Bali Part Two: Bali Beverages

Once I thought Bintang was all Bali had to offer, it is in fact the complete opposite. From ‘happy hour’ cocktails to tall and strong hibiscus teas, the Balinese definitely do not fail with beverages one bit.

Usually I opt for water to accompany my meals but in Bali it’s a whole different story. Do I go cocktail? mocktail? ice tea? frappe? smoothie? coffee? fresh juice? rice wine? or a Bintang?...in my case always with lemonade (it takes away the bitterness and makes the drink extra sweet) the variety of choice in Bali is beyond imagination.

With lashings of limejuice and bountiful varieties of fruit it’s no guess as to why the Balinese conquer the beverage in such fine form.

Standouts of my trip being:

Mango Mohitio
A happy hour special which screamed FRESH but also had an impressive twang from the green mangoes they used.

Iced-coffee Frappe
An afternoon treat that attacked every urge of thirst with a splash of sweet creamy Balinese coffee.

Berry smoothie
A shopping break must, which was like a party in my mouth, fresh berries and home-made yoghurt all dancing around on my tongue oozing with summery flavours. Surprisingly, bringing my thoughts right back to Sydney.

Bintang with lemonade
The ultimate quencher of thirst for that midday urge.

Papaya juice with lime
Breakfast ice-breaker, simply put – gold through a straw. A rich nectar with a fruity bite.

Hibiscus tea
For any time of the day, a vibrantly decedent drink served cold and made fresh with a hibiscus flower, and a touch of lime juice for a instant streak of colour.

All beverages were styled and primped with pineapple pieces, mint leaves, and the o-so cheeky lemongrass, which should not be mistaken for a straw – although it has a nice bite to it.

Overall the drinks and beverages of Bali made a mockery of the sweetened fizzies people drink here. Bali’s traditional beverages are all fresh and speak straight to the senses of taste in their balanced approaches to sweetness and tang. I would go back for any of these drinks and even try more. It truly opened my eyes to the possibilities of the simple beverage.

Bali, I could drink you right up!

By Samantha Coutts