Have you ever tried jamu juice before? This vibrant and earthy turmeric ginger drink has been consumed for centuries in Indonesia—not just for its flavor but for its powerful health benefits. Made with fresh tropical ingredients like turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and lemon, jamu is a drink I return to again and again whenever I want to feel nourished and balanced!
There are many different versions of jamu drink recipes, and today I’m sharing one of my absolute favorites. It’s a delicious blend that’s both grounding and refreshing—and best of all, it’s 100% plant-based.
This jamu juice recipe is one of many healthy tonic juices that I share here on the blog. You might also enjoy some of my other naturally nourishing drinks like rambutan juice, orange ginger carrot juice, green juice with pineapple, ginger turmeric carrot juice, or watermelon juice. And if warming recipes with turmeric and lemongrass is what you need, don’t miss my soothing butternut squash soup with ginger and lemongrass—it’s like a hug in a bowl.
Why I love making this jamu juice
Living in a tropical country where ingredients like turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and tamarind are part of everyday cooking, jamu juice feels like it belongs in a fancy health store but it's actually super affordable to make as well as extremely healthy!
I also love that jamu juice can be enjoyed hot like tea or cold over ice. It's also easy to tweak the sweetness as per your taste.
Jamu juice benefits: why this turmeric ginger drink is so good for you
- Jamu juice isn’t just a tasty traditional drink—it’s a powerful herbal tonic packed with wellness benefits.
- The combination of turmeric and ginger makes it a natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce joint pain, support digestion, and boost immunity.
- Tamarind is rich in antioxidants and aids in detoxifying the body
- Lemon provides a hit of vitamin C for skin and immune health.
- Lemongrass, cloves, and cinnamon all bring their own antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to the mix, making this a well-rounded drink that supports overall wellness.
- Many people enjoy a small glass of jamu each morning to help the body stay balanced and resilient.
Ingredients needed for this turmeric ginger drink
Here’s what you’ll need to make this deeply nourishing jamu juice recipe:
- 70 grams turmeric (washed, skin on)
- 50 grams ginger (washed, skin on)
- 25 grams tamarind pulp
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 lemongrass stalk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon natural honey
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) palm sugar (adjust to taste)
Optional but beneficial:
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Like with my orange ginger carrot juice, this recipe combines earthy root vegetables and tropical acidity in a deliciously refreshing way.
How to make jamu juice
This ancient jamu drink recipe is simple to make at home.
- Prepare the tamarind juice: Soak tamarind pulp in warm water. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients.
- Chop and blend: Roughly chop turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass. Blend with 500 ml water until smooth
- Simmer: Transfer the mixture to a pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cloves and cinnamon and let it infuse for 5 minutes.
- Sweeten: Stir in the palm sugar and honey. Let dissolve completely.
- Add citrus and finish: Add lemon juice, strained tamarind water, and optional black pepper and coconut oil.
- Strain: Strain twice for a smooth, golden drink. Cool in a metal jug before pouring into a glass bottle or cup.
You can watch the full video recipe here if you like!
Tips and tricks for perfecting your jamu drink
- Fresh turmeric and ginger are ideal for the most potent flavor but can substituted for dried turmeric or ginger. Use 23 grams of dried turmeric and 15 grams of dried ginger.
- Tamarind pulp: tamarind pulp can be substituted for tamarind juice if you can't find tamarind pulp.
- Don’t peel the roots. There is no need to spend the time to peel the skin off the roots. Just make sure they are cleaned properly.
- Balance the tart and sweet. Feel free to adjust tamarind or sugar depending on your taste.
- Strain well. A double strain creates a smoother texture. Especially because we are not removing the root skins.
Frequently asked questions about jamu juice
This turmeric ginger drink is known for its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and immune-boosting properties.
Yes, but I recommend fresh for the fullest flavor and best results. Use 23 grams of dried turmeric and 15 grams of dried ginger.
Yes—try maple syrup or more palm sugar if you’re keeping it vegan. You can also replace the palm sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar if its not easily available to you.
Up to 5 days in a sealed glass bottle. Shake before drinking.
Adding black pepper and coconut oil—even though not traditional—can help enhance the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, amplifying the health benefits even more.
Common mistakes to avoid when making jamu juice
- Pouring hot liquid into glass bottles – always cool in a metal jug first to prevent cracking.
- Forgetting to strain – makes a huge difference in texture.
Let's make Jamu Juice!
This traditional jamu juice recipe is deeply healing, flavorful, and an easy way to incorporate more turmeric and ginger into your day. Whether you're a long-time lover of Indonesian herbal drinks or you're just beginning to explore tropical wellness traditions, I hope this jamu drink brings you comfort, clarity, and vitality.
If you liked this recipe then please leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you! For more easy and healthy recipes like this one you can follow me on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Enjoy!
Jamu Juice
Ingredients
- 70 grams turmeric, fresh can be substituted for 23 grams turmeric powder
- 50 grams ginger, fresh can be substituted for 15 grams ginger powder
- 25 grams tamarind pulp can be substituted for 1 tablespoon tamarind juice
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 1 lemongrass stalk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon natural honey can be substituted for more palm sugar to make this recipe vegan
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar can be substituted for coconut sugar or brown sugar
Optional but beneficial:
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the tamarind juice: Soak tamarind pulp in warm water. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients.
- Chop and blend: Roughly chop turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass. Blend with 500 ml water until smooth
- Simmer: Transfer the mixture to a pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cloves and cinnamon and let it infuse for 5 minutes.
- Sweeten: Stir in the palm sugar and honey. Let dissolve completely.
- Add citrus and finish: Add lemon juice, strained tamarind water, and optional black pepper and coconut oil.
- Strain: Strain twice for a smooth, golden drink. Cool in a metal jug before pouring into a glass bottle or cup.
Leave a Reply