If ever there was a drink that tastes just like a splash of Filipino sunshine, it’s Calamansi Juice. Zingy, vibrant, and lightly sweetened, this is the citrus refresher that instantly perks up any day. Whether you’ve had this classic Filipino beverage before or are mixing it up for the first time, you’ll fall in love with its balance of bright tartness and mellow sweetness. Served over ice, it’s the kind of thirst-quencher that brings friends and family flocking to the kitchen table—especially on those sun-drenched afternoons when you want something that cools and uplifts all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Calamansi Juice:
- 1 cup fresh calamansi juice (about 20 to 25 calamansi fruits)
Cold Water:
- 2 cups
Sweetener:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Optional:
- Ice cubes
How to Make Calamansi Juice
Step 1: Squeeze the Calamansi Fruits
Start by washing your calamansi fruits well—they’ll be giving you all their juicy goodness! Cut each fruit in half and, using your hands or a citrus juicer, squeeze out the juice into a bowl. Strain if you want a smoother drink, or leave in a little pulp for extra body. Nobody likes seeds floating in their glass, so take a minute to fish those out.
Step 2: Sweeten and Mix
Pour your fresh calamansi juice into a pitcher, then add the cold water. Now comes the fun part: stir in your sugar or honey. Give it a good swirl until every bit is dissolved. Taste as you go—even a tiny amount of extra sweetener or a splash more water can really dial in your perfect flavor.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Pop a few ice cubes into glasses or the whole pitcher if you’re making a big batch. Pour the juice over ice, and enjoy immediately while it’s icy cold and full of zing. That’s truly the best way to savor the freshness of homemade Calamansi Juice!
How to Serve Calamansi Juice
Garnishes
Bring a little flair to your Calamansi Juice by topping each glass with a thin wheel of calamansi, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a twist of lime peel if you’re in a pinch. These quick garnishes add color and a burst of fragrance that make every glass feel extra special.
Side Dishes
No Filipino meal is complete without a side, so why not pair your Calamansi Juice with classic snacks like turon (crispy banana spring rolls) or pan de sal for a sweet-savory combo? It’s also the perfect match with grilled meats or savory merienda favorites, cutting through richer flavors with its citrusy spark.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a get-together? Serve Calamansi Juice in mason jars with striped straws, or use sparkling water for a bubbly twist. For a fun party touch, freeze calamansi slices in ice cubes, float them in the pitcher, and watch as everyone reaches for “the fancy drink.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Calamansi Juice, lucky you! Just cover the pitcher tightly and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay bright and flavorful for up to two days—just give it a quick stir before pouring, as natural juice tends to settle a bit.
Freezing
Want to enjoy that zingy tang even longer? Pour leftover juice into ice cube trays, freeze, and store the cubes in a zip-top bag. These make instant flavor bombs for water, cocktails, or smoothies—like summer in a glass, anytime!
Reheating
While Calamansi Juice is best enjoyed chilled, you can gently warm it on the stove for a soothing, citrusy hot toddy during cooler weather. Just avoid boiling, since the fresh flavors can fade if overcooked. Sweeten to taste and sip slowly.
FAQs
What is calamansi, and can I substitute it?
Calamansi is a small, fragrant citrus fruit that’s a staple in Filipino kitchens, beloved for its sweet-tart profile. If you can’t find it, a mix of lime and a splash of tangerine or lemon is a decent stand-in, but there’s nothing quite like the real deal in Calamansi Juice.
How do I make my juice less tart?
If your Calamansi Juice tastes too sharp, add a bit more sugar or honey, or increase the water to dilute the tang. Balancing acidity is all about what makes your taste buds happiest!
Is Calamansi Juice good for you?
Absolutely! It’s naturally low in calories, rich in vitamin C, and totally refreshing. Just be mindful of how much sweetener you add if you’re watching sugar intake.
Can I make a sparkling version?
Yes! Simply use chilled sparkling water in place of still water for an effervescent twist. It’s fantastic for brunches and celebrations when you want something festive but alcohol-free.
What’s the best way to juice calamansi fruits?
Slice each fruit crosswise, then squeeze gently with your hand or a citrus squeezer. For lots of juice with less mess, press and roll the whole fruit on your counter before cutting—it helps release even more flavor for your Calamansi Juice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about pouring a glass of Calamansi Juice, especially when you know it only takes a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes of your day. If you’ve never tried it before, let this be the start of a new favorite tradition—one that brings a burst of sunshine to your table, no matter the weather. Give it a go, and enjoy every refreshing sip!
Print
Calamansi Juice Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Refreshing and tangy, Calamansi Juice is a classic Filipino citrus drink that is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. This easy-to-make beverage is bursting with the bright flavor of calamansi, a small citrus fruit that is a staple in Filipino cuisine.
Ingredients
Fresh Calamansi Juice:
- 1 cup fresh calamansi juice (about 20 to 25 calamansi fruits)
Cold Water:
- 2 cups
Sweetener:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Optional:
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Cut and Squeeze: Cut the calamansi fruits in half and squeeze out the juice, straining to remove seeds and pulp if desired.
- Mix Ingredients: In a pitcher, combine the fresh calamansi juice, cold water, and sweetener. Stir until the sugar or honey dissolves completely.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or honey if needed.
- Serve: Serve chilled over ice cubes if desired.
Notes
- Calamansi can be substituted with lime or lemon if unavailable.
- For a sparkling version, replace cold water with sparkling water.
- Use fresh calamansi for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
