By Ruben on
Top 10 Korean Drinks from 2023
Korea is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and that includes its drinks. Whether you’re looking for something alcoholic or non-alcoholic, hot or cold, sweet or savory, there’s a Korean drink for you. Here are some of the most popular and interesting Korean drinks that you can enjoy in 2023.
1. Banana Milk (바나나맛 우유)
Banana milk is a classic Korean drink that has been loved by generations since it was introduced in 1974. It’s simply milk flavored with banana puree and sugar, but it has a creamy and refreshing taste that’s hard to resist. Banana milk is often sold in cute yellow bottles or cartons, and it’s a great way to start your day or quench your thirst anytime.
2. Sikhye (식혜)
Sikhye is a traditional Korean rice drink that’s sweet and slightly fizzy. It’s made by fermenting malted barley and rice, which gives it a malty flavor and a spongy texture. Sikhye is usually served cold as a dessert or a snack, and it may contain pine nuts or jujubes for extra crunch and sweetness. Sikhye is also good for your digestion and health, as it contains probiotics and vitamins.
3. Coffee Milk (커피 우유)
Coffee milk is another simple but delicious Korean drink that combines milk and instant coffee powder. It’s a convenient and cheap way to get your caffeine fix, and it’s sold in small packets that you can easily carry around. Coffee milk has a smooth and sweet taste, and you can adjust the strength of the coffee according to your preference.
4. Makgeolli (막걸리)
Makgeolli is a traditional Korean alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. It has a milky appearance, a tangy and slightly sweet taste, and a low alcohol content of about 6-8%. Makgeolli is often served in bowls with a ladle, and it’s best enjoyed with some Korean pancakes or other savory dishes. Makgeolli is also rich in probiotics and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for moderate drinkers.
5. Omija Tea (오미자차)
Omija tea is a herbal tea made from dried omija berries, which are also known as five-flavor berries because they supposedly contain five different tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Omija tea has a deep red color and a complex flavor that can be enhanced with honey or sugar. Omija tea is good for relieving stress, boosting immunity, and improving skin health.
6. Yuja Tea (유자차)
Yuja tea is another herbal tea made from yuja, which is a citrus fruit similar to lemon but with a more fragrant aroma. Yuja tea is made by mixing yuja marmalade, which consists of thinly sliced yuja peel and flesh preserved in honey or sugar, with hot water. Yuja tea has a sweet and sour taste and a refreshing scent that can warm you up in winter or cool you down in summer. Yuja tea is also good for fighting colds, soothing sore throats, and enhancing digestion.
7. Soju (소주)
Soju is Korea’s most famous liquor, and it’s also one of the most consumed spirits in the world. Soju is a clear distilled drink made from rice, wheat, barley, or other grains, and it has an alcohol content of about 20%. Soju has a neutral and slightly sweet taste that can be mixed with various flavors such as fruit juices, soda, beer, or yogurt. Soju is also an essential part of Korean social culture, as it’s often shared among friends or colleagues over food and conversation.
8. Bokbunja Ju (복분자주)
Bokbunja ju is a type of fruit wine made from bokbunja, which are black raspberries native to Korea. Bokbunja ju has a dark purple color and a sweet and fruity taste that resembles dessert wine. Bokbunja ju is not only delicious, but also beneficial for your health, as it contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Bokbunja ju is also believed to improve blood circulation and sexual stamina, making it a popular drink among men.
9. Milkis (밀키스)
Milkis is a unique Korean drink that combines milk and carbonated water. It has a creamy and fizzy texture and a slightly sweet taste that comes in various flavors such as original, strawberry, melon, banana, and more. Milkis is a fun and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and it’s especially popular among children.
10. Sujeonggwa (수정과)
Sujeonggwa is a traditional Korean punch that’s made by boiling dried persimmons, ginger, cinnamon, and sugar. It has a dark brown color and a spicy and sweet taste that can stimulate your appetite and digestion. Sujeonggwa is usually served cold with pine nuts on top, and it’s often consumed as a dessert or a digestive after a heavy meal.
These are some of the best Korean drinks that you can try in 2023, but there are many more to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re in Korea or abroad, you can find these drinks in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, or online shops. Try them out and let us know which one is your favorite!
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