6 Essential Filipino Drinks and Dessert Recipes To Impress Your Friends with This Summer
After months of layering up in clothes to battle the cold winds of winter, spring time is finally here (and summer is just around the corner!). If you’re like us, then you will want to get started on planning those summer soireés, after dinner treats and park picnics, so we put together a list of some of our favorite drinks and desserts that you can make to keep cool and satisfy your sweet tooth as we journey into warmer weather.
1. Sago’t Gulaman
Sago’t Gulaman is a Filipino drink that consists of vanilla, tapioca pearls, brown sugar, water, and gulaman. While its origins are lost in history, it’s no mystery that Filipinos have been enjoying this iconic cool drink for generations. This refreshing drink can be found practically everywhere in the Philippines as it is served regularly throughout the country.
Photo courtesy of via Instagram
Want to try making it yourself? Here’s a recipe with instructions: http://www.foodwithmae.com/recipe-view/sagot-gulaman-tapioca-jelly-drink/
2. Halo-halo
Halo-halo is one of the most popular deserts in the motherland. Directly translating to “mix-mix" in English, it contains layers of sweet goodness and a combination of sticky, crunchy and creamy textures. Its origins, however, trace back to the Japanese who called it “kakigori”. The Philippines took this and elevated it by adding crushed ice into the mix. It is now enjoyed by many on both warm and cold days.
Photo courtesy of ilovepenongs via Instagram
Click here to learn one of our fave recipes and how you can make it yourself.
3. Mais Con Hielo
Mais Con Hielo is known to many for its Philippine origins. The creation of this classic treat was heavily influenced by the Spanish, who colonized the Philippines for more than 300 years (from 1565 to 1898). To this day, it remains a favorite among Pinoy families across the globe. The dessert contains corn kernels, milk, sugar and shaved ice. If you’re looking to cool down with a sweet treat, you’ve got to try this!
Photo courtesy of mommy.issa325 via Instagram
Want to see what all the rave is about? Make one at home and find out! Here’s how you can do it: our fave recipe.
4. Buko Pandan
Filipino parties are not complete without Buko Pandan! This white and green treat’s origins trace back to the beautiful province of Bohol, where they used pandan jelly, sago, table cream, condensed milk and coconut meat to create a Summer time favorite.
Click here to learn how you can make one for you and your loved ones.
5. Iskrambol
“Iskrambol“ or Ice Scramble is a popular street side dessert that consists of evaporated milk, sugar, shaved ice, banana extract, marshmallows, milk powder and pinipig, with origins tracing back to the province of Iloilo. Known for its vibrant colors and sweetness, it is sure to brighten up your day, one bite at a time.
Photo courtesy of whattoeatph via Instagram
Learn more about how you can make your own here.
6. Salabat Iced Tea
Salabat is a tea made with raw ginger accompanied with honey, calamansi, and sugar. Traditionally, the drink is enjoyed warm. However, when served cool it is just as good! If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to beat the heat, you’ve got to try Salabat iced tea.
Photo courtesy of karinkreuzer.at via Instagram
Click here to see how you can make this yourself.
Written By Nico Belasco
Photographer, Writer, Speaker, Podcast Host, Creative
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