Looking for the best Korean drink recipes? Learn how to make refreshing, healthy, and delicious Korean beverages, including traditional teas, fruity smoothies, and famous soju cocktails. Whether you’re craving a warm honey citron tea, a cool Korean banana milk, or a fun soju cocktail, this guide has everything you need to enjoy authentic Korean drinks at home!
1. Sikhye (Korean Sweet Rice Punch)
Sikhye (식혜) is a traditional Korean sweet rice punch made from fermented malt water, cooked rice, and sugar. This refreshing and slightly sweet drink is often served as a dessert at Korean celebrations and holidays. It’s known for its digestive benefits and is a perfect drink after a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup barley malt powder (misutgaru, 엿기름 가루)
- 10 cups warm water
- 1 cup cooked short-grain rice
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Malt Water
- In a large bowl, mix barley malt powder with warm water. Stir well and let it sit for about 2-3 hours, allowing the malt to settle.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pot, discarding the solid particles.
Step 2: Ferment the Rice
- Add the cooked rice into the pot with the malt water.
- Maintain a temperature of around 130-140°F (55-60°C) for 4-6 hours. If using a rice cooker, keep it in the “warm” setting. You’ll know it’s ready when some rice grains start floating to the top.
Step 3: Sweeten and Boil the Sikhye
- Once fermented, transfer the liquid to a separate pot, leaving the rice behind.
- Add sugar and bring it to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes, stirring until it dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the Sikhye until cold. Serve it in a glass or bowl with some floating rice grains and pine nuts for garnish.
Tips for Perfect Sikhye:
✅ Use short-grain rice for a chewy texture.
✅ Control fermentation time – The longer you ferment, the sweeter the drink.
✅ Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
✅ Serve chilled for the best refreshing taste!
2. Soju Cocktails (Korean Soju Mixed Drinks)
Soju (소주) is Korea’s most popular alcoholic drink, often enjoyed on its own or mixed into refreshing cocktails. It has a smooth, mild taste, making it perfect for mixing with fruit juices, soda, or yogurt. Here are three of the best soju cocktail recipes you can easily make at home!
1. Soju Sunrise (Citrusy & Refreshing)
🍹 A Korean twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise!
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (360ml) soju
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup grenadine syrup
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice & cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the soju.
- Add orange juice and stir gently.
- Slowly pour in grenadine syrup—it will settle at the bottom, creating a layered effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry. Serve and enjoy!
2. Yogurt Soju (Creamy & Sweet)
🥛 A smooth and creamy cocktail made with Yakult or probiotic yogurt drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (360ml) soju
- 2 bottles Yakult (or any probiotic yogurt drink)
- 1 can lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with soju, Yakult, and soda.
- Shake well to mix.
- Pour into a glass with ice cubes and enjoy this creamy, slightly tangy drink!
3. Watermelon Soju (Fruity & Refreshing)
🍉 Perfect for summer! Serve it in a watermelon for a fun party drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (360ml) soju
- 1 small watermelon
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the flesh. Blend the flesh into juice.
- In a large bowl, mix watermelon juice, soju, honey, and soda.
- Pour the drink back into the watermelon shell or a pitcher.
- Serve over ice cubes for a fruity, boozy treat!
Tips for Making the Best Soju Cocktails:
✅ Chill your soju before mixing for a smoother taste.
✅ Experiment with flavors – Mix with mango juice, pomegranate, or even iced tea!
✅ Use carbonated drinks like soda or tonic water for a fizzy touch.
✅ Garnish with fresh fruit to make your cocktails Instagram-worthy.
3. Korean Banana Milk
Korean Banana Milk (바나나 우유) is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing drink loved by kids and adults alike. It became popular through the famous Binggrae Banana Milk, but you can make a healthier, homemade version with just a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (for natural sweetness)
- 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup ice cubes (optional, for a chilled version)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Blend the Banana – In a blender, add the ripe banana, milk, honey (or sugar), and vanilla extract.
2️⃣ Blend Until Smooth – Blend for about 30-40 seconds until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Serve & Enjoy – Pour into a glass and enjoy as is, or add ice cubes for an extra refreshing taste.
Tips for the Best Korean Banana Milk:
✅ Use a very ripe banana for a naturally sweet flavor.
✅ Chill the milk before blending for the best taste.
✅ For extra creaminess, add a small amount of heavy cream or oat milk.
✅ Want a smoothie version? Add a few ice cubes before blending.
✅ Make it dairy-free by using almond, oat, or soy milk.
4. Honey Citron Tea (Yuja-cha, 유자차)
Yuja-cha (유자차), also known as Honey Citron Tea, is a traditional Korean herbal tea made from yuja (yuzu) citrus and honey. It’s packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and immune-boosting properties, making it a perfect drink for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
✅ 2-3 fresh Yuja (yuzu) fruits (or substitute with Meyer lemons)
✅ 1 cup honey (or sugar)
✅ ½ cup hot water (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Yuja
1️⃣ Wash the yuja fruits thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax.
2️⃣ Cut the yuja into thin slices, removing the seeds but keeping the peel (the peel gives it its unique flavor).
Step 2: Make the Yuja Honey Preserve
3️⃣ In a clean jar, layer the yuja slices and honey (or sugar) until the jar is full.
4️⃣ Press down lightly to remove air pockets and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours (or refrigerate for up to a week).
Step 3: Make the Tea
5️⃣ Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the yuja honey mixture into a cup.
6️⃣ Pour in ½ cup hot water and stir well.
7️⃣ Enjoy your warm, soothing honey citron tea!
Tips for the Best Yuja-cha:
✅ Use organic yuja (yuzu) if possible, as the peel is used in the tea.
✅ Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
✅ Store in the fridge – the yuja honey mixture lasts up to 2 months!
✅ Serve cold in summer by adding ice and chilled water.
5. Dalgona Coffee (Korean Whipped Coffee)
Dalgona Coffee (달고나 커피) is a creamy, frothy coffee drink made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a fluffy topping and serving it over milk. This Korean viral coffee trend became famous worldwide for its rich taste and smooth texture.
Ingredients:
✅ 2 tbsp instant coffee (not ground coffee)
✅ 2 tbsp sugar (white or brown)
✅ 2 tbsp hot water
✅ 1 cup cold or warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
✅ Ice cubes (optional, for the iced version)
Instructions:
Step 1: Whip the Coffee Mixture
1️⃣ In a bowl, add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
2️⃣ Use a whisk or hand mixer to whip for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy (it should form stiff peaks).
Step 2: Prepare the Milk
3️⃣ Fill a glass with cold or warm milk (add ice cubes if making an iced version).
Step 3: Assemble the Dalgona Coffee
4️⃣ Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk.
5️⃣ Gently stir before drinking or enjoy as a layered drink!
Tips for the Best Dalgona Coffee:
✅ Use instant coffee – Ground coffee or espresso won’t whip properly.
✅ Whisk for at least 3 minutes – A hand mixer makes this easier!
✅ Adjust sweetness – Add more or less sugar to your liking.
✅ Try different flavors – Mix in cocoa powder, cinnamon, or vanilla for variety.
6. Omija Tea (Five-Flavored Berry Tea, 오미자차)
Omija-cha (오미자차) is a traditional Korean herbal tea made from dried omija berries (Schisandra chinensis), also known as the “five-flavor berry” because it contains sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy notes. This tea is rich in antioxidants and is often enjoyed for its health benefits, refreshing taste, and beautiful pink-red color.
Ingredients:
✅ ½ cup dried omija berries (Schisandra berries)
✅ 4 cups cold water
✅ 1-2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to taste)
✅ Lemon slices or pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Soak the Omija Berries
1️⃣ Rinse the dried omija berries under cold water.
2️⃣ Place them in a bowl and pour in 4 cups of cold water.
3️⃣ Let them soak for at least 6-8 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator to extract the flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Tea
4️⃣ Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the berries.
5️⃣ Taste the tea—if it’s too strong, dilute it with more water.
Step 3: Sweeten & Serve
6️⃣ Add honey or sugar if desired, and stir well.
7️⃣ Serve chilled over ice for a refreshing summer drink or warm for a soothing tea.
8️⃣ Garnish with a lemon slice or pine nuts for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Tips for the Best Omija Tea:
✅ Use cold water for steeping – Hot water can make the tea taste bitter.
✅ Adjust sweetness – Omija tea has natural flavors, so add sweeteners as needed.
✅ Chill for a refreshing summer drink or serve warm in winter.
✅ For extra flavor, add ginger or cinnamon for a spiced version.
7. Sujeonggwa (Korean Cinnamon Ginger Punch, 수정과)
Sujeonggwa (수정과) is a traditional Korean cinnamon ginger punch made with cinnamon, ginger, and dried persimmons. It’s a warm and fragrant drink typically served as a dessert beverage at Korean meals and special occasions. Sujeonggwa is known for its digestive benefits and spicy-sweet flavor, making it perfect for after meals or on chilly days.
Ingredients:
✅ 1-2 cinnamon sticks
✅ 1 tbsp dried ginger slices
✅ 4 cups water
✅ ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
✅ 3-4 dried persimmons (optional but traditional)
✅ Pine nuts (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Spices
1️⃣ In a medium pot, add cinnamon sticks, dried ginger slices, and water.
2️⃣ Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Sweeten the Punch
3️⃣ After simmering, remove the pot from the heat.
4️⃣ Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
Step 3: Add Dried Persimmons
5️⃣ Slice dried persimmons into small pieces and add them to the punch. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the fruit softens and flavors the drink.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
6️⃣ Strain the punch into a clean container to remove the cinnamon sticks, ginger, and persimmons.
7️⃣ Let it cool, or serve it warm or chilled (depending on your preference).
Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy
8️⃣ Pour into glasses and garnish with pine nuts for extra flavor and a festive touch.
Tips for the Best Sujeonggwa:
✅ Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar, depending on your taste.
✅ Use fresh ginger slices for a spicier flavor.
✅ Serve chilled in summer or warm in winter for a cozy drink.
✅ Add dried fruit like jujube or Korean dates for extra flavor.
