beating the heat: samalamig

pinoys have come up with ways on beating the heat. one very simple way is to prepare an ice cold drink from simple ingredients found in a local market.

known as "samalamig", this is a cold drink with big chunks of ice sold on a street corner. this drink is usually flavored with cheap essences. banana and vanilla are popular. sago, or tapioca pearls, are in summer colors. unflavored jello is sometimes added for fun. this is prepared in 3 to 5 gallon plastic jars and sold by the glass.

tapioca pearls may be bought raw or cooked. raw sago is boiled in plain water until soft and translucent. it is easier to get cooked ones as raw tapioca needs time to boil.

samalamig

drops of banana essence
3 cups sago
muscovado sugar (regular brown sugar will do)
big chunks of ice
3 gallons of water

mix the sugar with water. stir till dilluted. others prefer to mix the sugar with hot water to dillute the sugar faster. but using cold water is ok. you just have to mix it longer for the sugar to dissolve. sugar amount will be according to your taste.

add the sago. add prepared and set unflavored gelatine cubes if desired. add about 3 drops of the banana essence. vanilla flavor is a good substitute.

add big chunks of ice to cool off the drink. serve by the glass.