The secret of the ingredients that make Pletok beer feel warm when drunk without alcohol

The ingredients that make pletok beer feel warm when drunk (wikipedia)

YOGYAKARTA - Many people are curious, the ingredients that make pletok beer feel warm when drunk are often mistaken for alcohol, even though this Betawi traditional drink is safe and healthy.

The name "beer" often triggers a negative stigma, even though pletok beer does not contain alcohol at all and is actually rich in Indonesian spices that give a natural warm sensation.

Quoted by VOI from the Indonesian Cultural Digital Library and Wikipedia, here are some interesting facts about pletok beer:

Pletok Beer, a Traditional Drink that is Often Misunderstood

Bir pletok is one of the typical Jakarta drinks that is closely associated with Betawi culture. Even though it bears the name "beer", this drink does not contain alcohol at all.

In fact, pletok beer is made from a blend of authentic Indonesian spices that are safe for all groups to consume. So what's the history?

The origin of pletok beer began during the Dutch colonial period. At that time, the Betawi people saw the habit of Europeans drinking beer in various celebrations.

However, due to the intoxicating effect and in contrast to religious teachings, local people then created an alternative drink that resembles beer, but is made from spices and without fermentation.

The Reason Why Pletok Beer Feels Warm When You Drink It

The warm sensation that arises when drinking pletok beer often makes people misunderstand, as if it comes from the alcohol content. In fact, the warm taste is purely derived from spices that have a natural warming effect on the body.

Spices such as ginger, pepper, and cloves work by increasing blood circulation and giving a warm sensation from within. Well, this is the material that makes pletok beer suitable for drinking at night or when the weather is cold.

The Ingredients That Make Pletok Beer Feel Warm When You Drink It

Based on the previous discussion, it can be known that the main ingredient that makes pletok beer feel warm when drunk is ginger. Ginger gives a soft spicy taste as well as a dominant warming effect.

In addition, there are cloves, pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon that enrich the aroma while strengthening the warm sensation.

Read also the article discussing What is Cinnamon for? Here are the Benefits and Benefits for Health

Then, lemongrass, pandan leaves, and orange leaves balance the taste and bring a fresh aroma. Meanwhile, the distinctive red color of pletok beer comes from teak wood, not from artificial dyes.

The Simple Process of Making Pletok Beer

Bir pletok is relatively easy to make at home. Spices such as ginger, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, and lemongrass are crushed first, then boiled in boiling water. After the aroma of the spices comes out, other ingredients such as cinnamon, pandan leaves, orange leaves, and sugar are added.

Then the red wood is added last to produce a natural red color. The brew is left for about 30 minutes with low heat, then filtered before serving.

Benefits of Pletok Beer for the Body

Unlike alcoholic beverages, pletok beer is known as a drink that helps maintain body stamina. The content of the spice is believed to warm the body, increase body resistance, and help prevent colds.

Well, because it is alcohol-free, this drink is safe for children to adults. Pletok beer can also be enjoyed in a warm or cold condition with the addition of ice cubes, according to each person's taste.

In Betawi culture, pletok beer has an important role in various events such as weddings, circumcision, to customary ceremonies. In fact, pletok beer is often a symbol of the grandeur of a Betawi wedding party.

Currently, even though its existence has begun to be displaced by modern drinks, pletok beer can still be found in Betawi cultural centers such as Setu Babakan, Condet, and Petamburan.

In addition, the innovation in the form of instant pletok beer in powder form also makes this historic drink relevant and easy to enjoy by today's generation.

Thus, the ingredients that make pletok beer feel warm when drunk come from natural Nusantara spices. This proves the richness of Betawi culture which is healthy, safe, and worth preserving.