Grass Jelly Drinks (3 Ways!)

If you’ve never had grass jelly in a drink before, you’re in for a treat. It’s slightly sweet, cool, and silky—perfect for hot days when you want something refreshing but not overly rich. Whether you’re team milk tea, coconut, or Vietnamese coffee, adding cubes of grass jelly instantly makes any drink more fun and satisfying.

I grew up enjoying grass jelly in desserts like che Thai or che ba mau, but lately, I’ve been loving it in iced drinks. The best part? You only need one can of grass jelly to make several variations—so you can mix and match depending on your mood.

What is Grass Jelly?

Grass jelly (also called leung fan or cincau) is a black jelly made from the leaves and stalks of the Mesona chinensis plant. It has a light herbal flavor, a jiggly texture, and is typically sweetened before serving. You can find it canned in most Asian grocery stores—look for it near the canned fruit or dessert ingredients.

How to Prepare Grass Jelly

Open the can and drain the liquid. Slice the jelly into small cubes or strips—whatever size you like! That’s it. No cooking or rinsing needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days.

Three Easy Grass Jelly Drinks

These drinks are so simple, but they hit every craving—sweet, creamy, bold, and refreshing. And the best part? You can make them with pantry staples and a can of grass jelly. Here’s how I like to enjoy them:

1. Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Grass Jelly

This one tastes like something you’d grab from a bubble tea shop—but way more budget-friendly. The brown sugar syrup adds a rich caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with strong black tea and milk. I like to swirl in the syrup last for those beautiful tiger stripes on the glass (and that extra sweetness at the end).

2. Coconut Milk + Condensed Milk with Grass Jelly

If you’re craving something tropical and creamy, this combo is it. Just mix coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk, pour it over ice and grass jelly, and you’ve got the easiest summer drink. It’s sweet, rich, and dairy-free if you need it to be.

To make it dairy-free: Swap the condensed milk for sweetened condensed coconut milk (you can find it at most Asian or health food stores), or use maple syrup or agave to sweeten it to your liking.

3. Vietnamese Coffee with Grass Jelly

Bold, bittersweet, and just a little indulgent—Vietnamese coffee with grass jelly is the ultimate treat. I like mine strong and slightly sweet, poured over plenty of ice and topped with jiggly jelly cubes that soak up all the flavor. Perfect for a hot afternoon when you need a pick-me-up!

Want to mix things up? Try blending in matcha, using oat milk, or adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a fun, sweet twist. There’s no wrong way to enjoy grass jelly!

What to Do with Leftover Grass Jelly

Don’t toss it—grass jelly is super versatile! Add the extra to:

• Chè Thái – A colorful Vietnamese fruit cocktail.
• Chè Ba Màu – That three-color dessert with layers of beans, jelly, and coconut milk.
• Or keep it simple with some sugar and ice

Slurp, Sip, Repeat

Grass jelly drinks are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and so refreshing. Whether you’re in the mood for tea, coffee, or something creamy, grass jelly gives it a little extra something. If you try one of these combos, let me know in the comments—or save it for later on Pinterest!

RECIPE