As the temperature rises during the scorching summer months, one of the best ways to beat the heat is with a refreshing drink. In China, where summers can be intense and long, people have a variety of traditional beverages that provide not only physical relief but also a cultural connection to the seasons. From cool, fruity drinks to sweet herbal concoctions, Chinese summer beverages are as diverse and flavorful as the country itself.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and traditional summer beverages in China, each offering a unique combination of refreshing taste and health benefits. Whether enjoyed at a street-side stall, in a home kitchen, or at a traditional tea house, these drinks are an integral part of Chinese summer culture. Let’s dive into the history, ingredients, and preparation of these cooling drinks that have stood the test of time.
1. The Role of Summer Beverages in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, the approach to hot weather is deeply connected to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which emphasizes balancing the body’s internal energy, or Qi, with the external environment. Summer is considered the Yang season, characterized by warmth, heat, and activity. According to TCM, the heat of summer can lead to an imbalance in the body, causing excessive internal heat, dehydration, and fatigue. To counter these effects, Chinese people have developed a variety of drinks that not only cool the body but also help restore balance.
Summer drinks in China often include ingredients known for their cooling properties, which are believed to help clear heat, detoxify the body, and promote overall health. These beverages are typically made with herbs, fruits, tea, and sweeteners like rock sugar, offering a refreshing, hydrating, and beneficial solution to the oppressive heat.
2. Traditional Summer Beverages in China
1. Winter Melon Drink (冬瓜茶, Dōngguā Chá)
One of the most popular and traditional summer drinks in China is winter melon tea. Despite its name, winter melon is a type of squash, not a melon, and it has a subtle, mildly sweet flavor that makes it perfect for refreshing drinks. In China, winter melon is commonly used in both savory dishes and sweet beverages.
Winter melon tea is typically made by boiling pieces of winter melon with rock sugar, creating a naturally sweet and cooling drink. Sometimes, chrysanthemum petals or other herbs are added to enhance the flavor and cooling properties. This drink is believed to help clear heat, detoxify the body, and prevent summer heatstroke.
Winter melon tea is often served chilled, and in recent years, it has become increasingly popular in street markets and bubble tea shops across China, sometimes with added tapioca pearls or jelly cubes for extra texture.
2. Herbal Tea (花茶, Huā Chá)
Another staple summer drink in China is herbal tea, particularly varieties made from chrysanthemum and honeysuckle flowers. These herbal teas have been consumed for centuries in China and are widely known for their cooling and medicinal properties.
Chrysanthemum tea (花茶) is one of the most commonly consumed herbal teas, especially in the summer. Made by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water, this tea is light, fragrant, and soothing. It is believed to help cool the body, reduce inflammation, and relieve headaches or eye strain—making it ideal for long summer days spent in the heat. Many people in China drink chrysanthemum tea to counteract the effects of summer heat and to calm the body after a long day.
Honeysuckle tea is another popular herbal beverage, often prepared by steeping dried honeysuckle flowers in water. This tea is used to cool the body, reduce fever, and cleanse the blood, making it a common drink during hot summer months.
Both chrysanthemum and honeysuckle tea are often served chilled, making them the perfect refreshing drink on a hot day.
3. Soy Milk (豆浆, Dòu Jiāng)
Soy milk is a versatile and beloved beverage in Chinese culture, enjoyed both hot and cold. In the summer, chilled soy milk is particularly popular, offering a refreshing and creamy drink that is light on the stomach. Soy milk is made from soybeans that are soaked, blended, and then boiled to create a smooth, milky drink.
Often served sweetened with sugar or rock sugar, chilled soy milk is not only refreshing but also nutritious. It is a rich source of plant-based protein, making it a popular option for vegetarians or those looking for a dairy-free alternative. In some regions of China, flavored soy milk is also popular, with varieties such as black sesame, red bean, or green bean soy milk.
Soy milk has a long history in Chinese cuisine and is commonly consumed as a breakfast drink, paired with steamed buns or fried dough sticks (youtiao). Its cooling effect and satisfying taste make it a favorite during the hot summer months.
4. Longan and Lychee Drink (桂圆荔枝饮, Guìyuán Lìzhī Yǐn)
Longan and lychee are two tropical fruits commonly associated with Chinese summer cuisine. Both fruits have sweet, juicy flesh and are known for their cooling properties. In the hot summer months, many Chinese people enjoy a drink made from these fruits, which is believed to help replenish lost fluids, cool the body, and provide natural sweetness.
A longan and lychee drink is typically made by steeping the dried longan fruit and fresh or canned lychee in water, along with rock sugar. The resulting beverage is sweet, fragrant, and hydrating. Some variations may also include other fruits such as jasmine or pomegranate to enhance the flavor profile.
In addition to their refreshing qualities, both longan and lychee are prized in Chinese medicine for their ability to tonify the blood, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
5. Sweet Red Bean Soup (红豆沙, Hóng Dòu Shā)
Although typically associated with dessert, sweet red bean soup is also a popular drink during the summer months in China. Made from adzuki beans, sugar, and sometimes coconut milk, this drink is sweet, nourishing, and cooling.
The process of making sweet red bean soup involves boiling the beans until they become soft and then blending them into a smooth, creamy consistency. The soup can be served either hot or cold, but it is often enjoyed cold in the summer to help beat the heat.
Red beans are believed to have cooling properties, and they are frequently used in Chinese summer drinks to promote hydration, cleanse the body, and soothe the stomach. This drink is a common feature at traditional Chinese dessert shops and street vendors, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and health benefits.
3. The Influence of Modern Trends on Chinese Summer Beverages
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in innovative variations of traditional Chinese summer drinks. Younger generations are increasingly seeking more creative ways to enjoy refreshing beverages, leading to the introduction of new flavors and combinations that blend traditional ingredients with modern tastes.
Bubble tea (珍珠奶茶, Zhēnzhū Nǎichá), for example, has become an international phenomenon. Originating in Taiwan, bubble tea typically consists of milk tea or fruit tea paired with chewy tapioca pearls or fruit jellies. It is widely consumed in China, especially during the summer months, as it provides both hydration and a fun, interactive drinking experience.
Additionally, fruit-infused teas and smoothies made from tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, and dragon fruit have gained popularity in China’s bustling beverage market. These drinks offer a refreshing twist on traditional beverages while still capturing the cooling and health benefits associated with the fruits.
4. Health Benefits of Chinese Summer Beverages
The beauty of Chinese summer beverages lies not only in their refreshing taste but also in their health benefits. Many of the ingredients used in these drinks are packed with nutrients and healing properties. Here’s a breakdown of some key benefits:
- Hydration: Most summer beverages in China are designed to keep the body hydrated during hot weather. Herbal teas, fruit drinks, and sweet soups help replace lost fluids and restore balance.
- Detoxification: Many summer drinks in China are believed to have detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the body of toxins and impurities.
- Cooling: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, many of the ingredients used in summer beverages, such as winter melon, chrysanthemum, and longan, have cooling properties that help counteract the internal heat generated during the hot summer months.
- Digestive Health: Some drinks, like soy milk and red bean soup, are easy on the digestive system and help promote regularity and overall gut health.
Conclusion
Chinese summer beverages are a delightful fusion of taste, tradition, and health benefits. From the calming effects of chrysanthemum tea to the refreshing sweetness of winter melon and fruit drinks, these beverages offer a wide variety of flavors and cooling properties. Whether consumed as part of a traditional meal or enjoyed as a refreshing snack, they play an important role in Chinese culture, especially during the sweltering summer months.
With the rise of modern trends like bubble tea and fruit-infused drinks, Chinese summer beverages continue to evolve and adapt to contemporary tastes. However, the time-honored drinks that have been passed down for generations still hold a special place in Chinese hearts, offering both a cool respite from the heat and a connection to centuries of cultural wisdom.
So, the next time the summer heat gets to you, why not explore the refreshing world of Chinese summer beverages? Whether you opt for a
classic herbal tea, a sweet red bean soup, or a trendy bubble tea, you’ll be sipping on something that not only cools your body but also connects you to a rich cultural heritage.
