Refreshing June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink (Ambarella & Veralu Drink)

Looking for a refreshing tropical drink with a unique combination of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors? This June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink brings together two traditional South Asian fruits: ripe June plum (ambarella) and Ceylon olive (veralu). Popular in Sri Lankan homes, these fruits create a vibrant beverage that celebrates the natural flavors of tropical fruit.

Made with fresh fruit pulp, water, sugar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper, this homemade ambarella and veralu drink is a delicious way to cool down on a warm day. The contrasting golden-yellow and green fruit mixtures also make it an eye-catching drink to serve at family gatherings or special occasions.

If you enjoy homemade fruit beverages with a traditional Sri Lankan twist, this easy recipe is worth trying.

Why You’ll Love This June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink

• Fresh tropical flavors: Enjoy the tangy taste of ambarella balanced with the distinctive flavor of veralu.
• Simple ingredients: Prepare this traditional-inspired beverage using fresh fruit and pantry staples.
• A beautiful layered presentation: The golden-yellow and green fruit mixtures create an attractive two-tone drink.
• Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness, salt, and black pepper to suit your taste.
• Perfect for warm weather: Serve it chilled as a refreshing afternoon drink or a special homemade beverage.

Ingredients for June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink

This recipe makes approximately 3–4 tall glasses. The exact yield depends on the size and juiciness of your fruits and how much water you add.

For the Green Ceylon Olive (Veralu) Mixture

• Fresh Ceylon olives (veralu)
• Water, as needed
• A small pinch of salt

For the Golden June Plum (Ambarella) Mixture

• Ripe June plums (ambarella), peeled and sliced
• Water, as needed

For Seasoning and Serving

• Sugar or raw cane sugar, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Ice cubes, optional
• Fresh fruit slices for garnish, optional

Ingredient tip: Choose ripe, fragrant ambarella for a naturally fruity flavor. Fresh veralu should be clean and free from damaged or spoiled spots. Since both fruits can vary in tartness, add the sugar gradually and taste as you go.

How to Make June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink

Step 1: Prepare the Ceylon Olive (Veralu) Mixture

Wash the fresh veralu thoroughly under clean running water. If the fruits are firm, boil or steam them until softened enough to mash. Allow them to cool until comfortable to handle.

Transfer the softened fruits to a wide bowl and gently mash them to release the pulp. Add a little water and squeeze the mixture to extract the green fruit pulp and juice.

Remove the hard seeds and strain the mixture if you prefer a smoother drink. Set the green veralu mixture aside.

Tip: Avoid crushing the hard seeds. Removing them carefully helps produce a smoother texture.

Step 2: Peel and Slice the June Plums (Ambarella)

Wash the ripe ambarella and peel away the tough outer skin using a clean knife or vegetable peeler.

Carefully slice the yellow fruit flesh away from the hard, fibrous central seed. Cut the flesh into small pieces so it is easier to crush or blend.

Choose fruit that is ripe but still fresh and firm enough to handle. The flavor should be pleasantly fruity and tangy.

Step 3: Extract the June Plum Juice

Place the sliced ambarella in a wooden mortar or blender. Add a small amount of clean water and crush or blend until the fruit releases its juice and forms a pulpy mixture.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you want a smoother consistency. Press the pulp gently with a spoon to extract more juice, then discard the fibrous residue.

Set the golden-yellow ambarella juice aside.

Tip: Start with less water than you think you need. You can always dilute the juice later without making the flavor too weak.

Step 4: Season the Ambarella Juice

Add sugar or raw cane sugar to the ambarella juice, stirring until it dissolves. Add a small pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to introduce a subtle savory and spicy note.

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning. Add more sugar if the fruit is very sour, or a little water if the flavor is too concentrated.

For the best flavor, season gradually rather than adding everything at once.

Step 5: Layer and Serve the Drink

Take three or four tall, clean glasses. Pour the green veralu mixture into the glasses first, then slowly add the golden ambarella juice over it.

For a more distinct layered appearance, pour the second mixture gently over the back of a spoon. The layers may blend slightly because the two fruit mixtures have different textures and densities.

Garnish with a small slice of ambarella or a fresh veralu fruit, if desired. Add ice cubes for a chilled version and serve immediately.

Serving suggestion: Serve your June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink with its beautiful green veralu and golden-yellow ambarella layers intact for an eye-catching presentation. Before drinking, gently stir the fruit mixtures together to enjoy the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy tropical flavors.

Tips for the Best Ambarella and Veralu Drink

• Use ripe fruit: Ripe ambarella generally offers a more rounded flavor than very unripe fruit.
• Adjust the sweetness: Start with a small amount of sugar and increase it according to the fruit’s natural tartness.
• Keep the texture smooth: Strain the fruit mixtures if you prefer a lighter, less pulpy beverage.
• Add pepper sparingly: Freshly ground black pepper adds a distinctive kick, but too much can overpower the fruit.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the prepared mixtures briefly before assembling the glasses.
• Make it fresh: For the best flavor and appearance, assemble the layered drink shortly before serving.

Health Benefits of June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink

Ambarella and veralu are tropical fruits that can contribute vitamins, minerals, and other naturally occurring plant compounds to a varied diet. Their exact nutritional content depends on the variety, ripeness, and preparation method.

Provides Vitamin C

The June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink may provide vitamin C, which supports normal immune function and collagen formation. Both ambarella and Ceylon olive can contribute beneficial nutrients, although the amount of vitamin C in each glass depends on the fruit used and how the drink is prepared.

Helps Support Hydration

Because this drink contains water and fresh fruit, it can contribute to your daily fluid intake. It is particularly enjoyable when served chilled in warm weather.

Contains Naturally Occurring Plant Compounds

The June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink contains fresh tropical fruits that may provide naturally occurring antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. Enjoying ambarella and Ceylon olive as part of a balanced diet can help you benefit from a variety of nutrients that support overall health.

A Note About Added Sugar

Although the fruit provides natural flavor and nutrients, added sugar increases the drink’s calorie content. For a lighter version, use less sugar or omit it if the fruit is naturally sweet enough.

This beverage is a refreshing addition to a balanced diet, but it should not be considered a treatment for illness or a substitute for medical care.

Variations to Try

Less-Sweet Ambarella and Veralu Drink

Reduce the sugar or leave it out entirely. Adjust the water to achieve your preferred consistency.

Spicy Sri Lankan-Style Fruit Drink

Add a little extra freshly ground black pepper for a stronger savory-spicy flavor. Taste as you go to keep the fruit flavors balanced.

Chilled Tropical Fruit Drink

Refrigerate both mixtures before serving and add a few ice cubes to each glass. Avoid excessive ice if you want to preserve the concentrated fruit flavor.

Mixed Fruit Version

Experiment with a small amount of another fresh tropical fruit, keeping the ambarella and veralu as the main flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is June plum called in Sri Lanka?

June plum is commonly known as ambarella in Sri Lanka. It is a tropical fruit with a distinctive tangy flavor that can be enjoyed ripe or unripe.

What is Ceylon olive called in Sinhala?

Ceylon olive is commonly called veralu in Sri Lanka. It is a traditional local fruit used in snacks, preserves, and fruit-based preparations.

Can I make this drink without sugar?

Yes. You can reduce or omit the sugar depending on the natural sweetness of the fruit and your personal preference. The finished drink will be more tart.

Can I prepare the fruit mixtures in advance?

You can prepare the mixtures ahead of time and refrigerate them in separate, clean, covered containers. For food safety, refrigerate promptly at 4°C (40°F) or below and use within about 24 hours for the best quality. Stir before assembling because the pulp may settle.

Is this drink suitable for children?

It can be served to children if the fruit is prepared safely and the drink is adjusted to their taste. Remove all hard seeds and avoid excessive pepper. Consider reducing the added sugar.

Can I serve the drink without layering it?

Absolutely. Combine the green veralu mixture and golden ambarella juice in a large jug, stir well, and serve chilled. The flavor will remain delicious even without the layered presentation.

Final Thoughts

This refreshing June Plum and Ceylon Olive Drink combines the distinctive flavors of ambarella and veralu in a colorful homemade beverage inspired by Sri Lankan fruit traditions. With a little sugar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper, the fruit mixtures become a sweet, tangy, and gently spicy drink.

Prepare it for a warm afternoon, serve it to family and friends, or experiment with the seasoning to create your own favorite version. Enjoy the fresh tropical flavors in every glass!

Explore More Delicious Recipes

If you enjoy experimenting with tropical fruits and homemade flavors, check out these delicious recipes from DishCrave:

• Spicy & Tangy Mix Fruits Pickle Recipe – Discover how to make a flavorful mixed fruit pickle with a tangy, spicy kick.
• June Plum Chutney Recipe – Turn fresh June plums (ambarella) into a delicious sweet and tangy chutney.
• Explore More Recipes – Browse our complete collection of easy homemade recipes for more cooking inspiration.

🖨 Print Recipe Card