Salted Plum Drink Recipe

Prepare plums

Rinse the dried salted plums briefly under cool running water to remove loose surface salt and any dust. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then pit if they still have pits (many dried salted plums are pitted). Roughly chop each plum into 2–4 pieces to help release flavor.

Simmer syrup

Combine 2 cups water, the chopped salted plums, sliced ginger, and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Stir briefly to dissolve some sugar, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, gently mashing plums with the back of a spoon after 6–8 minutes to release more flavor and color.

Finish syrup

After simmering, remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to balance sweetness and salt. Allow the syrup to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld and to cool slightly before straining.

Strain and store

Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a bowl or jar and strain the syrup, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids (or save for mixing into yogurt or sauces). Transfer the strained syrup to a clean jar, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The syrup will keep up to 10 days refrigerated.

Sweetness & salt adjustment (optional)

Taste 1 tablespoon of the chilled syrup. Because dried salted plums vary in saltiness, you may want to dilute or sweeten. If too salty or tart, add up to 1–2 teaspoons sugar or additional water to the syrup portion you plan to use. If too sweet, use slightly less syrup per serving.

Mix drink

For 4 servings: Fill four glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). Add 2 tablespoons of the salted plum syrup into each glass. Pour 1 cup of cold water or sparkling water into each glass and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust by adding an extra teaspoon of syrup for more plum flavor or a splash more water if too concentrated.

Garnish & serve

Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and a lemon or lime slice if desired. Serve immediately chilled. Store any leftover syrup in the refrigerator and mix fresh drinks within a week for best flavor.