Vietnamese Dried Longan Iced Tea (Chè / Nước Nhãn Nhục)
This classic Vietnamese sweet drink stars plump dried longans, jujubes, and goji berries over crushed ice. Thanks to the assorted dried fruit, it’s basically a healthy dessert/drink!
- 1 cup dried longans
- 1 cup dried jujubes
- 1/4 cup dried goji berries
- 2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) water
- 120g rock sugar (about 1 cup small cubes)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 fresh pandan leaves (optional, tie into a knot)
- Snip each jujube slightly with kitchen scissors for quicker cooking. In a large pot, add longans, jujubes, goji berries, rock sugar, salt, pandan leaves, and water. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a light simmer for about 40 minutes, uncovered. Stir halfway for even cooking.
- Discard the pandan leaves, if using. You can also discard the jujubes and goji berries here, or just leave them in. They are good for you! Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill.
- When chilled, pour or scoop into glasses. Top with crushed ice if preferred and enjoy!
Components 1 cup dried longans 1 cup dried jujubes 1/4 cup dried goji berries 2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) water 120g rock sugar (about 1 cup small cubes) 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 fresh pandan leaves (optional, tie into a knot) Method Snip each jujube slightly with kitchen scissors for quicker preparation. In a large pot, add longans, jujubes, goji berries, rock sugar, salt, pandan leaves, and water. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a light simmer for about 40 minutes, uncovered.
You can as well discard the jujubes and goji berries here, or just leave them in. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill.