Bali's Signature Drinks: From Es Daluman to Es Tambring

Illustration of typical Balinese drinks. (SHUTTERSTOCK/Ika Rahma H)

YOGYAKARTA - Bali Island is not only famous for its natural beauty, beaches, and rich traditions, but also has a variety of unique culinary dishes, including typical Balinese drinks that contain local flavors. These drinks are not only refreshing, but also reflect the culture, natural ingredients, and philosophy of life of the Balinese people. Many of them are used in daily life, traditional ceremonies, and as a treat for tourists. In this article, we will discuss some popular typical Balinese drinks as well as the meaning behind their existence.

Reported from Kuliner Nusantara, the various types of typical Balinese drinks with various flavors and philosophies are as follows:

Unlike other fermented or herbal drinks, Es Daluman is a natural refreshing drink that is often consumed daily. The main ingredient is daluman leaves (similar to green cincau) served with coconut milk and brown sugar. In addition to being delicious and fresh, Es Daluman also has the benefits of lowering internal heat, cooling the body, and becoming a typical dish on hot days in Bali.

Kintamani coffee comes from the Kintamani mountain area, Bangli, and is one of the best coffees in Indonesia. The uniqueness of this coffee lies in the natural citrus aroma which comes from the symbiotic system between coffee and citrus plants. Kintamani coffee has a fresh taste with a light acidity. Kintamani coffee is known internationally as Bali Arabica Kintamani Coffee. The philosophy of Kintamani Coffee represents the hard work of Balinese farmers who still maintain the sustainability of nature.

Es Kuwut is one of the typical Balinese drinks that are now quite famous in Indonesia. This drink has a uniqueness, namely the basic ingredients of young coconut water combined with sour orange water. Other additional ingredients are basil seeds or can also be added with melon fruit shavings. Es Kuwut is suitable to be enjoyed when the weather is hot.

Arak Bali is a fermented drink and distilled from basic materials such as coconut juice or arene wine. In addition to being known as a traditional alcoholic beverage, Arak Bali also has an important ritual function. Arak Bali is used as an offering to the gods or ancestors in religious ceremonies. Now Arak Bali has undergone a modern transformation by being produced legally and used as the basic ingredient for cocktails in hotels or starred restaurants.

Loloh Cemcem is a traditional herbal drink from Penglipuran Village, Bangli, which is made from cemcem leaves (or kloncing), acid, salt, and a little sugar. The taste of Loloh Cemcem is sour, fresh, and slightly bitter, but very healthy. This drink is believed to lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and refresh the body after being active. Loloh Cemcem symbolizes the harmony between humans and nature because all ingredients are taken directly from the surrounding environment.

Brem Bali is made from the fermentation of white sticky rice or hitamyang produces a sweet and slightly sour taste. This drink is usually served in religious ceremonies and guest banquets. In addition to having a unique taste, Brem Bali is also believed to increase stamina, help digestion, and be a symbol of joy and familiarity.

Next is es ancruk, a unique typical drink that combines banana milk, black glutinous rice porridge, marrow porridge, pearl sago porridge, kolang kaling, coconut milk, agar-agar, and ice cubes. As the name implies, ancruk is a candle, which is a material that should not be missed in this delicious dish. The combination of many fillings makes this drink famous, especially for Muslim residents in Bali during the holy month of Ramadan.

Next is tambring ice, which is commonly referred to as "tambring" only. This drink has a young coconut base that is crushed. Tambring ice has a fresh, sweet, savory, and sour taste thanks to the combination of sugar and asam jawa. The taste of this drink is even richer thanks to the mixture of egg whites.

Typical Balinese drinks are not only about taste, but also stories, traditions, and cultural identity. Connoisseurs of typical Balinese drinks not only enjoy their freshness, but also immerse themselves in the wealth of culture that has grown for centuries on the Island of the Gods. If you visit Bali, don't hesitate to taste these typical Balinese drinks, because they can be part of an authentic experience that should not be missed.

That's a review of typical Balinese drinks and their types. Interested to try? Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.