When the summer heat sets in, there’s nothing quite like a cool drink to revive your spirit. While classics like lemonade and iced coffee are reliable favorites, Korean beverages offer an exciting alternative with their unique flavors and health benefits. These drinks combine hydration, subtle sweetness, and traditional ingredients, making them perfect for beating the summer heat.
Sikhye: The Sweet Rice Punch
Sikhye is a traditional Korean sweet rice drink made by fermenting malt water with cooked rice. Served chilled, it’s light, mildly sweet, and refreshingly unique thanks to the soft grains of rice floating in each glass. Beyond its delightful taste, Sikhye is known to aid digestion, making it an excellent choice after a heavy meal.
To prepare Sikhye, malted barley powder is soaked and strained to extract malt water. This is then mixed with cooked rice and allowed to ferment slightly before adding sugar and chilling. The result is a smooth, slightly tangy drink that is as tasty as it is revitalizing.
Omija-cha: The Five-Flavour Berry Tea
Omija-cha, made from dried magnolia berries, lives up to its name as the “five-flavor tea” with a fascinating blend of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent tastes. This vibrant pink-red beverage is often enjoyed cold, offering a refreshing balance of flavors that intrigue the palate.
To make Omija-cha, dried omija berries are soaked in cold water for several hours and then strained. A touch of honey can be added to enhance the sweetness before serving over ice. This tea not only cools you down but also delivers a subtle nutritional boost.
Subak Hwachae: Korean Watermelon Punch
Summer and watermelon are synonymous, and Subak Hwachae takes this classic fruit to the next level. This Korean-style fruit punch features juicy watermelon balls combined with other seasonal fruits like kiwi and berries, sweetened with honey water or sugar, and finished with a splash of soda for a fizzy kick.
The preparation is simple: scoop out watermelon balls, mix with chopped fruits, add sweetened water, and chill. Just before serving, add soda for a sparkling effect. It’s a visually appealing, hydrating drink that’s perfect for hot days.
Bori-cha: Roasted Barley Tea
Bori-cha is a staple in Korean households, appreciated for its nutty flavor and antioxidant content. Available hot or cold, the iced version is especially popular in summer for its natural cooling properties and caffeine-free composition.
This tea is made by roasting barley grains, boiling them in water, and then straining and chilling the brew. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay hydrated with a comforting toasted taste.
Yuja-cha: The Citrusy Vitamin C Boost
Traditionally enjoyed during colder months, Yuja-cha (citron tea) is gaining popularity as a summer refresher when served iced. Made from yuja marmalade—a tangy Korean citron preserve—this drink is rich in vitamin C and provides a zesty flavor perfect for warm weather.
To prepare, stir yuja marmalade into cold water and pour over ice. The resulting drink is both soothing and invigorating, a great choice for anyone looking to combine taste with health benefits.
For more details on Korean traditional drinks and recipes, visit the official Korean culture website.