9 Refreshing Korean Drinks to Cool Down With

Korea’s drink culture offers a fascinating mix of traditional and modern beverages that refresh and revive. From herbal teas with centuries of history to colorful café favorites, each drink reflects the country’s creativity and love for balance in flavor. Whether you’re exploring a summer market in Seoul or relaxing after a spicy meal, these refreshing options are the perfect way to beat the heat. Here are nine Korean drinks that combine taste, health benefits, and culture in every sip.

1. Sikhye (Sweet Rice Punch)

Sikhye is a traditional Korean sweet rice punch made by fermenting malted barley with cooked rice. The process gives the drink a light sweetness and floating rice grains that add texture. It’s served cold and often topped with pine nuts for extra flavor. Sikhye is not only refreshing but also helps digestion after heavy meals. The mild taste, pleasant aroma, and natural sweetness make it a favorite at festivals, family gatherings, and restaurants. It’s a timeless example of how simple ingredients can create a soothing, nourishing drink.

2. Sujeonggwa (Cinnamon Punch)

Sujeonggwa is a spiced cinnamon punch brewed with dried ginger and sweetened with honey or brown sugar. Once cooled, it is poured over ice and garnished with pine nuts or dried persimmons. The drink is naturally caffeine-free and has a unique mix of sweet and warming flavors. Despite being made with cinnamon and ginger, it’s enjoyed chilled, offering a pleasant contrast of warmth and coolness. Sujeonggwa is often served during holidays and special events, making it a flavorful way to refresh while honoring Korean tradition.

3. Omija Cha (Five-Flavor Tea)

Omija cha, meaning “five-flavor tea,” is made from dried magnolia berries that deliver a complex combination of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy tastes. The berries are soaked or boiled to create a vibrant pink-red drink that’s both beautiful and energizing. Traditionally served cold in summer, omija cha is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, believed to help with fatigue and liver health. Its sharp yet balanced flavor makes it one of Korea’s most distinctive herbal teas, perfect for anyone seeking something both healthy and refreshing.

4. Yujacha (Citron Tea)

Yujacha, or citron tea, is a soothing beverage made by mixing hot or cold water with yuja marmalade. The marmalade contains the peel and pulp of yuja, a citrus fruit similar to yuzu, known for its fragrant aroma and tangy flavor. Served hot in winter or iced in summer, yujacha is naturally sweet and rich in vitamin C. It’s also known to ease sore throats and colds. The tea’s golden color, comforting texture, and sweet-sour balance make it a beloved Korean household staple year-round.

5. Banana Milk

Banana milk is a nostalgic Korean favorite that has become a national icon since its launch in the 1970s. Created to promote milk drinking, this creamy beverage combines fresh milk with banana flavoring for a smooth, lightly sweet taste. It’s sold in convenience stores across Korea in its signature round bottle and loved by all ages. The mild banana flavor is refreshing without being overpowering, making it ideal for hot afternoons. Easy to find and delightfully simple, banana milk remains one of Korea’s most popular grab-and-go drinks.

6. Misugaru Latte (Multigrain Drink)

Misugaru latte is a wholesome Korean drink made from a powdered blend of roasted grains such as barley, black sesame, brown rice, and soybeans. Mixed with cold milk or water, it becomes a creamy, nutty beverage full of nutrients and protein. Misugaru is traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast drink or light meal substitute. Served over ice, it is both filling and refreshing. The smooth, toasty flavor and natural sweetness make it a nutritious alternative to coffee or smoothies, perfect for busy days or warm weather.

7. Iced Americano

The iced Americano holds a special place in Korean coffee culture. Made simply with espresso and cold water over ice, it offers a clean, strong coffee flavor without added sugar or milk. Koreans love it for its boldness and low-calorie simplicity, often referring to it jokingly as the country’s “official drink.” Popular in every café, it’s enjoyed year-round by office workers, students, and anyone needing a caffeine boost. Its crisp, energizing taste provides the perfect refreshment after a long day or a heavy meal.

8. Honey Citron Ade

Honey citron ade is a sparkling take on traditional yujacha, made by mixing citron marmalade with soda water and ice. The result is a fizzy, citrusy drink that’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. It’s often served in cafés during warmer months and garnished with lemon slices or mint. The balance between honey’s sweetness and the fruit’s natural zest creates a light, invigorating flavor. Both hydrating and visually appealing, honey citronade is the perfect thirst-quencher for those who enjoy bright, bubbly beverages.

9. Subak Hwachae (Watermelon Punch)

Subak hwachae is a vibrant summer punch made from fresh watermelon, honey, and either water, milk, or soda, depending on preference. Served cold in large bowls, it’s often shared at picnics and parties. The drink’s natural sweetness and light fizz make it a fun way to cool off on a hot day. Many versions include floating fruit pieces or small rice cake balls for texture. Colorful, refreshing, and festive, subak hwachae perfectly captures the joy of Korean summer gatherings and seasonal fruit enjoyment.