Wintermelon (wax gourd, white gourd, or ash gourd) is a large, mild-flavoured fruit (often used as a vegetable) commonly found in Asian cuisine.

Here’s a delicious Wintermelon Milk Tea recipe you can easily make at home. This refreshing drink has a unique caramel-like sweetness from wintermelon, paired with creamy milk and chewy boba

Ingredients

Wintermelon Syrup:

1 cup wintermelon (peeled, deseeded, and diced)
½ cup water
½ cup brown sugar
1-2 slices of ginger (optional, for extra flavour)

Milk Tea:

1 cup milk
½ cup brewed tea (jasmine or green tea, optional)
Ice cubes
Cooked boba/tapioca pearls (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Wintermelon Syrup

In a saucepan, combine wintermelon, water, sugar, and ginger (if using).
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 mins until the melon is soft and the liquid thickens slightly.
Strain the syrup (discard solids or blend for a thicker texture). Let it cool.

2. Assemble the Drink

In a glass, add 1-2 tbsp of wintermelon syrup (adjust sweetness).
Add ice cubes and cooked boba (if using).
Pour in ½ cup tea (if using) and 1 cup milk.
Stir well and enjoy!

Useful Tips:

✔ For a stronger wintermelon taste, reduce the syrup longer.
✔ Add a splash of cream or evaporated milk for extra richness.
✔ Adjust sweetness by adding more/less syrup.

Fun Fact:

Despite its name, wintermelon isn’t related to melons like watermelon or cantaloupe—it’s a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), alongside pumpkins and cucumbers.

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