7 Popular Korean Drinks You Have To Try

South Korea is home to some of the world’s favourite food and beverages, with amazing non-alcoholic and alcoholic South Korean drinks to sample. Did you know that the TikTok famous Dalgona coffee is Korean? Have you ever tried Soju? There’s so many great things to try here!

If you can’t visit here right now, you can still learn more about how the must-try coffee styles, tea, sodas or what cocktails locals are ordering in bars – and maybe even try making some of these authentic tipples at home!

Popular Korean Drinks

1. Dalgona

The most basic version of this coffee is made with instant coffee, sugar, and water.

The combination is then whipped until it achieves caramel colour and foamy texture, it is then traditionally ladled on top of milk. Although it became internationally known as a South Korean beverage, similar versions are common in other Asian countries.

Recipe is by My Korean Kitchen.

2. Soju

Korean soju is distilled from fermented rice or wheat, barley, sweet potatoes, or tapioca.

Soju is a clear spirit that is low in alcohol and has a mild flavour. It is usually enjoyed well-chilled, served in small traditional glasses, but Koreans also prefer to drop a shot of soju in beer. Besides the classic flavour, it also comes in many fruit-flavoured versions.

3. Milkis

Milkis is definitely unlike any drink you’ve ever had: it combines carbonation, milk, and corn syrup for a sweet, fizzy milky taste.

The classic milkis is unflavoured, however, now you can also find this drink in a variety of fruit flavours ranging from strawberry to banana.

4. Sujeonggwa

Sujeonggwa is equal parts dessert and drink – if you’ve a sweet tooth then this drink is for you!

Super simple to make, it combines cinnamon, brown sugar, ginger, and persimmon that make this delicious sweet flavour. Is it usually served cold so it can be enjoyed throughout the summer months.

Recipe by Grace Hsui.

5. Yuja-cha

This citrus-infused tea is mostly enjoyed during winter. The tea can be prepared by mixing fresh sliced fruit with sugar and then combining it with warm water.

This tea should be enjoyed warm and is often claimed to be a soothing health remedy. Technically it is not a tea and contains no caffeine but it’s perfect comfort beverage to warm up.

Recipe by Oh, How Civilized

6. Cheongju

Cheongju is a South Korean rice wine that is made from fermented polished rice.

It is an ancient beverage that was once enjoyed on the royal court, and today it is still often used a ceremonial or a welcome drink. It is also used in cooking mostly for sauces.

7. Bacchus

Bacchus is an energy drink often compared to Red Bull, although it was originally created for hangovers, today it is marketed as a hardcore energy drink for those looking for a boost.

It contains 2000mg of taurine so you might have a hard time sitting still for the rest of the day, but you certainly won’t complain about being too tired!

Photo via zalew_ferment