Calamansi juice drink a totally refreshing, citrusy drink packed with vitamin C and bursting with tropical flavor! This Filipino classic is both tangy and sweet, almost like tangerines meet lemons, making it a perfect thirst-quencher for hot days or a natural remedy for colds and sore throats.
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I was lucky to grow up with my Tita having the biggest calamansi tree on her property. I loved picking the calamansi fruit, sometimes so juicy it would squeeze as I picked it.
The calamansi drink was delicious!
What is Calamansi Juice?
Calamansi juice is a popular citrus drink in the Philippines, made from the juice of calamansi, a small green fruit similar to lime but with a unique sweet-tart flavor. Sometimes, people call calamansi Filipino lime.
This drink is often served chilled as a refreshing beverage or warm as a soothing tea to relieve colds and sore throats, plus you can adjust the sweetness level.
Health Benefits of Calamansi Juice Drink
- Rich in Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and fights colds.
- Aids Digestion – Helps with acid reflux and bloating.
- Detoxifying – Flushes out toxins and supports liver health.
- Good for Skin – Brightens complexion and promotes collagen production.
- Refreshing & Hydrating – Perfect for hot weather or post-workout refreshment.
Where to buy calamansi?
If you don’t have the calamansi tree, you can easily find this fruit at any Filipino food store.
Taste of Calamansi and Calamansi Juice
- Citrusy Flavor: A bright and zesty flavor profile.
- Sweet-Tart Balance: Combines sweetness with a tangy, sour note.
- Refreshing Aftertaste: Leaves a light, invigorating finish.
- Unique Complexity: A harmonious blend reminiscent of lime and tangerine.
- Mild Bitterness: Subtle, pleasant bitterness that enhances the overall taste.
- Versatile Pairing: Complements a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 10-12 calamansi fruits (or about ½ cup of fresh calamansi juice)
- 2 cups cold water
- 3 tbsp honey, blue agave syrup, or simple syrup (adjust to taste) – dissolve 1:1 sugar to water to make simple syrup
- ice cubes – when serving
- 1 small pinch salt
Equipment
- Citrus juicer or handheld strainer
- Pitcher or mixing bowl
- Spoon for stirring
- Serving glasses
Instructions
Prepare the Calamansi
- Wash the calamansi thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides.
- Cut each calamansi in half and squeeze out the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand over a strainer to remove seeds.
Mix the Juice
- In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed calamansi juice with cold water.
- Add honey, simple syrup, or your preferred sweetener and stir well until dissolved.
- Add a pinch of salt (optional) to enhance the citrus flavor.
Serve & Enjoy
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the calamansi juice over the ice.
- Garnish with a slice of calamansi or smashed mint leaves for extra freshness. Enjoy chilled!
Variations & Add-Ins
- Warm Calamansi Tea: Use hot water instead of cold and add ginger for a soothing drink.
- Sparkling Calamansi Juice: Replace water with soda water or sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- Tropical Blend: Mix calamansi juice with pineapple juice or mango puree for a fruity upgrade.
- Sampalok (Tamarind) Twist: Add 1 tbsp of tamarind paste (sampalok) for a tangy-sweet variation with a deeper, richer flavor.
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh basil or mint leaves for an aromatic boost.
How to Serve Calamansi Juice Drink
- As a Refreshing Drink: Serve chilled with ice on a hot day.
- As a Detox Morning Drink: Drink warm calamansi water on an empty stomach. Reduce the sugar for a more healthy glow potion. A great way to start the day with a vitamin C boost.
- As a Party Beverage: Make a large batch and serve as a punch bowl drink with citrus slices.
- Cocktail Mixer: Use calamansi juice as a base for tropical cocktails like calamansi mojito or calamansi margarita.
- Lunch & Dinner – Complements rich or fried Filipino dishes like lechon kawali, pork sisig, or adobo.
- Post-Workout – Hydrating and refreshing after exercise.
- Cold & Flu Season – Helps soothe sore throats and boost immunity.
- Hot Summer Days – Perfect for cooling down under the sun!
Calamansi juice drink is one of the simplest yet most refreshing beverages you can make at home. Whether you enjoy it cold, warm, sparkling, or with a unique sampalok (tamarind) twist, this citrus drink is packed with health benefits and tropical, lip-smacking, Filipino style goodness!
Calamansi Fruit Drink
Equipment
- Citrus juicer or handheld strainer
- Pitcher or mixing bowl
- Spoon for stirring
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- 10-12 calamansi fruits or about ½ cup of fresh calamansi juice
- 2 cups cold water
- 3 tbsp honey blue agave syrup, or simple syrup (adjust to taste) – dissolve 1:1 sugar to water to make simple syrup
- 1 small pinch salt
- ice cubes
Instructions
Prepare the Calamansi
- Wash the calamansi thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides. Cut each calamansi in half and squeeze out the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand over a strainer to remove seeds.
Mix the Juice
- In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed calamansi juice with cold water. Add honey, simple syrup, or your preferred sweetener and stir well until dissolved.10-12 calamansi fruits, 2 cups cold water, 3 tbsp honey
- Add a pinch of salt (optional) to enhance the citrus flavor.1 small pinch salt
Serve & Enjoy
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the calamansi juice over the ice. Garnish with a slice of calamansi or smashed mint leaves for extra freshness. Enjoy chilled!ice cubes
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