When trying out Korean cuisine, you can’t leave out Korean drinks. There are various teas, grain beverages, milks, and juices that are not only fun but great to try. This list includes a variety of 7 of the most popular drinks in Korea that you can find at a local Korean market or restaurant.
Banana Milk – Banana milk is a sugary, simple Korean drink that is likely the most popular non-alcoholic beverage in Korea. Bananas were once considered a luxury food, and banana milk was created to encourage more Koreans to drink their milk. It’s believed that at least a million bottles of banana milk is sold every day.
Ginseng Tea – If you want to try a traditional Korean drink, Ginseng tea is definitely the one. It’s made from the root of the ginseng plant and has been used for centuries as a medicine to treat a number of ailments.
Soju – Soju is a Korean rice wine with a mild, sweet flavor and is mostly made from fermented rice. You can find varieties made from wheat, sweet potatoes, and barley. Soju was introduced to the Korean peninsula in the 13th central when the Mongols began to teach the Korean people how to make alcohol. It’s not the most flavorful of the alcohols, but it is one of the most popular.
Coffee Milk – Coffee milk is exactly what you think it is, and while it’s a simple beverage, it’s loved by many. It’s a delicious, creamy pick-me-up full of caffeine to get you through the day. Coffee milk also goes by the name keopi uyu and has some fun and unique packaging that can be fun to use.
Sikhye – A dessert in a drink form that is often served cold and to accompany desserts. It’s a rice drink that is made from cooked rice and malt water and is believed to have plenty of antioxidants and fiber. The drink is only a little filtered, and you might be honored to drink some rice with your drink.
Dalgona – Dalgona is a unique drink you have to try if you love coffee and milk. It’s a whipped coffee that is layered on top of milk. It looks beautiful with a light layer of milk at the bottom and a creamy caramel topping with the consistency of a thick whipped cream. The whipped coffee is made with sugar, water, and coffee and whipped until it has a foamy texture and consistency.
Chrysanthemum Tea – This flower-based tea is not just beautiful to look at when you use full flower blossoms, but it’s a favorite among tea drinkers. The tea leaves are made from dried Chrysanthemum flowers and steeped in honey for at least a month before they are able to be used to make the tea. This tea is often used as a way to treat the common cold or flu.
Any of these drinks is the perfect thirst quencher, and a delightful way to try out some of the many drinks Koreans love to drink just about every day.