Ingredients
Syrup
- 6 tbsprose syrup, sirap bandung or rose cordial
Milk
- 6 tbspevaporated milk
- or 4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Also
- 600 mlcold water
- plenty of ice
Sometimes
- cincau, grass jelly, cubed
- a squeeze of lime
- soda water in place of still
To serve
- in a tall glass over ice, bright pink
Directions
- Stir the syrup and the milk together first, before adding any water. Combining them while both are concentrated gives a smooth even pink, where adding water first leaves streaks and requires much more stirring.
- Stir it properly, since the syrup is dense and sinks to the bottom of the glass if it is not fully incorporated.
- Serve it very cold, over plenty of ice. It is a hot-weather drink and a warm air bandung is unpleasantly sweet and heavy.
- Chill the mixture before it goes over ice if you can, since ice alone dilutes it considerably as it melts. It should be a striking opaque pink rather than a translucent red.
- Serve it immediately, since it separates on standing and needs stirring again. It is drunk at any hour and it is particularly associated with breaking the fast at Ramadan bazaars.
Technique
- The name refers to mixing, not to the Indonesian city.
- Evaporated milk is standard, and condensed milk makes it much sweeter.
- Mix the syrup and milk before adding water, for an even colour.
Substitutions
- Rooh Afza or another rose syrup.
- Condensed milk with less syrup, in place of evaporated.
Variations
- Air bandung cincau, with grass jelly cubes.
- Bandung soda, made with soda water.
- With a squeeze of lime.
History
A Malay wedding and Ramadan bazaar drink; the name refers to mixing, not the Indonesian city.
Frequently asked questions
What is Air Bandung?
Air Bandung is a drink from Malaysia: rose syrup stirred into evaporated milk and served bright pink over ice. A Malay wedding and Ramadan bazaar drink; the name refers to mixing, not the Indonesian city.
How long does Air Bandung take to make?
Air Bandung takes 5 min of preparation and none of cooking. The recipe makes 4 glasses. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Air Bandung?
Yes, within limits. Rooh Afza or another rose syrup. Condensed milk with less syrup, in place of evaporated.
What is the most important thing to get right in Air Bandung?
Chill the mixture before it goes over ice if you can, since ice alone dilutes it considerably as it melts. It should be a striking opaque pink rather than a translucent red.
