Refreshing Apple and Honey Dates Drink, the Chinese Way

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! A glass of this delicious refreshing drink will do just the opposite, it will get everyone to your table, including the doctor! LOL! I have not made this drink in ages. I used to make this very often for my daughter when she was just a toddler. She absolutely loves this drink, she still does. If you happen to have more apples than you need, or perhaps your apples has seen better days, do not let them go to waste, just turn them into this refreshing drink, serve it chilled to your kids and wait for them to ask for a second glass! 

A cup of warm apple honey dates drink is really soothing on a cold day! Just sip, relax and enjoy!

You may use any types of apples. Use any amount of apples you want, there's no exact quantity. If the apples are really big, then a few might just be enough. All you need to do is just peel, core and cut them to big chunks.

These are the dried honey dates which can be found at most Chinese stores. We use these dates for soups, in some traditional herbal chinese medicine and also in desserts. That is why I always have a packet in my pantry! As the name implies, these dates are sweet, so usually, there is no need to add any sugar to this drink. If the apples are sour, then a little sugar may be added in, it is all a matter of your personal taste. I would prefer to add in more honey dates than adding sugar later (I did not add any sugar for this). I like apples that has a slight sourish yet sweet taste to it, pefect for this drink.

The apples and the honey dates goes into the stockpot.

A cup of warm delicious Apple Honey Dates drink is ready to be enjoyed! 

Serve chilled or cold with ice. Really refreshing!

Told you that they would request for a second glass!

Apple and Honey Dates Drink
(will yield approx about 10-12 cups of delicious drink)

20 small apples (may add more if you wish)

12-15 dried honey dates
5 litres water
rock sugar or granulated sugar (to taste, optional)

1. Put water in deep stockpot, cover and bring to boil.
2. Meanwhile, while waiting for water to boil, peel and core apples. Cut to big chunks.
3. When water has come to a boil, add all the apples and the dried honey dates. Cover and allow to boil over medium high heat for about 30 minutes.
4. Lower heat to medium low and boil for another 1 hour. Mash honey dates by pressing it against the stockpot with a ladle. You may add sugar at this stage if desired. Cover and allow to boil for another 30 minutes.
5. Strain into a serving jug and serve either warm or cold with some ice. Or when drink is no longer hot, simply place the whole jug in the refrigerator to chill and enjoy this delicious drink chilled. Really refreshing!