30+ Refreshing Chinese New Year Drink Recipes For Refreshment

Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food and drinks.

Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or enjoying a quiet meal at home, adding a variety of flavorful beverages to your menu can enhance the festive atmosphere.

From traditional teas that promote health and well-being to sweet and fruity concoctions that bring good fortune, Chinese New Year drinks are rich in symbolism and taste.

These drinks often feature ingredients known for their health benefits, such as ginger, red dates, and lotus seeds, making them the perfect way to nourish both body and spirit during this joyous holiday.

In this article, we’ve curated a list of 30+ Chinese New Year drink recipes that will bring vibrant flavors to your table and help you celebrate the arrival of the new year in style.

30+ Refreshing Chinese New Year Drink Recipes For Refreshment

With 30+ Chinese New Year drink recipes to choose from, you have the perfect opportunity to serve your guests something special that goes beyond the usual festive fare.

Whether you’re drawn to the calming qualities of herbal teas, the refreshing flavors of fruit-based drinks, or the rich sweetness of traditional beverages, these recipes will add a unique touch to your Chinese New Year celebrations.

Not only will they delight your taste buds, but they also embody the traditions and symbolism of this important holiday.

Cheers to good fortune, prosperity, and a year filled with happiness as you sip your way through these delicious and meaningful drinks!

Festive Red Bean and Coconut Drink

This sweet and creamy drink combines the natural sweetness of red beans with the rich flavor of coconut milk, making it a popular treat during Chinese New Year. The red bean symbolizes good fortune and wealth, and the coconut milk adds a smooth, velvety texture. This drink is not only delicious but also comforting, making it the perfect beverage to enjoy with family and friends during the festive season.

• 1 cup red beans
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of salt
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water.
2. In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the red beans. Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for about 45 minutes, or until they become soft and tender.
3. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt to the beans, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Once the beans are cooked and the mixture thickens slightly, remove from heat and let it cool down for about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the coconut milk until well combined.
6. Serve the drink chilled with ice cubes for a refreshing touch, or enjoy it warm for a comforting drink.

This Red Bean and Coconut Drink offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. It’s a symbolic and traditional drink that embodies prosperity and happiness, two key themes of Chinese New Year. Whether you serve it cold or warm, this beverage is sure to add a cozy and festive atmosphere to your celebration.

Lychee and Jasmine Tea Cooler

Lychee, a sweet and fragrant tropical fruit, paired with the delicate aroma of jasmine tea, makes for a light and refreshing drink. This combination is perfect for welcoming the new year, offering a taste that is both exotic and refreshing. It’s the ideal beverage to serve during Chinese New Year festivities when the temperature rises, providing a cooling and flavorful option to enjoy with guests.

• 4 lychees (fresh or canned)
• 2 cups brewed jasmine tea (chilled)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. If using fresh lychees, peel and remove the seeds. If using canned lychees, drain the syrup.
2. Place the lychees in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. In a pitcher, mix the chilled jasmine tea, honey (or sugar), and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the blended lychee mixture into the tea and mix well.
5. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lychee tea mixture over.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added burst of fragrance and flavor.

This Lychee and Jasmine Tea Cooler is a delightful drink that combines floral notes and tropical sweetness. The jasmine tea adds a subtle fragrance, while the lychee brings a vibrant sweetness to the mix. It’s a refreshing and elegant drink that will impress your guests, making it a wonderful addition to any Chinese New Year celebration.

Tangerine Ginger Fizz

Tangerines, which symbolize good luck and fortune in Chinese culture, pair beautifully with the zesty kick of ginger in this fizzy and invigorating drink. The tangerine provides a bright, citrusy flavor, while the ginger adds warmth and spice. Topped with sparkling water, this drink is both energizing and refreshing, making it the perfect way to toast to a prosperous new year.

• 2 tangerines (juiced)
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Tangerine slices (for garnish)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the grated ginger with honey or agave syrup. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Juice the tangerines and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
3. In a glass, combine the tangerine juice with the ginger mixture and stir well.
4. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the tangerine-ginger mixture over the ice.
5. Top with sparkling water for a fizzy effect.
6. Garnish with tangerine slices and a sprig of fresh mint.

The Tangerine Ginger Fizz is an exciting and festive drink that captures the essence of Chinese New Year with its bright, citrusy flavors and the spicy warmth of ginger. The fizzy sparkle makes it a fun and celebratory beverage, perfect for toasting with loved ones. This drink not only tastes great but also carries the symbolic meaning of good fortune and health, ensuring your New Year is off to a sparkling start.

Sweet Osmanthus and Plum Drink

Osmanthus flowers, known for their sweet fragrance, are a popular ingredient in Chinese New Year drinks and desserts. This drink combines the floral essence of osmanthus with the tartness of plums, resulting in a unique balance of flavors. The osmanthus flower is considered a symbol of love and prosperity, while plums are believed to bring good fortune. This drink is not only refreshing but also offers a touch of elegance, making it an excellent choice for a celebratory gathering.

• 4 dried osmanthus flowers
• 3 plums (pitted and sliced)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons rock sugar or regular sugar
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Fresh osmanthus flowers (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried osmanthus flowers under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the osmanthus flowers and plums.
3. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
4. Add sugar to taste, stirring until dissolved.
5. Once the drink has cooled, strain it to remove the osmanthus flowers and plum pieces.
6. Serve chilled with ice cubes, or enjoy it warm. Garnish with fresh osmanthus flowers, if desired.

The Sweet Osmanthus and Plum Drink is a fragrant and flavorful beverage that celebrates Chinese New Year with its delicate balance of floral and fruity notes. This drink not only refreshes but also symbolizes prosperity and love, two important themes during the New Year festivities. It’s a wonderful way to add a sophisticated touch to your celebrations while sharing a unique cultural tradition with your guests.

Red Date and Longan Tea

Red dates (jujubes) and longan are both cherished in Chinese culture for their health benefits and their ability to bring warmth and vitality. This comforting tea is often enjoyed during colder months and is believed to promote good health and longevity. Red dates are known to boost energy and improve blood circulation, while longan adds a subtle sweetness. Together, they make for a deeply nourishing and heartwarming drink perfect for the New Year season.

• 6 dried red dates
• 6 dried longan
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon rock sugar (or to taste)
• 1-2 slices of ginger (optional)
• Goji berries (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried red dates and longan under cold water to remove any dust or impurities.
2. In a pot, add the 4 cups of water, red dates, longan, and optional ginger slices.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
4. Add the rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
5. Strain the tea to remove the fruit and ginger.
6. Serve the tea warm in cups, garnished with goji berries if desired.

Red Date and Longan Tea is a nourishing drink that offers both health benefits and a comforting sweetness. It’s perfect for Chinese New Year, as it symbolizes health, vitality, and the warmth of family. The rich, natural flavors and the gentle sweetness make this tea a soothing and revitalizing drink, ideal for sharing with loved ones during festive occasions.

Chinese Five-Spice Apple Cider

Infused with the aromatic flavors of Chinese five-spice powder, this apple cider is a bold and fragrant drink that’s perfect for those seeking something warm and comforting during Chinese New Year. The combination of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and Szechuan peppercorns gives the cider a unique, spicy warmth, while the sweetness of the apples brings balance. This drink is an excellent choice for a cozy New Year’s celebration or as a welcome drink for guests.

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 2 cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
• 1 thinly sliced apple (for garnish)
• 1-2 slices of orange (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and Chinese five-spice powder.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15–20 minutes, so the spices infuse the cider.
3. Taste the cider and add honey or sugar for sweetness, stirring until dissolved.
4. Once the cider is flavorful and aromatic, strain out the spices.
5. Serve the cider warm in cups, garnished with apple slices and optional orange slices.

Chinese Five-Spice Apple Cider is a warm, aromatic drink that perfectly blends the traditional spices of Chinese cuisine with the sweetness of apple cider. It’s a comforting and festive beverage that evokes the spirit of Chinese New Year with its rich, flavorful profile. Whether served to guests or enjoyed with family, this cider is sure to bring warmth and joy to your celebration.

Sweet Potato Drink

Sweet potatoes, a symbol of prosperity and abundance, are commonly used in Chinese New Year dishes, and this drink is no exception. This creamy and naturally sweet beverage combines the earthy flavor of sweet potatoes with a touch of coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture. It’s a comforting, nutrient-packed drink that offers a balance of sweetness and warmth, perfect for toasting to a fruitful and prosperous new year.

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional, for chilled version)

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
2. In a pot, add the sweet potatoes and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft and tender.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in the coconut milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using), and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Serve warm in cups, or chill it in the refrigerator and serve over ice for a refreshing variation.

The Chinese New Year Sweet Potato Drink is a rich and nourishing treat, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Its creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor make it a perfect addition to any festive meal. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this drink is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the benefits of sweet potatoes, which are believed to bring good luck in the new year.

Lotus Seed and Lily Bulb Drink

Lotus seeds and lily bulbs are considered traditional ingredients used in Chinese medicine to promote calmness and relaxation. This drink combines the subtle sweetness of lotus seeds with the refreshing, delicate taste of lily bulbs, creating a beverage that is both nourishing and soothing. Known for its cooling properties, this drink is perfect for balancing the festive season’s rich foods, offering a moment of calm and tranquility.

• 1/4 cup dried lotus seeds
• 1/4 cup dried lily bulbs
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons rock sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon goji berries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried lotus seeds and lily bulbs under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then add the lotus seeds and lily bulbs.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the lotus seeds soften and the drink develops a rich flavor.
4. Stir in the rock sugar and let it dissolve completely.
5. Once the drink is ready, strain it to remove the lotus seeds and lily bulbs, and serve warm or chilled. Garnish with goji berries if desired.

Lotus Seed and Lily Bulb Drink is a perfect balance of delicate sweetness and cooling properties, ideal for those who want a soothing, healthful beverage during the Chinese New Year. This drink helps promote relaxation and good health, while also offering a refreshing contrast to richer festive foods. Its light and floral flavor make it a great way to wind down during the holiday celebrations.

Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea

Chrysanthemum flowers, revered for their cooling properties and calming effects, are often used in Chinese herbal teas. Paired with goji berries, which are thought to promote longevity and vitality, this tea is both refreshing and nourishing. It’s an ideal drink to enjoy after a large meal during Chinese New Year, helping to refresh the body and balance the heat from rich, savory dishes.

• 1/4 cup dried chrysanthemum flowers
• 2 tablespoons dried goji berries
• 4 cups hot water
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries under cold water to remove any dust.
2. In a teapot or heatproof container, add the chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries.
3. Pour the hot water over the flowers and berries, allowing the tea to steep for 5–7 minutes.
4. Once the tea is brewed, strain it to remove the flowers and berries.
5. Stir in honey to taste, and serve the tea warm or chilled over ice for a refreshing alternative.

Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea is a fragrant and cooling drink that promotes health and wellness. It is especially beneficial after indulging in a hearty meal during Chinese New Year, as it aids digestion and refreshes the palate. The combination of chrysanthemum’s floral aroma and the sweet, antioxidant-rich goji berries makes this tea a delightful and soothing way to welcome the new year with loved ones.

Almond and Red Bean Drink

The combination of almond and red bean is a classic pairing in Chinese dessert drinks, offering a harmonious blend of nutty and sweet flavors. Almonds are believed to have numerous health benefits, including promoting clear skin and aiding digestion, while red beans are often used in Chinese cooking to symbolize good fortune. This drink is both nutritious and refreshing, making it a great way to celebrate Chinese New Year with a wholesome, comforting beverage.

• 1/2 cup dried red beans (azuki beans)
• 1/2 cup almonds (blanched or slivered)
• 4 cups water
• 1-2 tablespoons rock sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried red beans under cold water and soak them overnight to soften.
2. In a pot, combine the soaked red beans with 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until the red beans are soft and the water has turned a deep red color.
4. In a separate pot, bring the almonds to a boil in 2 cups of water, then simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Use a blender or immersion blender to blend the almonds into a smooth paste.
6. Combine the almond paste with the red bean liquid, stir in the rock sugar, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Add vanilla extract if desired and strain the drink for a smooth consistency.
8. Serve warm or chilled, as preferred.

Almond and Red Bean Drink is a comforting and nutritious beverage that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. This drink is ideal for celebrating Chinese New Year as it symbolizes good fortune and longevity. With its rich, smooth texture and delicate flavor, it’s a wonderful way to nourish both body and spirit during the festivities.

Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea

Ginger is widely recognized in Chinese culture for its medicinal properties, especially for boosting circulation and aiding digestion. Combined with brown sugar, which adds a rich and comforting sweetness, this drink is warming and energizing. The soothing heat of the ginger makes it perfect for wintertime, and it’s often consumed to help with digestion after heavy meals, making it an ideal drink for Chinese New Year celebrations.

• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced thinly)
• 2 cups water
• 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added warmth)
• Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Peel and slice the ginger into thin rounds.
2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the ginger slices and the cinnamon stick (if using).
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, depending on how strong you like your ginger flavor.
4. Stir in the brown sugar and allow it to dissolve completely.
5. Strain the tea into cups and garnish with a slice of lemon, if desired.
6. Serve the tea warm for a soothing and rejuvenating drink.

Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea is a deeply warming and invigorating drink, perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations. Not only does it aid in digestion, but its spicy warmth also provides comfort during colder weather. This drink is both a health booster and a great way to balance out rich dishes, making it a must-have during the festive season.

Pear and Honey Drink

Pear is often used in Chinese cooking and medicine for its cooling and soothing properties. Known for its ability to clear heat from the body and aid in hydration, pear makes an excellent base for a refreshing and healthy drink. Combined with honey, which offers natural sweetness and has numerous health benefits, this pear and honey drink is both nourishing and calming, making it a wonderful option to enjoy during Chinese New Year.

• 2 ripe pears (peeled and diced)
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
• 1-2 slices of ginger (optional, for a warm kick)
• Ice cubes (optional, for chilled version)

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice the pears into small chunks.
2. In a pot, add the pears and water, then bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the pears to soften and release their natural sweetness.
4. (Optional) Add ginger slices for a warming flavor and let it steep for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture to remove the pear pieces, then stir in honey to taste.
6. Serve warm or chilled over ice for a refreshing option.

Pear and Honey Drink is a light, hydrating, and soothing beverage that offers a naturally sweet and comforting taste. The pear’s cooling properties, paired with the sweetness of honey, make this drink ideal for balancing out rich meals during Chinese New Year. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, it’s a perfect drink for both refreshing and nurturing your body during the festive season.

Lychee and Rose Tea

Lychee is a tropical fruit that symbolizes abundance and good fortune, making it a perfect ingredient for a Chinese New Year drink. When paired with the fragrant and floral notes of rose, this tea becomes a refreshing and aromatic beverage that is both sweet and slightly floral. The combination of lychee’s natural sweetness with the delicate rose petals offers a soothing and elegant drink to enjoy during the festivities.

• 1/2 cup canned lychee (drained, or fresh if available)
• 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
• 4 cups hot water
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional, for a chilled version)

Instructions:

1. If using canned lychee, drain the syrup and set the lychee aside. If using fresh lychee, peel and remove the pit, then set aside.
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then pour it over the dried rose petals in a teapot. Let it steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
3. While the tea is steeping, puree the lychee in a blender or food processor to create a smooth paste.
4. Once the rose tea has steeped, strain out the rose petals and stir in the lychee puree.
5. Sweeten with honey to taste, and mix thoroughly.
6. Serve the tea warm, or chill it and serve over ice for a refreshing twist.

Lychee and Rose Tea is a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful drink that brings elegance and charm to any Chinese New Year celebration. With its sweet lychee base and aromatic rose, it’s a delightful way to ring in the new year while enjoying the symbolic gifts of abundance and prosperity. Whether served warm or cold, this drink will impress your guests and provide a refreshing balance to festive meals.

Tangerine Peel and Red Date Drink

Tangerines and red dates are both symbolic of prosperity and good luck in Chinese culture, making them an ideal pairing for a celebratory drink. The tangerine peel adds a hint of citrusy bitterness, while the red dates provide a natural sweetness. This drink is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting immunity, making it a perfect addition to the Chinese New Year festivities.

• 1/4 cup dried tangerine peel
• 6-8 dried red dates
• 4 cups water
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried tangerine peel and red dates under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. In a pot, add the tangerine peel and red dates to 4 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, allowing the ingredients to infuse their flavors.
4. Once the liquid has reduced slightly, strain the tea into cups.
5. Add honey if desired, stirring until dissolved.
6. Serve the drink warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Tangerine Peel and Red Date Drink is a traditional beverage that offers both health benefits and rich symbolism for the Chinese New Year. With its balance of citrus and sweetness, it’s a refreshing and nourishing option to enjoy during the holiday. Its naturally sweet and slightly tangy taste helps balance out the richness of festive meals, while also promoting good fortune and well-being for the year ahead.

Osmanthus and Longan Tea

Osmanthus flowers are prized for their delicate fragrance and are often used in Chinese desserts and teas. Combined with the sweet, rich flavor of longan fruit, this tea offers a delightful mix of floral and fruity notes. Both osmanthus and longan are known for their ability to nourish and calm the body, making this drink both refreshing and soothing—an excellent choice to sip during the busy and festive Chinese New Year celebrations.

• 1 tablespoon dried osmanthus flowers
• 8-10 dried longan fruits
• 4 cups water
• 1-2 tablespoons rock sugar (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the osmanthus flowers and longan fruits under cold water to remove any debris.
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a teapot or saucepan.
3. Add the osmanthus flowers and longan fruits to the water, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Allow the tea to steep for 10–15 minutes, until the longans soften and the fragrance of the osmanthus fills the air.
5. Stir in rock sugar if desired, adjusting sweetness to taste.
6. Strain the tea and serve warm, or chill it for a refreshing iced tea.

Osmanthus and Longan Tea is a fragrant and calming drink, perfect for relaxing during the busy celebrations of Chinese New Year. The combination of floral and fruity flavors, along with the health-boosting properties of longan and osmanthus, makes this tea both a delicious and nourishing option for the holiday season. It’s the ideal drink to serve for guests or enjoy quietly on your own, symbolizing peace and wellness for the year ahead.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!