Go Back
–+ servings
A chilled plum soda served over ice with a side of salty plums.

Classic Vietnamese Plum Soda

5 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 1 person
Author Puja Verma
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

DESCRIPTION

Sweet, salty, and sour, this classic Vietnamese drink is refreshing and gives a pleasant jolt to the senses.

INGREDIENTS
 
 

Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 ½ cups sugar I've used brown sugar, but white will do too

Plum Soda

  • 4 whole pickled plums or salted plums
  • 6 whole mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoon simple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
  • ¾ cup sparkling water or soda water it has to fill your glass to the top
  • ice cubes as needed; some like more than others

METHOD
 

If you don't have simple syrup on hand, don't fret! It is very easy to make:

  • In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. On low heat stir until simmering. Remove from heat once the sugar dissolves. (Note: Do not wait for it to boil.)
    A pot of sugar and water over heat being stirred with a wood spoon.
  • Let the syrup sit for about 15 minutes and let it cool. Pour the syrup into a mason jar and refrigerate. Use as needed.
    A mason jar full of simple syrup.
  • Now that you have your sugar syrup, let's make that drink! In a 12 ounce glass, add the 4 pieces of pickled plums and mint leaves. Using a thin spoon or metal straw, break the plums and mint apart so the salty and minty flavors are released.
    Salty plums and mint leaves being pressed down with a spoon in a glass.
  • Then add the rest of the ingredients in the following order: ice, simple syrup, lime juice, and and sparkling water (pour all the way up; ½" below the rim)
    Pouring simple syrup in a glass over ice, mint leaves and salty plums.
  • Add a mint leaf and lime wedge on the rim of your glass as garnish (I like to throw one in my drink too).
    A chilled glass of Classic Vietnamese Plum Soda with a lime wedge as garnish.

NOTES

Don't let the options of plums overwhelm you. It's fine whether you get something labeled 'Fermented Plums' or 'Salted Plums' or 'Plums in Brine'. It doesn't matter if you get them in a jar or plastic packaging (although it's more friendly to the environment to choose the jar). Just don't buy the dried ones.

NUTRITION

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: plum soda, vietnamese soda
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!