11 Non-Alcoholic Chinese Drinks You Have to Try in China
Exploring non-alcoholic Chinese drinks provides a delightful glimpse into the country’s diverse beverage culture, featuring a range of flavors, ingredients, and health benefits. Here are 11 non-alcoholic Chinese drinks that are popular and worth trying:
- Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶)
- Made from dried chrysanthemum flowers steeped in hot water, this herbal tea is known for its refreshing floral aroma and light, slightly sweet taste. It’s often enjoyed hot or cold and is believed to have cooling properties.
- Green Tea (绿茶)
- Green tea is a staple in Chinese culture, celebrated for its fresh, grassy flavor and numerous health benefits. It’s brewed from unoxidized tea leaves and is widely consumed throughout China.
- Oolong Tea (乌龙茶)
- Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation levels, offering a complex flavor profile with floral, fruity, and sometimes nutty notes. It’s particularly popular in Fujian and Guangdong provinces.
- Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)
- Originating in Taiwan but widely enjoyed in China, bubble tea combines tea (often black or green tea) with milk and tapioca pearls. It’s served cold with a wide straw for drinking the chewy pearls.
- Soy Milk (豆浆)
- Freshly made soy milk is a common breakfast drink in China, known for its creamy texture and nutty flavor. It can be enjoyed plain or sweetened and is often paired with deep-fried dough sticks (youtiao).
- Luo Han Guo (罗汉果) Drink
- Made from the dried fruit of the monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii), this drink is naturally sweet without the addition of sugar. It’s believed to have cooling properties and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Hawthorn Berry Drink (山楂汁)
- Hawthorn berries are known for their tart flavor and are often made into a refreshing drink in China. It can be sweetened and enjoyed cold, and is believed to aid digestion.
- Plum Juice (酸梅汤)
- Plum juice, or sour plum soup, is a popular drink during hot summers. It combines sour plums with sugar and water to create a tangy and refreshing beverage that helps quench thirst.
- Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶)
- Winter melon tea is made from the juice of winter melon, a type of gourd, combined with rock sugar. It has a mild, soothing flavor and is often served chilled or with ice cubes.
- Red Date Tea (红枣茶)
- Red dates (jujubes) are simmered in water to create a sweet and nutritious tea. It’s believed to promote vitality and overall health, making it a popular drink during the winter months.
- Sour Plum Juice (酸梅汤)
- Sour plum juice is a tangy and refreshing drink made from preserved sour plums, sugar, and water. It’s especially popular in summer for its cooling properties and unique flavor.
These non-alcoholic Chinese drinks offer a taste of traditional flavors, cultural significance, and health benefits, making them enjoyable choices for both locals and tourists exploring China’s beverage scene.
