Jamu Juice Recipe Best Indonesian Bali Turmeric Ginger Drink
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
- Scrub the roots well (turmeric stains, so you may want gloves).
- Peel only if the skin is very tough.
- Slice thinly so they release more flavour.
- Simmer the roots
- Add sliced turmeric, sliced ginger, and 3 cups of water to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the water turns a deep golden yellow and smells very fragrant.
- Blend with tamarind and seasonings
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Carefully transfer the turmeric, ginger, and cooking liquid to a blender.
- Add the remaining 1 cup water, tamarind, black pepper, and salt (if using).
- Blend until completely smooth and pulpy.
- Strain
- Place a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut-milk bag over a large jug or bowl.
- Pour the blended mixture through.
- Press or squeeze the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the dry pulp.
- Finish with citrus and sweetener
- Stir in fresh lemon/lime juice.
- 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
- Transfer jamu juice to a glass bottle or jar.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
- 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.
- In a pinch, you can use:
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.
What Exactly Is Jamu Juice Made Of?
Is Jamu Juice Actually Good For You?
Can I Drink Jamu Every Day?
What Does Jamu Juice Tastes like?
It tastes delicious in its unique way. Turmeric has a potent flavour with it’s earthiness, ginger adds spice, which is well balanced with a bit of tartness of lime juice, sweetness of honey
- 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)
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Jamu Juice Recipe (Turmeric Ginger Drink)
Jamu recipe also known as jamu juice or turmeric ginger drink a traditional Indonesian herbal drink you get in Bali. This is a traditional Indonesian jamu juice recipe made with anti-inflammatory Turmeric roots ginger roots and lemon
- 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, divided
- 2 tamarind pulp optional but traditional
- Juice of 2 lemons or 4 small limes
- 2 tablespoon honey maple syrup, or coconut sugar, to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- A small pinch of salt optional
Prep the turmeric and ginger
-
I scrub the roots well (turmeric stains, so gloves are a good idea if you have light nails).
-
I don’t always peel them – I only peel if the skin is very tough.
-
Then I slice both quite thinly so they release maximum flavour.
Simmer the roots
-
Add turmeric, ginger and 3 cups of water to a saucepan.
-
Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes.
-
The water turns a deep golden yellow and your kitchen smells like a spa.
Blend and seasonings
-
I let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
-
Then I transfer the turmeric, ginger, and their cooking liquid to a blender.
-
Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and pulpy.
Strain everything
-
Place a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth or nut-milk bag over a jug or bowl.
-
Pour the blended mixture through and press the pulp with a spoon (or squeeze the cloth) to get out as much liquid as you can.
-
The dry pulp can be discarded.
Finish with sweetener
-
Stir in the lemon or lime juice.
-
Add sweetener starting with 2 tablespoons, then taste and adjust. I like jamu to taste earthy, spicy and tangy with just a gentle sweetness.
Chill & serve
-
Pour the jamu into a glass bottle or jar.
-
Chill for at least 1–2 hours.
-
Always shake well before pouring because turmeric settles at the bottom.
Calories: 33kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 0.2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 67mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 0.1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg
