Rice Grains Floating in Your Drink? 
Meet Korea’s Sweet Traditional Drink, SIKHYE! 
 

Have you ever heard of a drink with rice grains floating in it? It may sound a little unusual, but in Korea, there's a special traditional drink called Sikhye. Originally enjoyed during major Korean holidays, Sikhye has become a popular drink that people enjoy all year round thanks to its delicious sweetness. Curious to know more? Let's dive into the charm of Sikhye and see why it's so popular!

What Exactly is SIKHYE? 
 

Sikhye is a special traditional Korean drink made with rice, malt, and a touch of sugar. It may sound a bit strange at first—"Rice in a drink?" you may wonder. But that's exactly what makes Sikhye so unique! The sweet, refreshing flavor combined with the tiny grains of rice that pop in your mouth creates an experience you won't find in any other drink.

That Drink You've Seen in Korean Dramas: 
SIKHYE

If you're a fan of Korean dramas, you've probably seen Sikhye at least once. You don't think so? Trust me, you have!

Remember those scenes in Korean dramas where the characters are relaxing in a sauna? That's called a jjimjilbang, a unique type of Korean sauna. And one of the drinks people often enjoy there is none other than Sikhye!

Sikhye is not only delicious on its own, but it's also great for quenching your thirst. Plus, after eating something oily or spicy, it does wonders in refreshing your palate.

But Sikhye is more than just a drink. It was once a must-have at big Korean holidays and celebrations, filled with sweet memories of sharing it with family. Today, it’s no longer just a holiday treat—it's a beloved drink that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. With so many reasons to love Sikhye, don’t you want to give it a try?

Do you prefer your SIKHYE with rice grains, or without? 
 

So, are you a fan of Sikhye with rice grains, or do you prefer it smooth?

One of the most popular Sikhye brands in Korea is Paldo’s Virac Sikhye. This drink is loved for its sweet yet clean flavor, making it an instant hit even with first-timers. These days, it comes conveniently packaged in cans or bottles, so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. The best part? The fun of those rice grains popping in your mouth! Keep it chilled in the fridge, and it’s even more refreshing when served ice-cold.

But here's something interesting! There's a bit of a divide among Sikhye lovers. There's the Rice Grains group, who love the chewy texture of the rice, and the Smooth group, who prefer a clean, grain-free drink. To satisfy both tastes, Virac Sikhye offers two versions: one with rice grains and one without. So which group are you on?

Recently, Virac Sikhye has kept up with the trends by introducing a new product: Virac Sikhye Zero. It retains the classic sweet taste, but with significantly fewer calories, perfect for those who are mindful of sugar intake. Now health conscious people can enjoy the delicious taste of Sikhye without feeling guilty. Virac Sikhye Zero is gaining popularity among health conscious individuals, proving that you can now enjoy the sweetness of Sikhye without worrying.

But Virac Sikhye isn't the only option out there. In Korea, there are many brands that offer their own unique takes on Sikhye. For example, there's Dongwon’s Sikhye, Lotte Chilsung’s Sikhye, Yangban’s Sikhye and Haneul chung Sikhye each bringing its own distinct flavor to the table. It’s like choosing a flavor at an ice cream shop—each brand has its own subtle differences, making it fun to explore and find your favorite. One day you might try Dongwon’s Sikhye, and the next day you could sample Yangban’s Sikhye. Finding your go-to Sikhye is a unique pleasure you can only experience in Korea!

How to Enjoy SIKHYE to the Fullest:
Keep It Cool and Refreshing
 

Sikhye is delicious on its own, but with a few tips, you can make it even more enjoyable!

First, make sure to chill your Sikhye in the fridge before drinking it. When it's cold, the sweetness really shines and becomes even more pronounced.

Second, in Korea, people sometimes enjoy Sikhye with ice. Especially on hot summer days, as the ice melts, it naturally dilutes the drink, making it less sweet and even more refreshing.

Third, try enjoying Sikhye as a slushy! Slightly freeze it, and you’ll have a fun, icy treat that feels like a traditional Korean dessert. It's a unique way to savor this classic drink.
 

So we've come to know Korea's traditional drink, Sikhye. With its sweet and refreshing taste, and the unique texture of floating rice grains, Sikhye is more than just a drink—it's a special beverage filled with Korean culture and tradition. Now that you know this, the next time you watch a Korean drama or visit a Korean market, we highly recommend that you try Sikhye.