Red Bean Ice Drink

Simple and delicious red bean ice drink is a classic Cantonese drink. Like lychee slush, grass jelly drink, taro boba drink and papaya milk, this delightful and sweet hong dou bing (紅豆冰) or red bean ice drink recipe blends tradition with refreshing flavors. It is an iconic Hong Kong treat that offers a satisfying blend of textures and temperatures. Also, it is a popular choice to beat the heat or to simply as a sweet treat any time of day. Let’s learn how to make this red bean ice drink with step by step photos, tips and a video tutorial! 

Love desserts? Check out these tofu pudding, almond jello, guava cheesecake, pineapple cake, Hawaiian shaved ice, honeydew popsicle, taro ice cream and mango sago pomelo recipes. 

What is a red bean ice drink? 

Red bean ice is a common drink in Hong Kong. In Cantonese, we called it hung dau bing (紅豆冰) or hóng dòu bīng (红豆冰) in mandarin Chinese. It’s usually served in cafes and fast food restaurants in Hong Kong. Also, it is a popular summer dessert and drink like lychee slush, grass jelly drink, taro boba drink and papaya milk.

This sweet red bean ice beverage originates from Hong Kong and now is commonly found in other parts of East Asia as well. Red bean ice drinks came around the 1970s. Back then, not many people had refrigerators at home. If they wanted to drink something cold, they needed to go to a cafe where they served cold drinks. And, red bean ice was one of the popular ice drinks.

Typically, it consists of shaved ice topped or ice cubes with sweetened red beans. The red beans, adzuki beans, usually cook until soft and sweetened with sugar which gives them a rich and sweet flavor. The shaved ice or ice cubes provides a cool and refreshing base for the beans, creating a delightful contrast in texture and temperature. 

Sometimes, red bean ice drinks are also served with additional toppings such as ice cream, grass jelly, or boba pearls for extra texture and creaminess. It's a beloved treat, especially during hot summer months or as a comforting dessert year-round.

What does red bean drink taste like?

Red bean ice drink is a refreshing and sweet dessert. Typically, it consists of shaved ice topped or ice cubes with sweetened red bean paste, coconut milk, and sometimes other toppings like ice cream, grass jelly and tapioca pearls.

The taste of red bean ice drink is similar to red bean soup, but with a refreshing and icy twist. The red bean paste provides a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, which pairs well with the cold ice. In addition, the coconut milk and ice cream on the top adds creaminess and additional sweetness to the drink.

Are red beans and kidney beans the same thing?

No, red beans and kidney beans are not the same thing. Although they are often confused, due to their similar red appearance. They belong to different species of beans and have distinct flavors and textures.

On the other hand, kidney beans are larger and kidney-shaped with a deep red color. They have a mild flavor and a firmer texture compared to red beans. Kidney beans are widely used in various cuisines around the world, including soups, stews, chili, salads, and bean-based dishes.

While both red beans and kidney beans are nutritious legumes rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. But, they are not interchangeable in recipes due to their different flavors and textures. In this red bean ice drink recipe, the red beans are adzuki beans. 

What toppings can be added to a red bean ice drink?

The common topping for red bean ice drinks is a scoop of ice cream. Some like to add fresh fruit such as strawberries, mango, grass jelly and tapioca pearls very similar to Asian shaved ice. 

Can red bean ice drinks be customized?

Yes, red bean ice drinks can be customized according to personal preferences. You can choose the topping and adjust the sweetness level to their liking. 

Are red bean ice drinks vegan-friendly?

It depends on the specific ingredients used. The red bean paste and shaved ice or ice cubes are typically vegan. Some like to add toppings such as condensed milk or ice cream may not be vegan-friendly. However, you can use vegan alternatives like coconut milk or soy milk base ice cream.

Is red bean ice drink served hot or cold?

Red bean ice drinks serve as cold beverages like lychee slush, grass jelly drink, taro boba drink and papaya milk. It’s a refreshing treat, especially during hot weather. 

How to make sweet red beans? 

It is the same way to make sweet red bean soup or sweet red bean paste. Also, you can cook it longer or less according to the thickness you want. Check out this how to make sweet red bean soup or sweet red bean paste post for details. Or, you can buy sweet red bean paste.

Substitutions:

Can I use regular milk?

Sure, you can use regular milk. I prefer Aroy-D brand coconut milk because it is creamer and thicker. Also, it has a stronger coconut fragrance. Also, coconut milk matches well with the sweet red beans. 

Storage: 

To maintain the best texture and flavor, it's often best to assemble red bean ice drinks just before serving. Shave the ice fresh or use ice cubes, add the red bean paste, toppings, and coconut milk right before serving to ensure the dessert is at its peak freshness.

The best way to enjoy a red bean ice drink is right after the preparation. In this way you can appreciate its refreshing texture fully. If you need to store it, do so for the shortest time possible to maintain its quality.

Storing a red bean ice drink can be a bit tricky because it tends to melt quickly. However, if you need to store it for a short period, here are some tips:

Refrigeration:

If you've prepared a red bean ice drink in advance or have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for a short period. The best to make to serve. You can make sweet red beans the night before and refrigerate it. 

Freezing:  

Freezing the entire red bean ice drink, it will be like red bean popsicles. However, you can try freezing the red bean paste separately and thawing it before serving with fresh ice cubes or shaved ice. 

Cooking tips for how to make hong dou bing (紅豆冰): 

• Use the same way to cook adzuki bean to make red bean soup. Besides, you can adjust the thickness by cooking longer or less. 
• Personally, I like to use coconut milk.
• You can use shaved ice, ice cubes and crushed ice. 
• The best way to enjoy a red bean ice drink is right after the preparation. In this way you can appreciate its refreshing texture fully.

FAQs:

Instructions for how to make red bean ice drink: 

1. Put ½ cup of sweet red bean soup into a glass cup. 

2. Next, put 1 cup of ice (5.3 oz) into the cup.

3. Then, pour ½ cup of coconut milk into the cup. And, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. 

Enjoy this delicious and easy red bean ice drink recipe! Also, check out these sweet mung bean soup, black sesame soup, grass jelly, steamed meatballs, crispy noodles, salt & pepper squid and cashew shrimp recipes. 

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