Name: Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 60 g (6 big) jujubes; 5 g (1 tablespoon) goji berries; 1 thumb ginger, sliced; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something incredibly soothing about sipping a mug of Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) on a chilly afternoon or as a pick-me-up during a busy week. This nourishing herbal tea weaves together the mellow sweetness of jujubes, a hint of gingery warmth, and the radiant color from goji berries for a truly comforting cup. Whether you’re curious about healing East Asian drinks or simply seeking a gentle and restorative homemade beverage, Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) is a beloved favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) at home is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something uniquely delicious. Each component brings subtle flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting qualities that make this drink truly special.

Jujubes (Chinese red dates): The starring ingredient, jujubes lend a sweet, caramel-like flavor and beautiful reddish hue to the tea.
Goji berries: These tiny red gems add a pop of color and delicate fruitiness while upping the tea’s nourishing reputation.
Fresh ginger: Just a thumb-sized piece gives the tea a warming, soothing zing—perfect for cold days or soothing your throat.
Brown sugar: Adds subtle depth and sweetness, rounding out the flavors beautifully; you can adjust to taste.
Water: The foundation of the tea—use filtered or fresh water for the cleanest taste.

How to Make Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶)

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Jujubes

Start by placing your jujubes in a large bowl and covering them with water. Let them soak for around 10 minutes—this makes it easier to gently rub off any dust or residue. Once they’re clean, drain and discard the water, then halve each jujube and remove the pits using a paring knife. This simple step ensures a pure, mellow sweetness in your final tea.

Step 2: Rinse the Goji Berries

Next, give your goji berries a quick rinse under fresh water. Gently rub them between your fingers to get rid of any dirt or debris. They don’t need to soak—just a swift, gentle wash will do the trick to keep their delicate flavor intact.

Step 3: Simmer the Tea

Now, combine the prepped jujubes, rinsed goji berries, and sliced fresh ginger in a small pot. Pour in about 4 cups of water. Bring it up to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for 10 minutes. During this stage, all the beautiful flavors will effortlessly meld together.

Step 4: Strain and Press

Once simmering is done, use a small strainer to separate the tea into a teapot or another clean container. If you like, press the softened jujubes gently with a spoon to squeeze out that last bit of goodness—every drop counts for flavor and nutrients!

Step 5: Sweeten and Serve

With the tea strained, stir in your brown sugar while the liquid is still warm. Taste and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Now, simply pour the steaming tea into your favorite mug and serve right away for maximum comfort and aroma.

How to Serve Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶)

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, float a few extra goji berries or thin slices of ginger in each cup. Not only does this make your Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) look inviting, but it also gives each sip a burst of color and a gentle flavor reminder of what’s inside.

Side Dishes

Pair your tea with light, subtly sweet snacks—think sesame cookies, almond biscuits, or a simple bowl of fresh fruit. The clean, cozy flavors of Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) complement these nibbles perfectly, making for a relaxing afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in delicate glass mugs or petite teacups to showcase the tea’s beautiful reddish tint. If you’re feeling festive, arrange a tea tray with tiny bowls of extra goji berries, thinly sliced ginger, and a jar of honey to let everyone personalize their cup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶), transfer the cooled tea into a clean glass jar or bottle, and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days, so you can enjoy a restorative cup anytime you want.

Freezing

Good news! This tea freezes well. Pour leftover cooled tea into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers and freeze. Thaw in the fridge or pop a cube or two into a mug of hot water for an instant, no-fuss version.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the refrigerated Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat—avoid boiling, as it can alter the flavor. Alternatively, a quick burst in the microwave works for single servings.

FAQs

Can I use dried jujubes and goji berries?

Absolutely! In fact, dried jujubes and goji berries are typically used in this recipe. They store well and plump beautifully when simmered, infusing the tea with their distinct sweetness.

Is Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) caffeine-free?

Yes, it is naturally caffeine-free. That makes it a wonderful choice for evenings or whenever you want a warm beverage without the buzz.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Of course! Feel free to experiment by adding a cinnamon stick, a couple of star anise pods, or a handful of dried longan. Each addition will bring its own subtle note to your Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶).

Does it taste very sweet?

Not at all—unless you add extra sugar! The sweetness is naturally mellow from the jujubes, and you can control the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.

Is this tea suitable for kids?

Yes, Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) is gentle, nourishing, and generally adored by all ages. Just adjust the sugar and ginger to make it as mild as you’d like for little ones.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful drink that’s as inviting as a warm hug, give Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) a try. The simple process and nourishing ingredients make it a heartwarming ritual you’ll soon cherish. So put on the kettle and delight in the sweet, soothing comfort of this traditional favorite!

Chinese Jujube Tea (红枣茶) Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Chinese Jujube Tea is a traditional beverage made with jujubes, goji berries, ginger, and brown sugar. This soothing tea is fragrant, naturally sweet, and believed to have health benefits.

Ingredients

Scale

Jujube Tea Ingredients:

60 g (6 big) jujubes

Additional Ingredients:

5 g (1 tablespoon) goji berries
1 thumb ginger, sliced
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)

Instructions

Prepare Jujubes: Soak jujubes in water for 10 minutes, then remove dust by gently rubbing the surface. Drain, halve, and deseed the jujubes.
Rinse Goji Berries: Wash goji berries to remove any dirt.
Cook Tea: Combine jujubes, goji berries, and ginger in a pot with water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Strain and Sweeten: Strain the tea, press the jujubes for liquid, add brown sugar, and adjust sweetness. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: Chinese