Looking for a naturally fragrant drink to elevate your cooking or refresh your day? Homemade pandan water is a simple yet flavorful addition to any kitchen. Known for its sweet, grassy aroma and striking green color, pandan water is popular across Southeast Asia for drinks, rice dishes, and desserts.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make pandan water from scratch using fresh pandan leaves. Whether you’re a home cook or beverage enthusiast, this guide offers an easy and rewarding way to explore the natural magic of pandan.
Why Homemade Pandan Water?
Fresh pandan water offers more benefits than store-bought extracts or flavorings:
- All-natural: No additives or preservatives.
- Versatile: Can be used in desserts, cocktails, smoothies, or even to flavor rice.
- Rich aroma and color: Fresh leaves produce a vibrant green tint and sweet, vanilla-like scent.
- Cultural significance: A staple in Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Filipino cuisines.
📌 Fun fact: According to the Asian Culinary Institute, pandan is sometimes called the “vanilla of the East” due to its wide use in flavoring sweet treats.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the method, here’s what you need to make about 1 liter of homemade pandan water.
🧅Ingredients:
- 10–12 fresh pandan leaves (washed and cleaned)
- 1 liter of water (filtered or mineral for best taste)
💡 Tip: Use young, vibrant green leaves for the strongest aroma and color.
🔪Tools:
- Knife or kitchen scissors
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Bowl or pitcher
- Glass bottle or jar for storage
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Homemade Pandan Water
Step 1: Prepare the Leaves
- Rinse the pandan leaves thoroughly under running water.
- Cut them into 5–7 cm (2–3 inch) strips to help with blending.
Step 2: Blend the Leaves
- Add the chopped leaves and water into a blender.
- Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns deep green.
Step 3: Strain the Liquid
- Pour the mixture through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or pitcher.
- Squeeze or press out as much liquid as possible from the blended pulp.
Step 4: Store the Pandan Water
- Transfer the strained water into a clean glass bottle or airtight jar.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
🧊 For longer storage, freeze the pandan water in ice cube trays and use as needed.
Creative Uses for Pandan Water
Use your homemade pandan water in:
- 🌿 Steamed jasmine rice for a subtle floral aroma
- 🍧 Asian desserts like kuih, jelly, or mochi
- 🍹 Cocktails and mocktails for a natural green twist
- 🥤 Smoothies and iced drinks for refreshing flavor
📖 Source: “What Is Pandan? Benefits, Uses, Taste, and Substitutes” – Healthline
Health Benefits of Pandan Leaves
Pandan leaves aren’t just aromatic — they offer potential health benefits too:
- May help lower blood pressure (source: Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies)
- Contains antioxidants that protect against free radicals
- Traditionally used in Southeast Asia for detox and digestion
Tips to Get the Best Result
✅ Use only fresh pandan leaves (not dried or frozen) for maximum aroma.
✅ Don’t boil the leaves — it dulls the color and weakens the scent.
✅ Always store in a sealed container to preserve freshness.
Conclusion
Homemade pandan water is a wonderfully simple way to bring tropical flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re brewing a batch for your favorite dessert or adding a twist to your daily drink, it’s a delightful ingredient worth keeping on hand.
➡️Ready to Try This at Home?
If you’re looking for premium, fresh pandan leaves, we supply export-quality pandan directly from dedicated farmers in Tuban, East Java.
👉 Contact us on WhatsApp
👉 Or visit our export pandan leaves: Fresh and Dried
Let the aroma of pandan bring freshness to your kitchen creations!
