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The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Stalks fresh sugarcane, peeled and cut into pieces (or 2 cups store-bought sugarcane juice) — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Water, if needed to adjust concentration — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Ice, to serve
- Lime, cut into wedges — 1 (optional)
Method
- If using fresh sugarcane, press through a sugarcane press to extract the juice; if using a blender, blend the cane pieces with a little water and strain through a fine sieve, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.
- Dilute with water if the juice seems too concentrated.
- Chill well.
- Serve over ice with a squeeze of lime if desired.
Introduction: A chilled sugarcane juice drink, sweet and refreshing, a popular Paraguayan beverage especially enjoyed in the summer heat.
Cultural Background: Sugarcane cultivation has a long history in Paraguay, and pressing the cane into a fresh, cold juice is a beloved way to enjoy its natural sweetness, commonly sold from carts with hand-cranked or motorized presses.
Tips: Fresh sugarcane juice is best consumed the same day it's pressed, as it can ferment or discolour quickly. A squeeze of lime brightens the natural sweetness nicely.
Variations: Blend with a little fresh mint for extra freshness. Combine with a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Storage: Best consumed fresh; refrigerate for a few hours only if needed.
Reheating: This drink is served cold and is not reheated.
FAQs:
Q: Can store-bought sugarcane juice be used?
A: Yes, this is a convenient alternative if fresh sugarcane and a press aren't available.
Q: How sweet is this drink?
A: Naturally quite sweet from the sugarcane itself, without needing any added sugar.
- Stalks fresh sugarcane, peeled and cut into pieces (or 2 cups store-bought sugarcane juice) — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Water, if needed to adjust concentration — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Ice, to serve
- Lime, cut into wedges — 1 (optional)
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