Korea remains a land that dearly loves its alcohol, but there are other drinks to be had, other than the intoxicating kind, that refresh the body as well as perplex the mind. Whoever created these beverages must have been a wizard or a sadist.
1, Omija Tea (오미자차)
Usually used as a flavoring for makegeolli, Omija means “five-flavor berry”. Why? You’re supposed to be able to taste the five flavors of sweetness, saltiness, spiciness, sourness, and bitterness. My palate must be in need of a tune up because I can never taste that many. It’s also supposed to have various medicinal uses as well.
2. Citron Tea (유자차)
You can find this in the grocery store to the convenience store. I prefer to buy citron honey and use that with hot water on cold winter nights. Citron is a tarty fruit that will remind you of a pink grapefruit. It’s one of my favorites that I learned about in Korea.
3. Bacchus (바카스)
Known as the Red Bull of Korea before Red Bull practically killed it, pick up a can of this little beverage when you want an extra kick. Need a study surge? Want an extra pep on the dance floor? Personally, I would stay away from this stuff and Red Bull. If you need a pick me up just find some caffeine.
4. Corn Tea (옥수수수염차)
The most vile of the vilest concoctions to ever be made! I mean, sure, I like corn. It’s delicious on the cob, in a box popped, even in a soup, but corn tea! It’s an abomination. It should be banished to the furthest corners of the supermarket. Try it at your own peril.
5. Dawn 808 (여명 808)
This concoction has been known as a the hangover cure. The taste is nothing to rave about as its made from roots and herbs, but it’s supposed to be able to keep you going at a somewhat normal condition despite a night of rough housing and rabble rousing. Personally, I don’t think I’ve noticed much of a difference between it and copious amounts of water.
6. Banana Milk (바나나우유)
This is basically a kids drink. Every student I’ve taught raved about their love of banana milk. I don’t get it. It has no appeal to me at all. It’s like a sugary, milky, gooey mess. Then again that’s probably why kids love it!
7. Misutgaru (미숫가루)
Misutgaru may sound like some exotic juice that comes from some strange fruit, but in reality it’s a shake made from roasted grains sweetned with sugar or sometimes honey. The cool thing is that there are a number of different variations of nuts, beans, and grains that depend on which brand of Misutgaru you choose to buy. Things like rice, soybeans, sesame seeds or barley can be had. Healthy though not so tasty ( in my opinion) get this stuff if you are of the protein shake type and chug away!
8. Chrysanthemum tea (국화차)
Chrysanthemum tea is nothing new under the sun. It’s been brewed and sipped through the ages. Combined with its appealing look and smell it’s known to be a medicinal brew to ease you through the winter season where illness lurks everywhere.
9. Milkis
It’s carbonated. It’s milky. It’s syrupy. It’s Milkis! This is what you get when you let five year olds come up with the new idea for your premium drink. It’s definitely an acquired taste most likely cultivated by kindergartners. If you do go for it, try the classic taste first then branch out into the fruity flavorful options like banana or strawberry. Or don’t, like me! The original gave me more than enough information about Milkis.
10. Sikhye (식혜)
Sweet is what comes to mind when you drink Sikhye. It’s a cold rice dessert drink. It’s a traditional drink that can be found in cafes and restaurants and convenience stores around the country. Once again it’s one of those drinks that just don’t appeal to me. It’s a bit too different for me to get used to. Not to mention that rice based drinks just hit me in a weird spot. You, however, may have found your drink of choice! Give it a try.
I was bored and i decided to watch non-alcoholic drinks
Non alcoholic drinks may be boring but oh so delicious!
Cool article. #4 has a picture of 보리차 (Barley Tea) and not 옥수수수염차 (Corn Silk Tea).
Thanks for the catch!