Easy Sirap Bandung Recipe – Rose Milk Syrup (in 3 Ways!)
Sirap Bandung, or Rose Syrup with Milk (shortened to Rose Milk Syrup), is a bright pink drink that’s very eye-catching and fragrant. It has a distinct creaminess and sweetness with a hint of rose, often served chilled for a thirst-quenching, refreshing relief.
The original (simply known as “Sirap Bandung” in Malay) is very delicious and satisfying on its own – but for the more adventurous, there are more variations to try and enjoy. If you love a lightly tangy drink, “Sirap Bandung Limau” features a good citrusy twist of key lime.
Do you love boba? Then the grass jelly variation, also known as “Sirap Bandung Cincau” is for you. Featuring chewy, unsweetened grass jelly – not only is it a healthier version of the tapioca balls from bubble milk tea, your body will be much cooler as well!
If soft drinks are your jam, then try “Sirap Bandung Soda” – it comes creamy and sweet with a light fizz to jazz up the tastebuds. The icing on the cake? You can even serve it with actual vanilla ice-cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Each of these recipes serves 1 tall glass (about 350ml – 450ml).
What is Sirap Bandung?
“Sirap Bandung” comes from the Malay language, which means, “Syrup” and “Pair”. It is ultimately the pairing of rose syrup (usually unsweetened) and condensed milk. Very popular in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, it can be found in many local shops owned by the Malay aunties and uncles. In fact, walking through the local pasar malam (night markets), you can be sure to find at least 1 stall selling this bright pink drink in a super large container.
According to Wikipedia, it is traditionally served during wedding celebrations and breaking of fast during the fasting month. Despite having its name, the city of Bandung, Indonesia has no other relation to this drink. It seems to have a closer tie to Muar, Johor, Malaysia, where another popular dish with a similar name, “Mi Bandung”, originated from.
Ingredients
- Condensed Milk
- Water, Hot
- Simple Syrup
- Unsweetened, Concentrated Rose Syrup
- Salt
- Ice Cubes
- Evaporated Milk
Utensils
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Tall Glasses
- Stirrer, or Spoons
Tips
- For the Key Lime (Limau) and Grass Jelly (Cincau): the amount of evaporated milk in the base drink will vary, as it is poured last. The amount can be anywhere from 75ml to 90ml, depending on how full the glass is.
- For the Soda variation: the water in the base drink is replaced entirely with carbonated soda water.
- This drink is quite high in calories (it’s about x calorie per glass), so do consume in moderation.
- For the variations, an additional 1/2 tbsp of condensed milk is added (with equal parts of hot water) to add a little more sweetness to enhance the experience of consuming the drink. The amount can be adjusted according to taste.
- Ensure to watch the video to see exactly how I made it!
Storage Instructions
This drink, and all its variations, are best served immediately after mixing for maximum creaminess, especially the Key Lime version. The refreshingness and sweetness are undiluted and “kaw kaw” (super strong and concentrated).
It can be kept in the fridge, to be consumed on the same day. If doing so, I recommend adding the ice, and/ or, the lime juice, and grass jelly until just about to serve. Ice melts quite rapidly in hot weather, while the lime juice may curd the milk if left as-is for too long. The grass jelly holds up quite well if making in advance, though adding by glass ensures better uniformity than dishing it out from a big batch.
As for the Soda version, the carbonated water, ice and ice-cream (if using as a topping), should be added just before serving as it can go flat if left exposed to air for a while.
Freezing this drink (and any of this variation) is not recommended.
Other Drink Recipes You May Like:
- Simple Cocktail Recipe
- Avocado Honey Smoothie
- Cooling Chrysanthemum Tea
- Sweet Lotus Root Drink
- Refreshing Grass Jelly Drink
Sirap Bandung – Rose Syrup with Milk
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Tall glass
Ingredients
Original (Base Drink)
- 1 tbsp condensed milk
- 1 tbsp water, hot
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 tbsp concentrated rose syrup
- a pinch of salt, table salt
- 200 ml water
- 5 ice cubes
- 90 ml evaporated milk, or until the glass is full
Sirap Bandung Limau (with Key Lime)
- 1 base drink, refer above*
- 1/2 tbsp condensed milk
- 1/2 tbsp water, hot
- 2/3 key lime, juice squeezed and strained
Sirap Bandung Cincau (with Grass Jelly)
- 1 base drink, refer above*
- 1/2 tbsp condensed milk
- 1/2 tbsp water, hot
- 2 tbsp grass jelly, cincau, unsweetened, cut to small pieces
Sirap Bandung Soda (Carbonated)**
- 1.5 tbsp condensed milk
- 1.5 tbsp water, hot
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 tsp concentrated rose syrup
- a pinch of salt
- 200 ml soda water, unsweetened
- 5 ice cubes
- 90 ml evaporated milk
- 1 scoop vanilla ice-cream, optional
Instructions
Original/ Base
- In a tall glass, add condensed milk, hot water, simple syrup, rose syrup and salt. Stir to mix until even in colour and well-combined.
- Add water (until the glass is half full) and stir thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust.
- Add the ice cubes until the glass is 80% full.
- Pour in the evaporated milk until the glass is full.
- Admire the marbling, then stir and enjoy!
Sirap Bandung Limau (with Key Lime)
- Repeat the steps in the Original version, stopping at the evaporated milk step.
- Pour in the evaporated milk until the drink is just full.
- Squeeze the key lime pieces over the drink.
- Decorate with a key lime slice. Stir and enjoy!
Sirap Bandung Cincau (with Grass Jelly)
- Repeat the steps in the Original version. Add the ice until the glass is 3/4 full.
- Add the cincau (grass jelly) and pour the evaporated milk until the glass is almost full.
- Stir and enjoy!
Sirap Bandung Soda (Carbonated)
- In a tall glass, add condensed milk, hot water, simple syrup, rose syrup and salt. Stir to mix until even in colour and well-combined.
- Taste and adjust.
- Add the soda water, until the glass is about 50% full (not counting the created foam).
- Add ice cubes and some soda water, until the glass is 2/3 full.
- Drizzle some evaporated milk. Optionally, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Stir and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- For the Key Lime (Limau) and Grass Jelly (Cincau): the amount of evaporated milk in the base drink will vary, as it is poured last. The amount can be anywhere from 75ml to 90ml, depending on how full the glass is.
- For the Soda variation: the water in the base drink is replaced entirely with carbonated soda water.
- This drink is quite high in calories (it’s about x calorie per glass), so do consume in moderation.
- For the variations, an additional 1/2 tbsp of condensed milk is added (with equal parts of hot water) to add a little more sweetness to enhance the experience of consuming the drink. The amount can be adjusted according to taste.
- Nutritional Facts is based on 1 glass of any variation (assumed 1.5 tbsp of condensed milk & 90ml of evaporated milk per glass). The scoop of ice-cream is not included.
- Ensure to watch the video to see exactly how I made it!