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Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea: Refreshing Delight for Every Sip

VIVIAN WRITER
Published : March 4, 2026
Updated : March 5, 2026

Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea is a refreshing and flavorful drink that combines the tangy taste of green plums with the soothing properties of tea. Whether you are preparing for a summer picnic or just want a unique drink for your home, this recipe is ideal. One key to its deliciousness is the muddling of plums to release their natural juices, making the tea not only flavorful but also visually appealing with its vibrant color.

Chilled Maesil Ice Tea made from Korean green plums
Table of Contents

Recipe at a Glance

Best forSummer Refreshment
DifficultyEasy
Total time15 minutes
Servings2
Key tipUse ripe plums for maximum flavor
Smart swapHoney can be replaced with agave syrup

What Ingredients Make up Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea?

To make Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea, you’ll need a few simple, yet fresh ingredients. The key element is the Korean green plum, known as maesil, which provides a sweet-tangy flavor. You’ll also require green tea or black tea, sugar or honey for sweetness, water, ice cubes, and optionally, fresh mint leaves for garnish.

Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea
IngredientQuantity Needed
Korean green plum (maesil)4-6 plums
Tea (green or black)2 cups
Water2 cups
Sugar or honeyto taste
Ice cubesas needed
Fresh mint leavesfor garnish (optional)

The plums are not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a great choice for health-conscious individuals. If you don’t have access to maesil, you can substitute them with other plums or even peaches, though the taste will differ slightly. For those looking to minimize sugar intake, honey or agave syrup can create a sweeter experience without artificial additives. For an interesting twist, consider trying a delicate black tea base alongside the plums.

What Equipment Do You Need to Brew This Refreshing Tea?

  • Tea kettle
  • Muddler or spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Strainer (optional)
  • Glass for serving

How Do You Make Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea Step-by-Step?

Making this delightful tea is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Allow me to guide you through the steps.

Step 1

Begin by preparing your green tea according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves boiling water and steeping the tea leaves for the recommended time. Once brewed, let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2

Next, take your Korean green plums and muddle them in a separate container with sugar or honey to release their natural juices. This step is crucial for infusing the flavor into the tea. The riper your plums, the more flavor they will impart.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Store TimeCan be made ahead and chilled
Calories/Nutritional valueApprox. 80 calorie per serving (varies with sweetener)

Step 3

Now, combine the muddled plums with the cooled tea in a pitcher. If desired, strain the mixture to remove lumps of fruit, giving it a smoother texture. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour your beautiful tea mixture over the ice. Optionally, garnishing it with fresh mint leaves adds a lovely aroma and presentation. Serve chilled, and savor each sip of this refreshing and unique beverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid + Pro Tips for Success

Making Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea can be straightforward, but I want to make sure your experience is as delightful as possible. Here’s what to avoid and some tips to ensure success.

Mistakes to Avoid

Using Unripe PlumsUnripe plums will yield a less flavorful tea. Always opt for ripe, sweet plums.
Not Allowing Tea to CoolPouring hot tea over ice can dilute your tea too quickly. Always cool it first.
Over-Muddling PlumsThis can create a too-paste-like texture. Muddle just enough to release juices without creating mush.

Tips for Success

Adjust Sweetness to PreferenceI recommend starting with less sugar, as the plums will provide their natural sweetness.
Use High-Quality TeaThe better the tea, the more enjoyable your drink will be. Choose a brand you love.
Experiment with GarnishFresh mint not only elevates flavor but also enhances visual appeal. Try adding a slice of lemon too!

The most important takeaway is to use fresh, ripe fruit to create a refreshing and vibrant cup of Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea is your new go-to beverage for warm days. Its uniquely tangy and sweet flavor profile will have you hooked in no time.

A Refreshing Mix of Flavor

This tea combines the complex sweetness of green plums with the soothing freshness of tea, resulting in a drink that’s satisfying and revitalizing.

Easy to Prepare

The steps are uncomplicated, making this recipe perfect for those who want a delicious drink without a complicated process. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a batch ready to serve.

Customizable to Your Taste

Feel free to adjust sweetness levels or add your unique twist with ingredients. It’s a fun drink that can reflect your personal flavor preferences.

Personal Touch

I enjoy serving this iced tea at gatherings, and it never fails to impress. In the next steps, you’ll learn how easy it is to elevate presentation with garnishes.

Custom Variations, Serving, and Storage Ideas

There are many ways to enjoy and adapt Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea for your needs! Let me share some ideas.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to explore varieties of this recipe! You can add sliced ginger for a spicy kick, opt for a hibiscus tea base for a floral note, or introduce fresh citrus like lime for a zesty twist. These variations will give each glass a unique flavor profile.

Sweetener Alternatives

If you prefer different sweeteners, consider using agave syrup or maple syrup for added depth. Coconut sugar is another excellent option, imparting a lower glycemic index while still providing sweetness. Each swap will change the taste just slightly, allowing for tailored enjoyment.

Perfect for Gatherings

This tea can elevate any summer gathering. Serve it in pitchers over colorful ice cubes, or provide personalized glasses with mint sprigs on the side to make your guests feel special. It’s also great to serve alongside refreshing summer bites, like light salads or finger sandwiches.

Storage Tips

For best taste and texture, store your tea in the fridge and consume it within 3 days. To refresh any leftovers, add extra ice cubes and mint right before serving. It keeps your drink looking fresh and appealing!

IdeaBest forHow to do it
Ginger KickMore flavorAdd sliced ginger while muddling plums.
Hibiscus InfusionFloral notesReplace tea with hibiscus for a fruity twist.
Fresh CitrusBright flavorsAdd sliced lime or lemon for a zestier drink.
Mint SprigsVisual appealGarnish drinks with mint sprigs for decorations.

More Recipes You Can Try Next

Looking for more culinary inspiration? Here are a few of my favorites.

Butterfly Pea TeaDiscover the refreshing benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea in our easy-to-make refresher. Perfect for a healthy boost!
Iced lemon teaRefreshingly delicious iced lemon tea. Perfect for a sunny day.
Festive SaladLight and fresh, a great accompaniment to your tea.

Final Thoughts

Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea is more than just a refreshing drink; it embodies deliciousness in every sip. The unique flavors provide a twist that can offer a delightful surprise to anyone trying it for the first time. I encourage you to enjoy it with friends or family, sparking conversations over its exotic taste. As you explore this recipe, I hope you find joy in the simple act of making a beautiful beverage that brings comfort and coolness to warmer days. Don’t miss out on experimenting with the variations and making this recipe your own. For more inspiration, be sure to check out my Pinterest for more culinary delights.

FAQ

Can I use other types of plums instead of Korean green plums?

Yes, while Korean green plums offer a unique taste, other plums can work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

How long can I store the iced tea?

You can store the tea in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

Can I make this tea with herbal tea instead?

Absolutely! You can use herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint, to create a caffeine-free version of this refreshing drink.

What sweetener works best in this recipe?

Sugar, honey, or agave syrup all work well. Adjust the sweetness based on your personal preference and the ripeness of the plums.

Is this beverage suitable for kids?

Yes, this iced tea is a great non-caffeinated option for children. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness to their taste.

Print
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Chilled Maesil Ice Tea made from Korean green plums

Korean Green Plum Maesil Ice Tea

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A refreshing drink combining the tangy taste of Korean green plums with soothing tea, perfect for summer.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 Korean green plums (maesil)
  • 2 cups green or black tea
  • 2 cups water
  • Sugar or honey, to taste
  • Ice cubes, as needed
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your green tea according to the package instructions. Let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Muddle the Korean green plums with sugar or honey in a separate container to release their natural juices.
  3. Combine the muddled plums with the cooled tea in a pitcher. Optionally strain the mixture to remove lumps of fruit.
  4. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the tea mixture over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve chilled.

Notes

Use ripe plums for maximum flavor. Honey can be replaced with agave syrup.

  • Author: vivian-brooks
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Beverage Preparation
  • Cuisine: Korean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

About the author

This recipe was crafted by Brooks Vivian, who develops quick and creative vegetarian meals. His focus is on simple, flavorful dishes that fit easily into a busy lifestyle.

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