a refreshing flavor contrast that makes the combination especially enjoyable.
3. Serve with Chinese Noodles
Whether you prepare a simple noodle dish or a more flavorful bowl with vegetables and savory toppings, this traditional plum drink makes a lovely companion.
4. Pair with Chinese Roast-Style Dishes
Its tangy flavor works nicely alongside dishes featuring roasted vegetables, tofu, or savory proteins.
The contrast between the chilled drink and warm food makes the meal feel more balanced.
5. Enjoy with Traditional Chinese Snacks
Suanmeitang is also delicious alongside sesame pastries, steamed buns, and other traditional Chinese snacks.
For a casual afternoon serving, pour it into small glasses and enjoy it with a light snack.
Presentation Ideas
For a restaurant-style presentation at home:
Use transparent glasses to show off the beautiful reddish-brown color.
Add fresh ice cubes just before serving.
Garnish lightly with dried osmanthus.
Serve immediately after pouring.
Keep the remaining beverage refrigerated until needed.
The drink is attractive enough to serve at family gatherings, summer lunches, and casual meals with friends.
🐼❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What Is Chinese Sour Plum Drink Made Of?
Traditional Chinese Sour Plum Drink is made primarily from smoked Chinese plums, dried hawthorn, licorice root, water, and rock sugar. Some versions also include dried osmanthus flowers for additional fragrance. The ingredients are simmered together, strained, sweetened, and chilled before serving.
Q2. Can I Make Suanmeitang Without Smoked Chinese Plums?
Smoked Chinese plums are essential for the traditional flavor. Regular dried plums can create a different fruit-based beverage, but they will not produce the same characteristic taste. For an authentic result, try to find food-grade wumei at a Chinese grocery store.
Q3. How Long Can Homemade Chinese Sour Plum Drink Be Stored?
Store the strained drink in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best freshness and flavor, consume it within 2–3 days. Always use clean serving utensils, keep it refrigerated, and discard it if its appearance, smell, or taste changes unexpectedly.
Q4. Can I Adjust the Sweetness of This Traditional Chinese Drink?
Absolutely! You can increase or reduce the rock sugar according to your preference. If you enjoy a stronger sour flavor, use less sugar. If you prefer a sweeter beverage, add a little more gradually. Taste after chilling because cold temperatures can affect how sweetness is perceived.
📝 Recipe Quick Summary
Recipe Name: Traditional Chinese Sour Plum Drink (Suanmeitang)
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Category: Traditional Refreshing Beverage
• Preparation Time: 40–45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 glasses
• Main Ingredients: Smoked Chinese plums, dried hawthorn, licorice root, rock sugar, and water.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, sour, fruity, and lightly aromatic.
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving Temperature: Chilled
Key Preparation Reminder: Soak the dried ingredients before simmering, keep the heat low, strain thoroughly, and refrigerate before serving.
❤️ Final Thoughts & Kitchen Inspiration
Chinese Sour Plum Drink is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
With smoked Chinese plums, dried hawthorn, a little licorice root, and rock sugar, you can prepare a traditional Chinese beverage that offers a beautiful combination of fruity sweetness and refreshing tartness.
What makes this recipe particularly enjoyable is its simplicity. You do not need expensive equipment, complicated techniques, or professional cooking experience. A saucepan, a strainer, a few traditional ingredients, and a little patience are all you need.
Preparing Suanmeitang at home is also a lovely way to explore Chinese culinary culture. Every ingredient contributes something different, and the final flavor reflects the thoughtful balance that characterizes many traditional Chinese recipes.
Feel free to experiment with the sweetness, the strength of the fruit flavor, and the amount of water until you discover the version you enjoy most.
You can prepare a batch before a family gathering, serve it during a warm afternoon, or simply keep a chilled container in your refrigerator for whenever you want something fruity and refreshing.
If you try this traditional Chinese Sour Plum Drink recipe, share your cooking experience and let us know how it turned out. Did you prefer a sweeter version or a more pronounced sour flavor?
Your kitchen experiments and personal tips may inspire other home cooks to discover the wonderful world of traditional Chinese beverages.
Happy brewing, and enjoy every refreshing glass!
🏮 Culinary Heritage & Cultural Credit to China
Chinese Sour Plum Drink, or Suanmeitang (酸梅汤), deserves recognition as more than just another homemade fruit beverage. It represents a long-standing tradition of Chinese food culture, ingredient knowledge, and seasonal culinary preferences.
Its history is commonly associated with traditional Chinese beverage-making practices, particularly in northern China. Historical accounts of sour plum preparations are connected with earlier Chinese culinary and court traditions, while the recognizable modern-style beverage became particularly well established in later Chinese food culture.
One of the important characteristics of Suanmeitang is its use of ingredients that have been valued in Chinese culinary traditions for centuries.
Wumei, the smoked Chinese plum, provides the signature sour flavor. Dried hawthorn contributes fruity tartness, while licorice root introduces a gentle sweetness. Rock sugar brings the ingredients together into a balanced drink.
These ingredients reflect the traditional Chinese approach of combining different flavors and aromas to create a harmonious culinary experience.
Suanmeitang is particularly associated with Beijing and other northern Chinese food traditions. It has become a familiar summer beverage in restaurants, traditional food shops, and households. Its popularity reflects the important role that refreshing seasonal drinks play in Chinese dining culture.
However, recipes are not identical everywhere. Different regions, families, and traditional food establishments may adjust the quantities of smoked plums, hawthorn, sugar, and aromatic ingredients according to their own preferences.
Some preparations emphasize a stronger sour flavor, while others are noticeably sweeter and more fragrant.
There is no single modern recipe that represents every regional or family tradition. The version presented in this article is an accessible home-cooking interpretation based on the characteristic ingredients and preparation approach associated with traditional Suanmeitang.
It is important to recognize that this beverage belongs to a much wider Chinese culinary heritage. Its development and popularity reflect the knowledge of generations of cooks, food vendors, and communities who helped preserve traditional methods of preparing seasonal refreshments.
When making Suanmeitang at home, choosing authentic ingredients and respecting their traditional roles is a meaningful way to appreciate that heritage.
This recipe is shared to celebrate Chinese food culture, encourage culinary exploration, and make a traditional regional favorite easier for modern home cooks to prepare.
By enjoying a glass of homemade Chinese Sour Plum Drink, you are experiencing a small but memorable part of China's rich culinary story.
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