Jamu Juice Recipe (Indonesian Turmeric Ginger Drink)

This simple crush-then-simmer trick makes jamu brighter, stronger, and far more fragrant — just like the traditional Indonesian version.

This bright, golden jamu juice recipe brings the classic Indonesian turmeric ginger drink into your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. In Indonesia, jamu is a traditional herbal tonic sipped warm in the morning or chilled over ice during hot afternoons. Think of it as a soothing turmeric ginger tonic that can fit right alongside your favorite smoothies or your favorite immune-support juice recipes .

This version is gently spicy, lightly sweet, and bright with lime. You can serve it as a small wellness shot or pour it into a tall glass for a refreshing golden turmeric juice.

The secret? Lightly crush the turmeric and ginger before simmering. This helps release their natural oils, giving your jamu a deeper color, smoother heat, and a more authentic Indonesian flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Jamu Juice Recipe

Simple ingredients: Fresh turmeric, ginger, citrus, and honey are easy to find in most US grocery stores or Asian markets.
Warm or iced: Enjoy this Indonesian jamu drink steaming hot on cold mornings or ice-cold on a sunny day.
Make-ahead friendly: Brew one batch and sip all week straight from the fridge.
Customizable flavor: Dial the heat, sweetness, and tartness up or down to match your taste.
Traditional touch: Inspired by classic jamu kunyit asam, often sold from street carts in Indonesia in clay bottles or glass jars.

What Is Jamu?

Jamu is a family of traditional Indonesian herbal drinks made from roots, spices, and sometimes fruits. This turmeric ginger version is one of the most popular styles. Fresh turmeric gives it a deep gold color, while ginger adds warmth and a little bite. Lime or lemon adds brightness, and honey smooths everything out.

While many people enjoy jamu as an anti-inflammatory turmeric drink or an immune-supporting tonic, it is still just a beverage, not a treatment. If you have health conditions, are pregnant, or take medication, talk with your doctor before drinking large amounts of concentrated herbal juices.

Ingredients

This jamu juice recipe is written with US measurements and makes about 4 cups of turmeric ginger drink. You can easily double it for meal prep.

4 cups water
4 to 5 inches fresh turmeric root, scrubbed and sliced (about 3/4 cup loosely packed slices)
2 to 3 inches fresh ginger root, scrubbed and sliced
2 tablespoons honey, plus more to taste
Juice of 2 limes (or 1 large lemon), plus extra wedges for serving
1 to 2 tablespoons tamarind paste (optional but very traditional)
Pinch of ground black pepper (helps your body absorb curcumin)
Ice cubes, for serving chilled

You will also need a blender and a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag for a smooth, silky herbal wellness drink.

Instructions

Prep the roots. Scrub the turmeric and ginger well. You can peel them if you like, but it is not required. Lightly crush each slice with the flat side of a knife (or a rolling pin).
This “crush-then-simmer” trick helps the turmeric and ginger release more oils and flavor.
Simmer the turmeric and ginger. Add the water, sliced turmeric, and sliced ginger to a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the liquid is very fragrant and a deep yellow color. The crushed roots will release more color and aroma than slices alone.
Add tamarind (if using). Stir in the tamarind paste and simmer for another 5 minutes. This adds a tangy, almost fruity depth that is common in Indonesian jamu.
Sweeten and season. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the honey while the mixture is still warm so it dissolves easily. Add the pinch of black pepper. Taste and add more honey if you like a sweeter golden turmeric juice.
Cool slightly and blend. Let the mixture cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a blender, including the sliced turmeric and ginger. Blend until smooth. The color will get even brighter.
Strain. Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing on the solids to squeeze out every drop. Discard the pulp.
Add citrus. Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust with extra lime, honey, or water as needed.
Serve warm or chilled. For a traditional feel, pour the jamu into a clay jug or glass bottle. Serve warm in small cups, or chill in the fridge and pour over ice for a refreshing turmeric ginger drink.

Saucepan of simmering jamu turmeric ginger drink being strained into a glass jar

Tips & Variations

Traditional Tip: Lightly crush the turmeric and ginger before simmering — this boosts the flavor and makes the jamu taste closer to the market-style version sold in Indonesia.
Handle turmeric with care. Turmeric can stain cutting boards, countertops, and clothing. Use a plastic board or line your board with parchment, and wipe up spills right away.
Adjust the spice level. For a milder turmeric ginger tonic, start with 2 inches of ginger and add more next time if you want extra heat.
Make a wellness shot. Pour jamu into small 2-ounce glasses for a quick herbal wellness shot in the morning, similar in spirit to a small serving of fresh carrot juice .
Boost the citrus. Swap one lime for an orange to create a softer, sweeter turmeric orange juice.
Add other spices. A cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves can be simmered with the roots for a cozy, spiced version.
Wellness drink rotation. Alternate jamu with other homemade drinks like this bold fire cider recipe or hydrating electrolyte mocktails to keep your fridge stocked with flavorful options.

Substitutions

Fresh turmeric: If you cannot find fresh turmeric, use 2 to 3 tablespoons ground turmeric. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Fresh ginger: You can swap in 1 to 2 tablespoons ground ginger in a pinch. Fresh ginger gives a brighter, more vibrant heat, so try to use it when possible.
Honey: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan jamu drink. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.
Lime: Lemon juice works well here. For extra fragrance, add a little of the zest.
Tamarind paste: If you cannot find tamarind, add a splash of orange juice plus an extra squeeze of lime to mimic the sweet-tart flavor.

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to enjoy this Indonesian turmeric ginger drink. Here are a few easy ideas:

Sip a small cup of warm jamu in the morning before breakfast.
Pour it over ice in a tall glass, garnish with a lime wheel and a piece of fresh turmeric or ginger.
Serve tiny jamu shots on a brunch board next to fresh fruit, muffins, and other breakfast favorites.
Mix half jamu and half sparkling water for a light, fizzy turmeric spritzer.
Pair your jamu with a hearty breakfast from your weekly rotation or ideas you find in creative breakfast roundups .

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store jamu juice in a glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Shake well before serving, as natural sediment will settle at the bottom.
Freezer: Pour cooled jamu into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop a few cubes into a glass of water or tea whenever you want a quick turmeric ginger drink.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a mug in the microwave. Do not boil after adding the citrus to keep the flavor fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this jamu juice recipe without a blender?

Yes. Simmer the sliced turmeric and ginger as directed, then skip the blending step. Strain the mixture well and press the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. The drink will be a little lighter but still flavorful.

Can I drink jamu every day?

Many people enjoy a small serving of this turmeric ginger tonic daily. That said, everyone is different. If you have concerns about turmeric, ginger, or tamarind with your health conditions or medication, ask your healthcare provider before drinking it regularly.

What if I only have ground spices?

You can still make a simple turmeric ginger drink using ground spices. Whisk 2 tablespoons ground turmeric and 1 tablespoon ground ginger into 4 cups of water. Simmer 10 minutes, then strain and continue with the recipe. Taste and adjust the spices as needed.

Does jamu have caffeine?

No, this Indonesian turmeric ginger drink is naturally caffeine free. It is a nice option if you want a warm or iced drink that is not coffee or tea. If you still want a cozy cup of coffee, you can sip jamu alongside your favorite brew or try tips from guides for great coffee at home.

More to Try

If you love this jamu juice recipe, here are more refreshing and wellness-inspired drinks and breakfast ideas to add to your routine:

Strawberry piña colada smoothie for a fruity, tropical drink on busy mornings.
Easy carrot juice that pairs beautifully with jamu for a colorful juice flight.
High-protein breakfast ideas without eggs to build a filling morning plate around your cup of jamu.
Immune-support juice recipes for even more vitamin-packed drinks to keep in your fridge.

Conclusion

This jamu juice recipe brings a beloved Indonesian turmeric ginger drink into a simple, weeknight-friendly routine. With fresh turmeric, ginger, citrus, and honey, you get a bright and comforting golden drink you can serve warm, chilled, or as tiny wellness shots.

Brew a batch, pour it into a beautiful bottle or clay jug, and tuck it into the fridge so you can reach for a glass of jamu whenever you want a soothing, caffeine-free sip with plenty of flavor.