3 Refreshing Ways to Enjoy Lilian's Calamansi Concentrate at Home
One of the most underrated things about a great juice concentrate is its versatility. Yes, you can mix it with water and call it a day — and honestly, that alone is enough to make Lilian’s Calamansi Concentrate worth having in your refrigerator at all times. But if you have a bottle sitting in your kitchen and you want to get the most out of it, there are so many more ways to enjoy it.
We put together three of our favorite ways to drink Lilian’s at home — from the classic everyday glass to something a little more special for when you want to treat yourself or impress your guests. All three are easy, quick, and genuinely delicious.
Recipe 1: Classic Iced Calamansi Juice
The everyday essential.
There is a reason this is the most popular way to enjoy calamansi concentrate — it is simple, refreshing, and absolutely satisfying, especially on a hot Davao afternoon.
What you need:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of Lilian's Calamansi Concentrate
- 1 glass of cold water (about 250ml)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: a slice of calamansi or lime for garnish
How to make it: Pour the concentrate into your glass first, then add cold water and stir well until fully combined. Add as much ice as you like and serve immediately. Adjust the amount of concentrate based on how strong or mild you prefer your drink.
Pro tip: Use filtered or chilled water for the cleanest, crispest flavor. If you prefer it slightly sweeter, add a small drizzle of extra honey on top.
This is the go-to for everyday hydration, for pairing with meals, and for keeping by your side during a long workday. It is the kind of drink that becomes a habit — and a good one at that.
Recipe 2: Warm Honey Calamansi Drink
The Filipino home remedy, elevated.
Every Filipino knows the feeling of reaching for something warm and soothing when the weather turns cold or when a tickle in the throat appears. This is the recipe for that moment — a warm, comforting cup of calamansi and honey that has been a staple of Filipino wellness for generations.
What you need:
- 2 tablespoons of Lilian's Calamansi Concentrate
- 1 cup of warm water (not boiling — around 60 to 70 degrees Celsius)
- Optional: a thin slice of fresh ginger for extra warmth
How to make it: Heat your water until it is warm but not boiling — boiling water can reduce the effectiveness of honey’s natural properties. Add the concentrate and stir gently until dissolved. If using ginger, add the slice and let it steep for two minutes before drinking.
Pro tip: This drink is best consumed first thing in the morning or just before bed. The warmth soothes the throat, the calamansi provides a natural Vitamin C boost, and the honey in Lilian’s concentrate adds its well-known antibacterial and calming properties.
This is the recipe you will find yourself making on rainy Davao mornings, when the family is feeling under the weather, or whenever you just need something warm and honest in your hands.
Recipe 3: Calamansi Honey Soda Fizz
A café-worthy drink made at home.
This one is for the days when you want something a little special — something that feels elevated and refreshing without requiring a trip to a café or a complicated recipe. The Calamansi Honey Soda Fizz takes everything you love about Lilian’s concentrate and adds a sparkling twist that makes it feel like a treat.
What you need:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of Lilian's Calamansi Concentrate
- 1 glass of cold sparkling water or soda water
- Ice cubes
- Optional: fresh mint leaves, a cucumber slice, or a wedge of calamansi
How to make it: Fill your glass with ice first. Pour the concentrate over the ice, then slowly add the sparkling water on top — go slow to preserve the fizz. Give it a very gentle stir, just enough to combine without losing too much carbonation. Add your garnish and serve immediately.
Pro tip: The key to this drink is using very cold sparkling water and not over-stirring. The fizz is what makes it feel special. Serve it in a tall glass with a paper straw for the full café aesthetic.
This is the drink you make when guests come over, when you want to celebrate something small, or when you simply want to remind yourself that good things do not have to be complicated.
Bonus: Calamansi Concentrate as a Cooking Ingredient
Lilian’s Calamansi Concentrate is not just for drinking. Because it is made from pure calamansi juice, it can also be used as a convenient substitute for fresh calamansi in cooking. Add a small amount to marinades for chicken or pork, use it as a base for calamansi-based sawsawan, or drizzle a little over fresh seafood for that bright citrus punch. Having a bottle in your kitchen means you always have the flavor of fresh calamansi on hand — without the squeezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend starting with 2 to 3 tablespoons per 250ml of water and adjusting to your taste. Some people prefer a stronger flavor, others like it milder — the concentrate is flexible enough for both.
Absolutely. Lilian’s works beautifully in warm water. Just make sure the water is warm, not boiling, to preserve the natural properties of the honey.
Yes. Calamansi juice is safe for children in moderate amounts. Because Lilian’s is made with natural ingredients and real honey, it is a far healthier option than most commercially available juice drinks. For very young children, dilute the concentrate more than usual.
For best flavor and quality, we recommend consuming an opened bottle within a reasonable period and storing it in the refrigerator. Check the label for the specific best-before date.
Yes! Because it is made from pure calamansi juice, it can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh calamansi in marinades, dipping sauces, and other recipes that call for calamansi.