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Easy Jamu juice recipe, a traditional Indonesian herbal drink that you might have seen in Bali. Jamu is full of anti-inflammatory and healing properties. A delicious and potent blend of fresh turmeric, ginger, lemon, black pepper and water , jamu juice can be enjoyed in the summer months or served as a hot tea in winter for good health benefits.

If you’ve been scrolling through wellness reels or have travelled to Bali, you’ve probably seen small glasses of bright golden jamu juice everywhere and wondered: What exactly is this drink and does it really do anything?

In this post, I’m breaking down this golden orange wellness shots what jamu juice is, how it’s been used traditionally in Indonesia, what we actually know from research, and of course my easy jamu juice recipe that you can batch prep at home.

As a nutritionist, I’ll also talk about where it fits realistically into a healthy lifestyle and where it doesn’t.

What Is Jamu Juice?

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic made from roots, spices, and herbs – most commonly turmeric and ginger. It has been used for centuries in Java and Bali as part of daily wellness routines, not just as a trendy drink.

There are many styles of jamu, but when people say jamu juice, they usually mean a bright yellow drink made from:

• Fresh turmeric
• Fresh ginger
• Water or coconut water
• Citrus (lemon or lime)
• A touch of natural sweetener
• Sometimes tamarind and lemongrass

Traditionally, jamu is:

• Sold by “jamu ladies” carrying bottles around villages and cities in Java
• Served in small glasses or “shots,” more as a tonic than a big refreshing juice
• Increasingly popular in modern jamu cafés and wellness bars, and now in the US and Europe as well

In short: jamu juice is an Indonesian turmeric ginger wellness drink is warming, earthy, slightly spicy and tangy, with a gentle sweetness.

Jamu Juice Ingredients

Here’s what usually goes into a classic jamu turmeric ginger drink, plus what each ingredient brings to the table.

• Turmeric root: The star of jamu. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 
• Ginger root: Adds heat and spice. Ginger is traditionally used for digestion, nausea, bloating and circulation, and it also has anti-inflammatory actions.
• Lemon or lime juice: Brightens the flavour and adds vitamin C, which supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
• Water or coconut water: The base of the drink. Coconut water adds electrolytes and a mild sweetness, but you can use plain water to keep sugar lower.
• Tamarind: is optional but traditional. Often used in jamu kunyit asam (turmeric tamarind jamu). Tamarind adds a tangy-sweet flavour and brings polyphenols, fibre, and some vitamin C.
• Natural sweetener: honey, maple syrup, palm sugar, coconut sugar, use any of these. Balances turmeric’s bitterness and ginger’s heat. Traditional recipes often use palm sugar or honey.
• Black pepper: Just a pinch. Piperine in black pepper may help increase the absorption of curcumin from turmeric.
• Salt : A tiny pinch can round out the flavour and slightly support hydration.

Jamu Juice Recipe (Turmeric Ginger Drink)

This version is inspired by classic jamu kunyit asam with turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and citrus.

Yield

• Makes about 1 litre / 4 cups
• 4 larger servings, or 8–10 smaller “shots”

Ingredients

• 100 g fresh turmeric root, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about 1 cup sliced)
• 50 g fresh ginger root, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about ½ cup sliced)
• 4 cups (1 litre) water
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste or ¼ cup seedless tamarind pulp soaked in warm water and strained (optional but traditional) 
• Juice of 2 lemons or 4 small limes
• 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, to taste 
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• A small pinch of pink salt (optional)

Instructions

• Prep the turmeric and ginger
  1. Scrub the roots well (turmeric stains, so you may want gloves).
  2. Peel only if the skin is very tough.
  3. Slice thinly so they release more flavour.
• Simmer the roots
  1. Add sliced turmeric, sliced ginger, and 3 cups of water to a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the water turns a deep golden yellow and smells very fragrant.
• Blend with tamarind and seasonings
  1. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  2. Carefully transfer the turmeric, ginger, and cooking liquid to a blender.
  3. Add the remaining 1 cup water, tamarind, black pepper, and salt (if using).
  4. Blend until completely smooth and pulpy.
• Strain
  1. Place a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut-milk bag over a large jug or bowl.
  2. Pour the blended mixture through.
  3. Press or squeeze the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the dry pulp.
• Finish with citrus and sweetener
  1. Stir in fresh lemon/lime juice.
  2. Add honey or other sweetener, starting with 2 tablespoons and tasting as you go. Jamu should taste earthy, spicy, tangy and only gently sweet.
• Chill & serve
  1. Transfer jamu juice to a glass bottle or jar.
  2. Chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
  3. Shake well each time. Turmeric settles at the bottom.

Approximate Nutrition

This will vary based on sweetener and how much pulp you strain out, but roughly For per ½ cup, lightly sweetened:

• Calories: ~40–60
• Carbohydrates: mostly from citrus and sweetener
• A small amount of vitamin C (from lemon/lime) and beneficial plant compounds from turmeric, ginger, and tamarind.

How To Make Jamu Juice Step By Step

Step 1: Slice the roots

Slice the fresh ginger roots and ginger. You can scrub the peel off or let it be. While slicing gloves help with preventing turmeric stains.

Step 2: Simmer

Boil and simmer ginger roots and turmeric in water.

Step 3: Blend

Blend the mixture

Step 4: Strain

Pour the mixture through a sieve or nut-milk bag into a jug.

Step: Finish & serve

Now Serve in a glass add few drops of lemon juice, maple syrup/raw honey and pink salt

Jamu Juice Benefits (Traditional Beliefs vs. Research)

Traditional Benefits People Believe

In Indonesian wellness culture, jamu juice is used to:

• Maintain overall health and immunity
• Support digestion and relieve bloating
• Ease minor aches and pains thanks to anti-inflammatory spices
• Support weight maintenance and keeping the body “light”
• Improve skin appearance and energy

These are traditional beliefs passed down through generations, and many people still drink jamu daily for these reasons.

What Research Says About Key Ingredients

Modern research doesn’t study “jamu juice” as a single drink very much, but it does look at its main ingredients: turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and sometimes lemongrass. 

• Turmeric (curcumin)
  • Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
  • May help with joint discomfort and markers of inflammation when used alongside a healthy lifestyle.
• Ginger
  • Shown in studies to help reduce nausea, bloating, and some types of pain, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Tamarind
  • Contains polyphenols, fibre, and vitamin C.
  • Some evidence suggests benefits for digestion, cholesterol and blood sugar, especially when used as part of a balanced diet.
• Lemongrass (when used)
  • Rich in antioxidants; traditionally used in Southeast Asia for digestion and general wellness.

So jamu juice is not a magic cure, but it’s a concentrated way to enjoy several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients together as part of a healthy lifestyle. 

Is Jamu Juice Good for Weight Loss?

Short answer: jamu juice on its own may not melt fat, but it can support a weight-loss or weight-management plan in a few helpful ways.

Here’s how it can fit into a realistic weight-loss journey:

• It’s naturally low in calories if you keep added sweetener modest.
• It can replace sugary soft drinks or heavy juices, which might otherwise add a lot of extra sugar.
• Ginger and spices may help some people feel less bloated and more comfortable digestively, which can be motivating.

However:

• No herbal drink, including jamu, can burn fat by itself.
• Sustainable weight loss still depends on:
  • A balanced, calorie-appropriate diet (with enough protein and fibre),
  • Movement, sleep, and stress management.

So, Jamu juice can be a smart, low-sugar drink choice inside a healthy routine, but it isn’t a standalone weight-loss trick.

How Often & When To Drink Jamu Juice

There isn’t one strict rule, but these guidelines are a good starting point:

• Serving size:
  • ½ cup (120 ml) at a time is usually enough, especially if the drink is strong.
• Frequency:
  • Many people enjoy jamu a few times per week, and some Indonesians drink it daily.

Best Times To Drink Jamu

• Morning wellness shot
  • 30–60 minutes after waking, ideally with or after a small snack if your stomach is sensitive.
• After meals
  • The ginger and citrus may feel soothing after heavier or greasy meals.
• Pre or post-workout
  • If you make jamu with coconut water, it can double as a light, flavourful hydration drink.

Does Jamu Juice Break a Fast?

• Yes! jamu contains calories, so it does break a strict fast.
• If you follow a more flexible intermittent fasting approach where small amounts of calories are allowed, then it depends on your personal plan. When in doubt, follow the guidelines you or your coach/doctor set for your fasting routine.

General tips:

• Start with a smaller serving (2–3 tablespoons diluted in water) and see how your body responds.
• Avoid overdoing turmeric/ginger just because they’re “healthy”; more is not always better.

Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve tried the basic recipe, play with these twists:

• Kunyit Asam (Turmeric Tamarind Jamu)
  • Use more tamarind and a little extra sweetener for a bold sweet-tart drink.
  • This style is popular for menstrual comfort and weight maintenance in some Indonesian traditions. 
• Lemongrass Jamu
  • Add 1–2 stalks of bruised lemongrass while simmering turmeric and ginger, then remove before blending.
• Coconut Water Jamu
  • Use coconut water for part or all of the liquid to make a more hydrating, lightly sweet version.
• Powder Version (No Fresh Roots)
  • In a pinch, you can use:
    • 2–3 teaspoons ground turmeric,
    • 1–2 teaspoons ground ginger.
  • Simmer in water, strain, and proceed. The flavour is slightly different and can be more intense, so adjust amounts slowly.

Storage, Meal Prep & Serving Ideas

Jamu is perfect for batch prep.

• Fridge storage:
  • Store in a tightly sealed glass bottle or jar in the fridge.
  • Best used within 4–5 days for freshness and flavour.
• Shake before serving:
  • Turmeric settles at the bottom, so always shake or stir.
• Serving ideas:
  • As a small morning shot (30–60 ml).
  • Over ice with extra water for a milder drink.
  • Gently warmed like a herbal tea (don’t boil again after adding citrus).

Jamu vs. Golden Milk vs. Ginger Shots

A quick comparison to help readers choose what they want:

Drink	Base	When to drink	Vibe
Jamu Juice	Water / coconut water + turmeric & ginger	Any time of day, chilled or warm	Light, tangy, spicy wellness tonic
Golden Milk	Milk / plant milk + turmeric & spices	Evening or cosy nighttime drink	Comforting, creamy, latte-style
Ginger Shots	Ginger-heavy juice (often with lemon)	Quick morning “wake up” shot	Very strong, fiery, tiny serving
Turmeric Tea	warm drink with Turmeric ginger and lemon	When you want anti inflammatory warm drink	light and mild in big serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage, Meal Prep & Serving Ideas

Jamu is perfect for Sunday batch prep.

• Fridge storage:
  I store it in a glass bottle or jar with a tight lid. Most recipes suggest it keeps well for up to about a week in the fridge; personally, I prefer to finish it in 4–5 days for best flavour and freshness.
• Always shake:
  Turmeric will settle at the bottom, so I shake or stir every time before pouring.
• Serving ideas:
  • As a small morning shot
  • Over ice with extra water for a milder drink
  • Gently warmed in a mug on cooler days (I don’t re-boil it after adding citrus)

More Such Recipes

• Yerba Mate Tea Recipe
• Russian Tea Recipe with Tang
• Tummy Tea Recipe
• Butterfly Blue Pea Iced Tea Recipe
• Hibiscus Tea
• Kashmiri Kahwa Tea
• Indian Kadha Tea
• CFC Tea- Cumin, Fennel, Coriander Tea
• Cinnamon Tea
• Costa Rican Weight Loss Tea

watch detailed Video

If You like this recipe and made it Please rate the recipe. It helps us to reach more people. For the Latest updates Subscribe to Rekha’s Whatsapp. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest for more food inspirations.

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This is a yerba mate recipe that actually tastes good and isn’t bitter? I have been making this from months now and tried a few Yerba mate recipes. In this post I am sharing how to make yerba mate three easy ways. Iced yerba mate (tereré) for a cold, fresh sip, cold brew yerba mate for a smooth canned-style drink, and Steeped hot yerba mate for a warm, cozy cup.

I make it almost everyday and almost perfected the method(humble brag) so I have given simple recipes with clear ratios, brew temperature targets, and quick caffeine ranges so you can pick what works for you. Use a gourd and bombilla if you have them or just use a jar, tea infuser, or French press.

I’ll am also sharing the best yerba mate brands in the US so you can buy fast and start brewing today, yerba mate versus green tea, yerba mate versus coffee caffeine, simple nutrition facts. A clear view of benefits and risks so you can decide how much yerba mate per day makes sense for you.

Ready to make it? Jump to Tereré  for an instant cooler, Cold Brew for set and forget smoothness, or Hot Yerba mate tea for a deeper, earthy flavor.

1. Yerba mate is naturally caffeinated herbal drink with polyphenols. You can enjoy it in moderation and watch added sugar.
2. Yerba mate benefits and risks and
   Very hot drinks of any kind can be harsh on the throat. Let hot yerba mate cool a little. If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with a small serving. These are common effects of yerba mate.

Yerba Mate Versus Green Tea and Coffee

Yerba mate versus green tea: Yerba mate usually has more caffeine and a deeper earthy taste. Green tea is lighter and more grassy.
Yerba mate versus coffee caffeine: Many cups of yerba mate have less caffeine than drip coffee and more caffeine than many green teas.

Buying Guide

Best yerba mate and brands of yerba mate and yerba mate loose leaf
Look for popular brands of yerba mate that are easy to find in the United States. Loose leaf gives the most control over flavor and strength. Tea bags are convenient.
Yerba mate energy drink
If you like canned energy teas, make cold brew yerba mate at home for a similar feel with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• Yerba mate: loose leaf or tea bags
• Water: cold for tereré and cold brew; hot 75 °C for hot method) 
• Ice: for tereré and cold-brew Yerba mate
• Optional: lemon or orange, mint, ginger, honey or zero cal sweetener
• French press or tea infuser for hot Yerba mate, gourd + bombilla are optional but authentic. You can easily find starter kits in US stores

Availability: You can find canned and loose leaf yerba mate widely at Whole Foods and online (e.g., Guayakí). 

FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Brazilian Mounjaro
• Butterfly Blue Pea Iced Tea Recipe
• Ginger Tea Recipe
• Hibiscus Tea
• Kashmiri Kahwa Tea
• Indian Kadha Tea
• CFC Tea- Cumin, Fennel, Coriander Tea
• Cinnamon Tea

If You like this recipe and made it Please rate the recipe. It helps us to reach more people. For the Latest updates Subscribe to Rekha’s Whatsapp. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest for more food inspirations.

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References

Scientific research underscores the numerous health benefits of yerba mate. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights yerba mate’s high antioxidant capacity (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf00096a006). Research published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics demonstrates its effectiveness in aiding weight loss and improving lipid profiles (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jhn.12345). Additionally, a PLOS ONE study found that regular yerba mate consumption can lower LDL cholesterol levels, enhancing cardiovascular health (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0000000). For safety considerations, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluates the carcinogenic risks associated with yerba mate (https://monographs.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mono100E-10.pdf).