Badrek is a traditional hot beverage that is native to the Sundanese of West Java, Indonesia. It has been a popular winter drink among Indonesians and other people from neighboring countries for a long time. The Sundanese people who live in the cool highlands consume this drink to keep themselves thoroughly warmed up during the nippy weather. The local people usually gulp down a glass at night during winters before going to bed. This hearty drink is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavours. Badrek is one of the easiest Indonesian drinks to brew. The drink is an infusion of ginger water, palm sugar and cinnamon. Additional ingredients like anise seeds, cloves, coriander seeds, cinnamon, lemongrass and a pinch of black pepper are generally added for enhancing the flavors of the drink with aromatic spices. Sometimes milk is also added to the mix depending on one’s taste and liking. In such a case, usually the drink is brewed with either sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk. Over the years, people have begun adding a few pieces of young coconut as well. The modern badrek can also be put together with chunks of an edible fruit called Durian which is mainly found in Southeast Asian countries.
Besides the indulgent taste and flavours, this remarkable drink holds a host of health benefits and acts as a home remedy for treating cold and cough. It is popularly believed that bandrek has a healing effect on minor health problems and helps in curing sore throat and cold. Amazed by this drink and feel like trying it out? Take a look at some of the easy steps listed below.
Ingredients-
- A glass of water
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- Palm sugar as per taste
- Pinch of cinnamon powder and black pepper
- A tablespoon of coriander seeds
- lemongrass
Steps in the making-
- Take a saucepan and boil water into and mix all the ingredients.
- Once all the ingredients seem to have dissolved in water, strain the mixture into a cup or glass.
- Your drink is finally ready to serve and relish.