Hiyashi Ame (Japanese Cold Ginger Drink)

On a hot day, why not cool down with a refreshing glass of cold ginger drink? Hiyashi ame is a traditional beverage from Japan’s Kansai region, enjoyed for generations. The natural spiciness of ginger and the gentle sweetness of malt syrup make it the perfect drink to help you recharge on a summer day.

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Prep Time: 6

Cook Time: 9

Cooling Time: 2

Total Time: 2 15

Servings:

Ingredients

▢ 1.7 oz ginger (enough to yield the amount of ginger juice specified below)
▢ 1 ½ Tbsp ginger juice
▢ ⅔ cup water
▢ 3 Tbsp sugar
▢ 2.8 oz barley malt syrup

Instructions

Rinse the ginger thoroughly, then grate it with the skin on. Strain the grated ginger through a fine-mesh tea strainer (or sieve), pressing the pulp against the mesh with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.
(The squeezed ginger pulp is not used in this recipe. You can use it as a garnish for other dishes or in shogayaki (Japanese ginger pork).)
Combine the water, sugar, and ginger juice in a pan and bring to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the flavors have blended.
Add barley malt syrup to the pan and stir to combine. Return the mixture to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes, then transfer it to a clean, heatproof container and let it cool. Once it has cooled, store it in the refrigerator.
To serve, pour the hiyashi ame syrup into a glass and dilute it with cold water at a ratio of 1 part syrup to 2-3 parts water. Stir well and enjoy.