Bouncy grass jelly and creamy milk are layered with a rich brown sugar syrup for a refreshing, caramel-sweet drink. This easy grass jelly brown sugar milk is ready in just 10 minutes with canned grass jelly for minimal prep.
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Grass jelly brown sugar milk is a chilled Asian-inspired drink made with herbal grass jelly, milk, and a rich brown sugar syrup. Grass jelly is traditionally made from Chinese mesona and has a mild herbal flavor with a light, refreshing texture.
I've always loved the glossy black, jiggly texture of grass jelly and its subtle herbal aftertaste. Paired with creamy milk and brown sugar syrup, its mild flavor balances the deeper caramel sweetness.
I found that simmering the brown sugar syrup until thick is key to creating those caramel streaks along the inside of the glass. A concentrated syrup clings to the sides instead of immediately dissolving into the cold milk.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Exact ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Canned Grass Jelly: This is usually found in the canned aisle of Asian grocery stores. Pandan-flavored grass jelly also works.
- Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar also works for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Cold Water
- Milk of Choice: Whole dairy milk gives the drink a creamier texture, or use your preferred plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Ice Cubes
Expert Tips
- Watch the syrup consistency: It should lightly coat the back of a spoon before removing it from the heat.
- Don't cool the syrup completely: It can harden and become difficult to spoon into the glasses.
- Pour the milk slowly: Pour it over the ice to preserve the brown sugar streaks.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make grass jelly brown sugar milk:
- Slice the grass jelly: Let the grass jelly slide out of the can onto a cutting board. If it doesn't slide out easily, carefully cut the jelly in half while it's still in the can, then let both pieces slide out. Cut half into ½-inch cubes and the other half into 1-inch cubes. Transfer each size to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Make the brown sugar syrup: Add the light brown sugar and cold water to a small saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.
- Coat the grass jelly: Divide the warm brown sugar syrup in half and set one portion aside. Divide the other portion between the two bowls of grass jelly. Gently toss each with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Layer the grass jelly and ice: Divide the grass jelly between 4 tall serving glasses, layering some small and medium cubes below and above 5 ice cubes in each glass.
- Create the caramel streaks: Let the reserved syrup cool slightly, then divide it between the glasses, slowly spooning it along the inside walls to create caramel-colored streaks.
- Add the milk: Slowly pour 1 cup of cold milk into each glass over the grass jelly, ice, and brown sugar syrup. Serve immediately.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover grass jelly and brown sugar syrup separately in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Assemble with fresh milk and ice when ready to serve.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve grass jelly brown sugar milk with:
- Egg tarts: Flaky pastry contrasts with the cold, creamy drink.
- Fresh mango: Adds a light, juicy contrast to the rich brown sugar.
- Mango sticky rice: Coconut and mango complement the caramel-like sweetness.
FAQ
The syrup may be too thin or too warm. Simmer it until it lightly coats the back of a spoon, then let it cool slightly before drizzling it along the inside walls of the glass.
No. Grass jelly is a firm herbal jelly made from Chinese mesona, while boba are chewy tapioca pearls made from starch.
More Like This
Check out my other beverage recipes:
📖 Recipe
Easy 10-min. Grass Jelly Brown Sugar Milk
Ingredients
- 19 oz canned grass jelly
- 4 cups milk or any plant-based milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water cold
- 20 ice cubes
Instructions
- Let the grass jelly slide out of the can onto a cutting board. If it doesn't slide out easily, carefully cut the jelly in half while it's still in the can, then let both pieces slide out. Cut half into ½-inch cubes and the other half into 1-inch cubes. Transfer each size to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Add the light brown sugar and cold water to a small saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.
- Divide the warm brown sugar syrup in half and set one portion aside. Divide the other portion between the two bowls of grass jelly. Gently toss each with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Divide the grass jelly between 4 tall serving glasses, layering some small and medium cubes below and above 5 ice cubes in each glass.
- Let the reserved syrup cool slightly, then divide it between the glasses, slowly spooning it along the inside walls to create caramel-colored streaks.
- Slowly pour 1 cup of cold milk into each glass over the grass jelly, ice, and brown sugar syrup. Serve immediately.
Lila
I bought a can out of curiosity from a Chinese supermarket. When I got home, I thought to just open the can and pour it into a big bowl and dive in. Surprise! It tasted nasty. Since I only took 2 bites, I decided to put the chunk into a smaller container and kept it refrigerated.
Oh, a month or so past by and I decided to research a recipe on the internet and found you. Lucky me.
I tried your recipe but with a twist; I substituted the brown sugar with an organic pure honey. I only used a couple of teaspoons of water and heated with the honey for a couple of moments in the microwave. Then I added the cut jelly and then the goat milk to my tall glass. Boy, was it delicious.
christieathome
Amazing! Happy it worked out for you and glad you enjoyed it with a twist! Thanks for making my recipe, Lila!
gf
nice
christieathome
So glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for making my recipe!
Rosemary
And here I thought that I had to go into the mall to get some jelly tea! I am definitely trying this (also because my brother is obsessed with Asian food!)
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
Those bouncy grass jelly cubes are so visually stunning. They make your beautiful 3 ingredient brown sugar milk so totally tempting! ❤️
Sherri
Wow! I've never heard of grass jelly before...it looks amazing! And love that it's vegan too...yay! This drink is a stunner for sure! 🙂
christieathome
Thanks so much Sherri!
Talia
I made this the other day and was blown away by how tasty and simple it was.