Jamu juice is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink that keeps your body refreshed and balanced. It’s a simple blend of fresh turmeric, ginger, lemon, water, and sweetened with a bit of honey. Serve it chilled or warmed up for the perfect immunity booster this season.
Why You’ll Love Jamu Juice
It wasn’t until my trip to Indonesia that I discovered one of Bali’s hidden gem—Jamu juice! Traditionally, Jamu is an Indonesian medicine made from natural ingredients including roots, flowers, seeds, leaves and fruits. But nowadays, the most common form of Jamu is turmeric Jamu. Here’s why you’ll love this magical elixir as much as I do!
- It’s naturally healing. Similar to my ginger shots and turmeric tea, the combination of turmeric and ginger in Jamu make it an anti-inflammatory tonic that boasts tons of health benefits. From reducing inflammation, to improving digestion, and enhancing immunity, this juice really does it all.
- It’s easy to make. While the name sounds exotic, the recipe is quite simple—there’s just 5 ingredients! But you’ll be surprised at what this simple combination can do. It’s no wonder why everyone in Bali is drinking this by the jar regularly.
Jamu Juice Ingredients
- Turmeric and Ginger: This is a turmeric-heavy drink with a little bit of ginger added. I do recommend fresh turmeric and ginger root for the best flavor, though I have some substitutions listed in the recipe card below.
- Coconut Water: I’m using coconut water for a hydrating and replenishing drink. Make sure to look for a brand with no added sugar.
- Lemon: The juice of one lemon gives a good dose of vitamin C and helps to balance the flavors in the drink.
- Honey: Just a little bit of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper helps to increase the bioavailability of the curcumin in the turmeric.
Benefits Of Turmeric And Ginger
Turmeric and ginger are the main ingredients in this recipe—and for good reason.
Turmeric
Turmeric is most known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. And this is all thanks to its star compound: curcumin. This compound not only leads to health benefits for your body, but can assist with visible signs of aging.
Ginger
Ginger has been used in many cultures around the world for its medicinal properties. From relieving pain to soothing your digestive system, it does wonders when it comes to healing the body. And just like turmeric, ginger has a compound called gingerol which reduces inflammation, pain for chronic conditions, and so much more.
How To Make Jamu Juice
This refreshing juice comes together in just 4 easy steps. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
Slice. Grab your fresh turmeric and ginger and slice it into thin pieces. Feel free to leave the skin on, but you can also peel it.
Blend. Add the turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and water to a high-powered blender. Then blend for about 1 minute until it’s completely smooth.
Boil. Pour the mixture into a pot and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, then add the lemon juice and honey. Give everything a good stir.
Strain. Using a fine mesh sieve, nut milk bag, or cloth, strain the mixture and pour it into a glass bottle to refrigerate.
When And How To Drink Jamu
Typically Jamu juice is served chilled straight out of the fridge or over ice. But you can also warm it up a bit if you’re in a colder environment. It’s also a great option to drink first thing in the morning to prime your digestion. Or you can have a small glass (serving size is about a ½ cup) in between meals. If it’s too strong or spicy for you, you can always dilute it with a bit more water as well.
Storage
Jamu juice should last for about a week in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight jar and give it a good stir or shake before serving.
More Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipes
Looking for ways to boost your immune system? Try to include these recipes throughout your weeknight meals.
- Turmeric Smoothie – The combination of turmeric and pineapple makes for a refreshing smoothie.
- Golden Milk (Turmeric Milk) – The classic soothing beverage.
- Elderberry Tea – A simple tea full of health benefits.
If you make this Jamu recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Description
Video
Equipment
- Vitamix Blender My go-to blender for juices, smoothies, and more!
Ingredients
- 1 cup roughly chopped fresh turmeric
- 1 (2-inch piece) roughly chopped fresh ginger
- 4 cups coconut water
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)
- 2 tablespoons honey, or other sweetener
- ½ pinch of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Slice. Slice the turmeric and ginger into thin disks. Feel free to leave the skin on if it's been thoroughly washed.
- Blend. Add the turmeric, ginger, black pepper and coconut water into a blender. Blend on high speed for about a minute, until it's a smooth mixture.
- Boil. Pour the mixture into a pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Then add the lemon juice and honey, and give everything a good stir.
- Strain and enjoy. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, nut milk bag or muslin cloth. Then pour into a glass bottle or jar and refrigerate. Enjoy chilled or warm.
Lisa’s Tips
- If you like my storage containers, they’re these juice jars and glass bottle.
- While I think this recipe is best with fresh turmeric, you can always try it with powdered turmeric. Usually ⅓ cup of powdered turmeric equals 1 cup of fresh turmeric.
- You can peel or not peel the turmeric and ginger, it’s up to you. But if you do keep the skin on make sure to rinse and clean your fresh turmeric and ginger very well with hot water.
- For the liquid base, you can use regular water instead of coconut water. But I’ve chosen to use coconut water to add extra electrolytes.
- Be mindful that turmeric can stain! So wash your blender and chopping board immediately after using.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
This recipe was originally posted March 2020, but updated to include new information for your benefit!
Just finished making the Jamu juice and would love to know if I can add this to a smoothie for my son while maintaining the same health benefits. It is too strong for him to drink alone. He is 17 years old.
Thank you so much.
Hi Amy – I actually have a pineapple turmeric smoothie on the website that I think your son will love! It’s almost tastes like a tropical smoothie :)
Hi,
I have discovered a similar recipe while visiting Saudi Arabia in 2020. The strong taste in Lisa’s recipe is due to a lot of turmeric. I use a much less amount of turmeric and it tastes much better. Also, good straining results in a golden yellow color semi-clear liquid that looks refreshing too.
I didn’t strain mine. I just drank it like it came out.
I made it. Me and my husband loves it. It’s a great drink. We drink it hot .
Hi Lisa, love all of your recipes! This juice is a great one. Love the strong flavors. My only issue is that it has a stronger bitter taste. Has this ever been an issue for anyone? I used all fresh ingredients and I didn’t peel the turmeric or ginger. Is that why? Any solutions for the bitterness?
Thanks!
Typically, turmeric has a very strong bitter taste on its own.
Love the ideas
How long can I store this in the refrigerator?
This should last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Enjoyed
I love your Jamu Juice. Why do we have to boil it, then simmer it for 20 minutes? What is the purpose of simmering? Can’t it be consumed without simmering?
Hi Sharon – When I learned to make this in Bali we were taught to boil it, so that’s how I share the recipe. While I’m sure you could omit that step, I find it’s best to stick to traditional methods, usually for a reason. :)
Fantastic recipe. Works WONDERS. Can I freeze this?
Yes, you can if you’d like!
I make this every week and LOVE it !!!!
I really feel like it makes a difference in the way I feel.
Glad you’re loving this jamu juice Kimberly!
This is WONDERFUL. I’ve been suffering with arthritis in my big toe. Could walk, but with a lot of pain. My brother’s girlfriend shared this recipe with me. Can’t thank her enough!
Because cooking it smells up the house,
I cook it up in my garage or on my patio. I don’t care about the inconvenience, though. I feel SO much better!
Happy to hear this Jamu Juice is helping tons with your arthritis Sharon. That’s the natural power of ginger and turmeric!
Hi Lisa, how do you get the tumeric stain off the Vitamix container?
I have a few tips on my Vitamix tips video. But the best way (after you’ve cleaned it properly with those tips), is to leave it outside in direct sunlight. The sunlight should fade the stains. Also, I recommend the stainless steel container if turmeric drinks are something they plan to make often, as it doesn’t stain.
When I use saying products I blend warm water with some dish soap right after I empty the blender so it doesn’t sit in the container for longer than the blending process. I have the ninja and its plastic but not staining issues as long as I use the soap blending after harsher colored products are blended Goodluck 🙃
I have found it Dan power wash is an amazing cleaner. Gets turmeric stains out of everything and more. Try it you’ll be amazed.
Hi, bit of a novice, how much volume wise is a cupful of the liquid?
Hi Sue – One cup is 237 ml.
I do not understand the scale of x1, x2, x3 . Is it the same as servings ? I want to make the Jamu juice for my personal consumption for five days and which do I apply ? Scale or servings ?
Hi Benjamin – those are there if you want to make larger quantities of the existing recipe.
is the nutritional value for the entire one week bottle? if not, that sounds like ALOT of calories for a 1/2 cup serving??? thanks- a bit confused.
Hi Lori – it’s somewhat hard to calculate the nutrition for the recipe, as the calculator just adds up the total ingredients. But you strain out much of the turmeric, which is accounting for a good chunk of the calories. So yes, it would be less than this.
Hi,
I would just like to ask about the boiling part. I quickly scrolled trough the comment section to see if anyone has already asked this question but couldn’t really find a complete answer. I know You’ve said it helps infuse flavour of the turmeric as well as to follow the tradition. I’ve been always thought that vitamins get killed by high heat. Which is also why the most expensive coconut water is cold pressed and the “unhealthy” variants get boiled. Same goes for all other fruits and vegetables. So I’m just a little confused about where’s the truth. Would it be healthier to just blend this drink and then consume it? Wouldn’t then all the electrolytes in the coconut water as well as the vitamins in turmeric, lime, ginger etc. stay more in tact then boiling them?
Forgive me please for “hijacking” Your page. Just keep getting a little confused about this one thing and would finally like to find a definitive answer.
Thank You for everything You’ve been doing and most of all for Your self. Stay beautiful as aways.
Hi Samanuel – that’s a great question and unfortunately I don’t have a definitive answer. You would have to do some research on how heat affects the vitamin levels.
Hi Samanuel,
I am of south east asian descent, so drinking jamu juice is very common in our family. However, in my family, we drink it raw, but the taste is much more intense. I personally think boiling down the juice just makes it more palatable, as the jamu is often boiled down with some sort of rock sugar or honey. Probably also helps with storage as well to keep the bacteria count low. When I make it I make sure its only kept for a day or two in the fridge, or else the juice will start fermenting.
Cannot find the Jamu video link. Thanks
Hi Benjamin – You can see the video if you turn off your ad blocker for this page.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the recipe. I will certainly make it! Where did you buy those glass bottles? I would like to buy some. Thanks.
Janet
Hi Janet – they’re linked in the recipe card below. :)
Lisa:
Oh yum!!! The fresh Jamu Juice is excellent, I added 1-1/2 tablespoons of Tamrind concentrate, with lime juice and honey. Thanks for a great recipe. :)
Happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe Pamela!
Hi Lisa. I just made your recipe and am getting ready to bottle it. What do you use the pulp for or do you toss it.
Thanks.
Pamela
Hi Pamela – I haven’t tried using the pulp yet, but you could use it for a smoothie!
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for sharing the Jamu Juice recipe. Quick question, which is better 1 shot (1oz jigger) or as you recommended 1/2C? I’ve seen another blogger recommend 1 shot. Just trying to find out which is better. This is my first time don’t want to put put my body into shock.
Hi Carlos – You can maybe try out one shot and see how your body reacts first before taking 1/2 cup. But normally, 1/2 cup should be okay.
I just made my second batch of this amazing juice! I sweetened mine with coconut palm sugar.
I have to tell you that this has been a LIFE CHANGER! No more back pain, stiffness or heartburn!
I didn’t drink it over the weekend because I was out of fresh turmeric, and WOW, I did not feel as good as I did during the week when I was drinking two shots every morning.
Thanks so much for sharing this, it really, really has changed my life! :-)
Happy to hear you this Jamu juice has provided so many positive benefits!
Maybe the pulp can be used as a face mask. Just be very careful as turmeric will stain! I will try it out tonight.
Let me know how it goes Gina!
Wouldn’t this leave a curry color tone on skin? I wore gloves to make the juice and my fingers have an orange/yellow tone. I tried to wash it off with baking soda paste but did not work.
As much as I love the taste and the anti-inflammatory effects of this juice. I find that I am bruising very easily and very deeply. Can you come in on this. Thank you.
What can you do with the pulp?
I haven’t tried using the pulp yet for other recipes, but if you do, please let me know!
Do we take this empty stomach? Can I use honey when the prepared juice is hot on the stove, but isn’t it going take out the nutrient in honey? Little confused, hopefully, there is an answer to my confusion😊
I want to put the coconut sugar once I get to go out of the house. Little quarantined at the moment!
A small amount of nutrients is removed, but not too much. As for taking this in, it can be whenever. Just drink this in moderation
Hi Donna,
I have used the pulp of this jamu as a poultice for my son’s discoid eczema. I added some honey to it and let it sit on the eczema spots for about an hour. It dries up the open sores in two to three days ( when he was on prescription creams, the open sores would be wet and oozy for weeks!). My son also drinks the jamu for his discoid eczema and he is in remission now.
Hi is it ok if I use groung ginger and turmeric
Hi Peter – Yes, you can use ground if you’d like. But, I would say this recipe is best with fresh!
Would store-bought turmeric juice and ginger juice be acceptable? I found some made by The Juice People.
For this recipe, it’s best to stick with the all natural ingredients and original method.
Wao, i will love to make this jiuce, looks inviting but can a pregnant woman consume it?
Hi Amao – That is something you will need to consult your doctor with.
Hi Lisa, I’ve always loved turmeric drinks, however, I always bought them. This is so easy and delicious as well as the milk!
Can you use the pulp after you strain the juice for anything? It seems like such a waste to throw it out. Could you use it to make a warm milk?
Thank you!
Hi Beth- I haven’t tried using the pulp for anything yet, but I’m guessing you can add it to make some sort of golden milk :)
Hi Lisa,
Hope u are doing well.
I was wondering if coconut water was mandatory to make Jamu Ginger drink?
Bisous de France
Hi Priscilla – no, it’s not required. You could use plain water as well. Hope you enjoy it!
This is my first time drinking turmeric and it’s wonderful. I don’t know why it took me so long to make a turmeric drink that is all natural and organic. I’m going to pass this on to my friends.
So glad you enjoyed this Jamu juice! Be sure to take a peek at my other turmeric drinks as well :)
Hi, why do you heat this juice first before bottling for consumption?
Hi Mylea – When I learned to make this in Bali we were taught to boil it, so that’s how I share the recipe. While I’m sure you could omit that step, I find it’s best to stick to traditional methods, usually for a reason. :)
Jamu juice has become one of favorite juice now, I have tried it out and I loved it.
I have been following you for a few weeks now, have tried quite a few recipes and have been very impressed! Thank you for all of your posts, knowledge and delicious recipes! One thing that I am having difficulties with is the video. I can not find the video on any of the recipes. Have you had anyone else with this problem and did they find a way to fix it? I like watching your videos on fb, they always help me see exactly what to do. Thank you!
Hi Sheri – happy to hear you’re enjoying all the content right now. For the video, make sure to turn off your ad blocker :)
This is so delicious!! Thank for the recipe.
So glad you enjoyed this jamu juice :)
I made this Jamu and it was a hit! :) My husband asked me to make more. My question is why do you need to boil? Is it okey to drink right after blending it? Thank you for the recipe! :)
Hi Szilvi – I’m so happy you both loved the recipe! When I learned to make this in Bali we were taught to boil it, so that’s how I share the recipe. While I’m sure you could omit that step, I find it’s best to stick to traditional methods, usually for a reason. :)
I really like the idea of adding coconut water. But can coconut water be boiled? Doesn’t it lose its nutrients?
Yes, you can boil coconut water.
I just made this drink and it tastes rather soapy. I’m not sure why. Should I add more honey perhaps?
Hi Daniela – that’s strange, perhaps it’s just your taste buds. Similar to how some people taste cilantro differently. But yes, you can always add a little bit more honey.
Would it work to use a juicer instead of a blender for the turmeric and the ginger? Thank You!
Hi Fran – yes, you could do that as well if you have a juicer.
So good!! Thank you for another great recipe. I was finally able to try it out and it’s awesome! My belly has been so happy 🥰 But wondering if when you simmer this do you cover it? I don’t feel like I get as much juice as you do…a lot of it evaporates.
Hi Kimmi – I’m happy you love the recipe! I don’t cover when I simmer, but you could do so if you’d like. No problem. :)
Just tried the recipe! Heres what I changed:
I only had 87 grams of fresh turmeric so I added an extra teaspoon of ground turmeric.
I didnt have coconut water so I used filtered water with a table spoon of coconut flakes.
Instead of honey I blended in about 2 cups of fresh pineapple.
Instead of a lemon I used a lime! Tastes amazing🏵
I’m storing the leftover pulp in a mason jar in the fridge until I figure out what I want to do with it. I think I might add a bit of it to soups or wait until I make this juice again and add this back to the mix with either 1/2 or 1/3 or the recipe to see if I can extract more out of it!
Interesting use of pineapple and lime! Glad this still turned out great :) And keep us posted on what you do with the pulp, curious to see!
I’m going to try this recipe out soon! My question is what do you do with the left over pulp? Do you have any second uses for it or do you just toss it?
Hi Hannah – I do usually toss it, but I’m sure someone in the community will come up with a creative use for it. ;)
Hello! I thought I’d reassure that turmeric doesn’t stain permanently. I’m a professional dyer and even with the help of chemical assists (mordants), anything dyed with turmeric requires care (like not exposing to light) and even then it still fades. So don’t fret too much if something does come into contact with it because it’ll soon fade.
Thanks for the quick tip!
Can I drink as much as I want of this?
Hi Mimi- It’s best to drink this in moderation!
This took me back to the juice bar in central Ubud, sipping Jamu Juice over ice and watching the people passing in their daily lives.
Yum!
Yes! Such a great time in Ubud. I can’t wait to go back one day. :)
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for posting this lovely recipe! I’ve made it 4 times now and it’s been delicious, refreshing and an amazing digestive primer in the morning. Two of the times I’ve made it, the turmeric mixture has turned a burnt orange color much darker than seen in the photos. Do you have any idea why this might happen? Google couldn’t answer 😂
It might just be the turmeric itself, which can deepen coloring as it sits :)
is there a mistake in your conversion measurements ?US standard says 20g fresh ginger and 125 g turmeric whereas metric says 72 g ginger and 118.29 g .A gram is a gram !! also metric recipe says 1tbs honey and metric says 2 tbs. Very confusing
Hi Annette- Thanks for pointing that out! Sometimes our metric conversions can get confused – but we just fixed it :)
Why do you need to boil it? Won’t that reduce the nutritional value?
Boiling it will help infuse the flavor more from the turmeric.
If I have a hard time finding fresh turmeric, could I use ground instead and if so, how much? thank you!
Hi Maria- The general rule is that 1 inch fresh turmeric = 1 teaspoon ground turmeric. Hope that helps!
Your Jamu is delicious so tasty !!!
The nutrition table is per serving ?
Hi Lionel – Yes! The nutrition facts on my site are always per serving :)
I have made purely ginger and turmeric drink today. It was taste good actually.
Glad you enjoyed this Jamu juice Jene!
I am so grateful to have come across this recipe. I have chronic back pain and had to take a lot of pain medication to get through my day. I am drinking this juice for 2 weeks now and my pain level has gone down significantly to the point that I don’t have to take any pain medication any longer. This juice is the answer to my prayers. Thank you!
Wow, that’s amazing to hear Martina! Happy to hear this Jamu juice has been able to help in all sorts of ways :)