Korea is doing well globally in terms of soft power like Korean culture, from its music to drama, is gaining popularity everywhere. And when it comes to Korean food recipes from spicy noodles to kimchi again you cannot stop yourself from enjoying it. And people are starting falling in love with the taste and flavours of Korea. But here is the thing, it is not only food that makes Korea special. Korean drinks are also full of taste, freshness and have health benefits as well. Some are sweet, some are tangy and some are even made with flowers so if you want to try something new that can cool your body and also delights your taste buds here are 5 refreshing Korean drinks you should enjoy next time.
Sikhye Sikhye is one of the most famous traditional drinks in Korea. It is made from cooked rice, malt water and sugar and this drink is sweet and soothing most of the time served at the end of a heavy meal to help with digestion. The soft rice grains at the bottom make it crazy because you can both drink and as well as you can chew it at the same time. In Korea families often serve Sikhye during festivals and celebrations and its light and sweet flavour makes it a perfect drink for summer afternoons.
Sujeonggwa Sujeonggwa, an amazing drink that tastes warm and spicy yet is served cold. Generally it is made from cinnamon, ginger, sugar and dried persimmons and what made this drink extraordinary is its deep brown colour and the rich aroma . In Korea this drink is known to improve digestion and refresh one's mind as well. Koreans often drink it after big meals because the cinnamon helps the stomach feel relaxed and sujeonggwa has a unique taste that is both sweet and spicy which makes it very different from regular fruit juices.
Banana Milk Banana milk is loved by both children and adults in Korea. Interesting thing is, it was first introduced many years ago and has since become a household name for Koreans. The taste is creamy and sweet with the flavour of ripe bananas and you can find it easily in Korean supermarkets and convenience stores. Many people enjoy it as a quick snack or as a light drink with breakfast. Banana milk is not only tasty but also gives energy and comfort which explains why it has remained so popular for decades.
Omija Tea Omija tea a fascinating drink, dried berries of the magnolia vine are used to make it in Korea. And omija itself means five different flavours which are sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy and this makes the tea very unique because one sip can give you many different tastes at once. And a fascinating thing it is usually served cold in summer and warm in winter. People believe that Omija tea is good for the lungs and helps with tiredness. The bright red color of the drink also makes it beautiful to serve at gatherings.
Barley Tea
Barley tea also called Bori Cha, is one of the most common drinks in Korea because families drink it every day with meals instead of water. It is made by boiling roasted barley in water which gives it a light nutty taste and barley tea is caffeine free so anyone can drink it at any time of the day. It is known to help digestion and keep the body cool. In many Korean homes you will always find a jug of cold barley tea in the fridge ready to be served.
Final thoughts People generally drink for their taste buds ofcourse but Korean drinks not only just bring with it tastes, it also brings with it a mixture of culture, tradition and health as well. Like from the sweet comfort of banana milk to the ancient healing touch of Omija tea each and every Korean food recipes tells a story of its rich food culture. So trying these five refreshing drinks will not just only quench your thirst but take you on a journey with its various flavours. Next time you want to sip something different, try Korean drinks to bring joy and freshness to you regular day.