How to Make Traditional Korean Beverages at Home

Traditional Korean beverages offer a delightful taste of Korea's rich culinary heritage. Many of these drinks can be easily made at home with simple ingredients. Below are some popular options and step-by-step instructions to help you create your own traditional Korean beverages.

1. Sikhye (Sweet Rice Drink)

Sikhye, a sweet and refreshing beverage made from fermented malt and rice, is a favorite during the hot months. It’s easy to prepare!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup of cooked rice, 10 cups of water, 1/2 cup of malt powder, sugar to taste, and pine nuts for garnish.

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine the cooked rice and water. Heat the mixture and continue to stir gently until the rice softens and begins to float.
  2. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool down a bit. Then, add the malt powder and stir well.
  3. Allow the mixture to sit for about 6-8 hours at room temperature to ferment.
  4. After fermentation, strain the drink and sweeten it with sugar to your liking.
  5. Serve Sihkye chilled, garnished with pine nuts.

2. Sujeonggwa (Cinnamon Punch)

Sujeonggwa is a warming cinnamon punch that is especially popular during holidays and festive occasions.

  • Ingredients: 6 cups of water, 2-3 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 cup of dried persimmons, 1/2 cup of sugar, and ginger slices.

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the water, cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, and dried persimmons.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add sugar, stirring until it dissolves.
  4. Let it cool and strain out the solids before refrigerating. Sujeonggwa can be served cold or warmed up, depending on your preference.

3. Omija-cha (Five Flavor Tea)

Omija-cha is made from the dried berries of the Schisandra chinensis plant, known for its unique flavor that combines sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy notes.

  • Ingredients: 1/2 cup of dried omija berries, 4 cups of water, and honey or sugar for sweetening.

Instructions:

  1. Soak the dried omija berries in water for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a pot, bring the soaked berries and water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture to remove the berries, and sweeten the tea with honey or sugar to taste.
  4. This tea can be enjoyed hot or iced, making it a versatile option for any season.

4. Baesuk (Pear Punch)

Baesuk is a traditional Korean pear punch that’s both refreshing and soothing, perfect for cold winters.

  • Ingredients: 2 Asian pears, 2-3 slices of ginger, 3-4 cups of water, and honey to taste.

Instructions:

  1. Peel the pears and cut them into quarters, removing the seeds.
  2. In a pot, add the pear quarters, ginger slices, and water. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the pears are tender.
  4. Strain the liquid and sweeten it with honey. Serve warm.

5. Misugaru (Mixed Grain Powder Drink)

Misugaru is a nutritious beverage made from a mix of roasted grains, often consumed for breakfast or as a snack.

  • Ingredients: 1/2 cup of misugaru powder, 2 cups of water or milk, and honey or sugar for sweetness