At Koh Jum Beach Villas we have introduced something simple yet special at Driftseed Restaurant and Bar; fresh pressed sugar cane juice. It pours from the machine in a pale golden stream, lightly sweet, cool over ice and perfectly suited to our barefoot beach setting.
Beyond the pleasure of that first sip there is a surprising amount to appreciate about this traditional drink, from its natural properties to its connection with more sustainable choices.
What exactly is sugar cane juice
Sugar cane is a tall grass that thrives in warm climates. Inside each stalk is a fibrous core rich in natural juice. When the stalks are pressed the juice is released and served immediately, usually over ice.
Unlike refined sugar, which has gone through several stages of processing, fresh sugar cane juice is simply the liquid as nature made it. The taste is gently sweet with a hint of grass and caramel, more delicate than many bottled soft drinks.
A natural way to refresh in the tropics
Spending time by the sea, swimming and walking on the sand, is wonderful for the body but it also means we lose fluids and minerals more quickly. Sugar cane juice can support gentle rehydration thanks to its natural composition.
It contains:
- Natural sugars that offer a mild energy lift without the harsh spike of many energy drinks
- Electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium which help the body maintain fluid balance
- Small amounts of antioxidants that support the body in dealing with everyday oxidative stress
It is still a sweet drink so it is best enjoyed mindfully, however for many guests it provides a more natural alternative to fizzy soft drinks or heavily flavored bottled juices.
From field to glass with less waste
Sugar cane is also interesting from a sustainability point of view.
- Fast growing crop
Sugar cane grows quickly in the right conditions and can be harvested several times from the same root system. This makes it a productive crop per square meter of land compared with many slower growing plants.
- Efficient use of the whole plant
When cane is pressed for juice, the leftover fiber, known as bagasse, does not need to be thrown away. In many places it is used as fuel, animal feed or even as a raw material for paper and compostable packaging. This kind of circular thinking supports more responsible agriculture and reduces waste.
- Less packaging, more local flavor
At Driftseed we press the juice directly at the bar. There is no can, plastic bottle or long transport chain for a soft drink that travelled across the world. Guests see the cane, the machine and the glass, and can literally taste the landscape in front of them.
How we serve sugar cane juice at Driftseed
At Koh Jum Beach Villas we like drinks that feel relaxed, elegant and rooted in place. Our sugar cane juice fits perfectly. Guests can enjoy it in a number of ways:
- Simply over ice for a light, refreshing drink
- With fresh lime or ginger for extra zest
- As a mixer with your chosen spirit for a naturally sweet long drink
- As the base of a signature cocktail created by our bar team
Pressed to order, each glass feels personal and fresh, and the gentle sweetness pairs beautifully with sea air and slow afternoons.
A small choice with a bigger story
Ordering a glass of sugar cane juice might seem like a simple decision but it carries a small story. It supports local growers, reduces reliance on imported bottled drinks and makes use of a crop that can be grown and reused thoughtfully. At the same time it offers you a cooling pause in the day, a moment to sit back, listen to the waves and savor something made just for you.
Next time you visit Driftseed Restaurant and Bar, ask for a glass of fresh sugar cane juice and taste how refreshment, local character and more mindful choices can come together in one sip.
