5 Refreshing Aojiru Recipes Perfect for Singapore’s Climate

Living in Singapore’s constant heat and humidity means hydration is crucial. Aojiru, Japan’s nutrient-packed green juice made from young barley grass and 21 different vegetables, offers more than just hydration—it delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a convenient powdered format.

These five refreshing recipes transform traditional aojiru into delicious tropical drinks perfect for beating Singapore’s heat while nourishing your body with vital nutrients. From tropical fruit blends to cooling cucumber combinations, each recipe takes just 3-5 minutes to prepare.

Coconut Water Aojiru Cooler

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Servings: 1 | Calories: ~60

Ingredients

• 1 packet (3g) aojiru powder

• 250ml fresh coconut water (chilled)

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves

• Ice cubes

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Add aojiru powder to a shaker bottle

2. Pour in cold coconut water gradually while stirring

3. Squeeze in lime juice

4. Add mint leaves and muddle gently

5. Fill with ice and shake for 15 seconds

6. Strain into a glass, garnish with lime and mint

Why You’ll Love This

Coconut water naturally replenishes electrolytes lost through sweating in Singapore’s humidity, while mint provides natural cooling properties. The lime masks any grassy taste.

Pro Tips

• Use young Thai coconuts for sweeter coconut water

• Freeze coconut water into ice cubes for extra cooling

• Find fresh coconuts at wet markets or NTUC FairPrice
  
  

Iced Aojiru Lemonade

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 large (16 oz) | Calories: ~95

Ingredients

• 1 packet aojiru powder

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)

• 3 tablespoons hot water

• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons)

• 1 cup ice

• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix aojiru powder with 1/2 cup cold water until smooth, set aside

2. In a 16-oz glass, dissolve sugar in hot water

3. Add lemon juice to the sugar water

4. Fill the glass with ice and lemon slices

5. Slowly pour the aojiru mixture over ice for a layered effect

6. Garnish and serve with a straw

Why You’ll Love This

The citrus and sweetness perfectly balance aojiru’s earthiness, creating a refreshing drink similar to matcha lemonade but with more nutrients.

Pro Tips

• Substitute with local honey for healthier sweetness

• Add sparkling water for a fizzy version

• Make batches for parties—keep components separate until serving

Recipe adapted from Golden Aojiru

Tropical Paradise Smoothie

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 | Calories: ~180

Ingredients

• 1 packet aojiru powder

• 1/2 cup ripe papaya chunks (80g)

• 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks (80g)

• 1/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks (50g)

• 3/4 cup coconut milk (chilled)

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Add coconut milk and aojiru powder to the blender first

2. Add papaya, mango, pineapple, ginger, and chia seeds

3. Add ice cubes last

4. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until smooth

5. Pour into a glass and top with a pineapple wedge and mint

Why You’ll Love This

This celebrates Singapore’s tropical fruit bounty while delivering three types of digestive enzymes (papain from papaya, bromelain from pineapple, plus enzymes in aojiru)—perfect after heavy meals.

Pro Tips

• Use frozen mango for an extra-thick texture

• Add protein powder for a complete meal replacement

• Best papayas from Tekka Market or neighborhood wet markets

• Sarawak pineapples are exceptionally sweet

Recipe by JoyKsg

Cooling Cucumber Aojiru Juice

Prep Time: 4 minutes | Servings: 1 | Calories: ~45

Ingredients

• 1 packet aojiru powder

• 1 medium cucumber (200g), peeled and chopped

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves

• 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the cucumber (remove seeds if bitter)

2. Add cucumber, water, and aojiru powder to the blender

3. Add lime juice, mint, ginger, and salt

4. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth

5. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture (optional)

6. Pour over fresh ice and garnish with cucumber ribbons

Why You’ll Love This

Cucumber is 96% water, making it incredibly hydrating. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s considered a “cooling” food that reduces internal heat—perfect for Singapore’s climate.

Pro Tips

• The pinch of salt enhances hydration by helping retain fluids

• Drink immediately, as the cucumber oxidizes quickly

• Chill the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving

• Perfect after outdoor activities or as a midday pick-me-up
  
  

Green Banana Smoothie

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Servings: 1 | Calories: 206

Ingredients

• 1 packet aojiru powder

• 1 ripe banana (120g)

• 2/3 cup milk (dairy, soy, oat, or almond)

• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)

• 3-4 ice cubes

• Optional: 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Peel and break the banana into small pieces

2. Add all ingredients to the blender

3. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until smooth

4. Pour into a tumbler and enjoy immediately

Why You’ll Love This

This classic is perfect for rushed Singapore mornings. The banana completely masks aojiru’s grassy flavor while providing sustained energy through carbohydrates and fiber.

Pro Tips

• Use frozen banana slices for a milkshake-like consistency

• Riper bananas (with brown spots) are sweeter

• Oat milk creates the creamiest dairy-free texture

• Prep ahead: freeze peeled banana slices for instant smoothies

Time-Saving Hack

Assemble dry ingredients the night before in a blender container. Morning: add banana and milk, blend. Total time: 90 seconds!

Recipe from Golden Aojiru

FAQ

Q: What does aojiru taste like? Pure aojiru has an earthy, grassy flavor similar to matcha. When mixed with fruits or milk, it becomes pleasant and refreshing.

Q: How much should I drink daily? 1-2 sachets (3g each) per day provides optimal benefits. Start with one sachet daily.

Q: Best time to drink aojiru? Morning for an energy boost, midday for hydration, post-workout for recovery, or evening for light nutrition.

Q: Can children drink it? Yes! Start with half a sachet for younger children. The banana and tropical smoothies are kid-friendly.

Q: How long does mixed aojiru last? Consume immediately for the best taste and nutrition. If needed, refrigerate in an airtight container and drink within 4-6 hours.

These five aojiru recipes offer delicious, convenient ways to stay hydrated and nourished in Singapore’s tropical climate. Each recipe takes just 3-5 minutes to prepare and delivers 21 vegetables’ worth of nutrition.

Start with the Tropical Paradise Smoothie or Green Banana Smoothie if you’re new to green drinks. Once comfortable, try the refreshing Cucumber Aojiru Juice or create your own combinations.

Even drinking aojiru 3-4 times per week can make a noticeable difference in your energy levels and overall well-being. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay healthy!

Share your aojiru creations with us on Instagram using #JoyKSGAojiru and tag @joyksingapore