Drinks
Es Teh Manis (Sweet Iced Tea)

Ingredients
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tsp loose black tea
- 500 ml hot water
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (or to taste)
- Ice cubes, as needed
Method
- Steep the tea in hot water for 5 minutes until strong and dark.
- Stir in sugar while the tea is still hot, until fully dissolved.
- Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature.
- Fill glasses generously with ice cubes.
- Pour the cooled sweet tea over the ice and serve immediately.
Introduction: Es teh manis, sweet iced tea, is arguably Indonesia's most ubiquitous drink, served at nearly every warung and restaurant nationwide.
Cultural Background: Es teh manis, sweet iced tea, is arguably Indonesia's most ubiquitous drink, served at nearly every warung and restaurant nationwide. Its simplicity and refreshing sweetness make it a natural companion to spicy Indonesian meals, cooling the palate between fiery bites.
Tips: Dissolve the sugar in the hot tea before adding ice, so it doesn't settle undissolved at the bottom. Use a robust black tea for a flavor strong enough to stand up to the ice and sugar.
Variations: Add a few slices of fresh lime or a sprig of mint for a citrusy twist. Use jasmine tea for a more fragrant version, popular in some regions.
Storage: Refrigerate brewed sweet tea (without ice) in a sealed jug for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Not applicable; this is served cold.
FAQs:
Q: How sweet is es teh manis meant to be?
A: It is intentionally quite sweet by many international standards, though sugar can be adjusted to personal taste.
Q: What type of tea is traditionally used?
A: A strong, everyday black tea is most common, though jasmine tea is also popular in some regions.

Please log in to leave a comment.