A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Sweet Drinks: From Sac Sac Grape to Milkis
If you have ever visited a Korean convenience store, browsed the beverage aisle at H-Mart, or watched a K-drama, you’ve likely noticed the colorful, unique cans lining the fridge shelves. Korean sweet drinks offer a wide range of flavors and textures, blending real fruit pulps, creamy yogurt soda bases, and traditional brewed grains.
Whether you are looking to cool off after eating spicy ramen or simply want to explore iconic Korean beverage culture, here is your essential guide to the top Korean sweet drinks and where to buy them online.
Quick Comparison: Iconic Korean Sweet Drinks
| Beverage | Primary Flavor Profile | Unique Feature | Best Served With |
| Milkis | Creamy Yogurt & Sweet Soda | Carbonated Milk Soda | Spicy Buldak Ramen or Tteokbokki |
| Sac Sac Grape (Bong Bong) | Sweet Green Grape Juice | Contains Whole Real Grapes | Afternoon Snack |
| Sac Sac Orange | Tangy Citrus Juice | Real Orange Pulp Sacs | Breakfast / Pastries |
| Crushed Pear Juice (IdH) | Honey-Sweet Asian Pear | Known as the Ultimate Hangover Drink | Heavy Meals / Korean BBQ |
| Milkis Zero | Creamy Yogurt & Soda (Zero Sugar) | Zero Calories, Classic Taste | Everyday Refreshment |
| Shikhey | Sweet Malted Rice Drink | Contains Whole Rice Grains | Post-Sauna / Dessert |
1. Milkis (Milk & Yogurt Carbonated Soda)
Category: Carbonated Dairy Soda
Brand: Lotte
Why It’s Famous
Milkis is arguably South Korea’s most famous soft drink. Launched by Lotte in 1989, it combines the smooth, tangy taste of yogurt and milk with a refreshing carbonated soda twist. It offers a light, creamy texture that cuts through heat, making it the premier pairing choice for fiery dishes like Buldak ramen or Tteokbokki.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy vanilla, sweet milk, and bright citrus-lime soda.
- Pro-Tip: Serve ice-cold directly from a can or pour over ice with a splash of strawberry syrup for a DIY Korean cafe drink.
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2. Sac Sac Grape & Sac Sac Orange (Real Fruit Drinks)
Category: Fruit Juice with Real Pulp
Brand: Lotte / Haitai
Why It’s Famous
Famous for its “Sac Sac” texture, these fruit drinks stand out because they contain actual pieces of fruit inside the can.
- Sac Sac Grape (Bong Bong): Features whole, peeled green grapes suspended in sweet grape juice.
- Sac Sac Orange: Packed with real citrus pulp sacs that burst as you drink.
- Flavor Profile: Intensely sweet, natural fruit juice with a fun, chewy texture.
- Pro-Tip: Give the can a gentle shake before opening so the fruit pulp doesn’t settle at the bottom!
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3. Haitai Crushed Pear Juice (IdH / Bae Juice)
Category: Fruit Juice
Brand: Haitai
Why It’s Famous
If you recognize the Korean characters “갈아만든 배” on the green can, you might notice they look like the English letters “IdH.” Beyond being a delicious orchard-style fruit drink, Haitai Crushed Pear Juice gained international fame after being featured as an effective, natural hangover cure due to the high concentration of Asian pear juice.
- Flavor Profile: Crisp, refreshing, and honey-sweet with a fine pear pulp texture.
- Pro-Tip: Best enjoyed deeply chilled after a heavy night out or alongside savory Korean BBQ.
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4. Milkis Zero (Zero-Sugar Soda)
Category: Zero-Calorie Carbonated Drink
Brand: Lotte
Why It’s Famous
With the explosive trend of sugar-free beverages across South Korea, Lotte released Milkis Zero, retaining the signature silky taste of original Milkis without any of the added sugar or calories. It’s an ideal option for health-conscious soda lovers.
- Flavor Profile: Identical creamy yogurt-soda taste with zero sugar.
- Pro-Tip: Great as a sweet guilt-free afternoon pick-me-up.
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5. Shikhey (Traditional Sweet Rice Drink)
Category: Traditional Fermented Beverage
Brand: Paldo
Why It’s Famous
Shikhey (식혜) is a traditional Korean dessert drink made from malt barley water and cooked rice. Historically served during major holidays and after trips to Korean saunas (jjimjilbang), it aids digestion and provides a mild, soothing sweetness.
- Flavor Profile: Nutty malt, gentle honeyed sweetness, and soft whole rice grains.
- Pro-Tip: Serve ice-cold as a dessert drink following a rich meal.
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How to Buy Korean Sweet Drinks Online
Finding imported Korean beverages is easier than ever:
- Amazon Prime: Ideal for ordering multi-can variety packs with fast 1- to 2-day delivery.
- Online Asian Grocers (Weee! & Yamibuy): Perfect for finding hard-to-get seasonal flavor variants (such as Milkis Melon, Strawberry, or Peach).
- Local H-Mart / Korean Markets: Offers single cans and refrigerated bottles directly from regional importers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Korean fruit drinks made with real fruit?
Yes! Drinks like Sac Sac Grape, Sac Sac Orange, and Crushed Pear Juice contain real fruit pulp and whole fruit pieces inside the can.
Do you need to shake canned drinks with pulp?
It is recommended to gently invert or swirl the can before opening to ensure the fruit bits mix evenly throughout the drink.
- Craving more Korean treats? Pair your favorite drink with our list of the Top 10 Must-Try Korean Convenience Store Snacks or check out our guide to the 10 Best Korean Snack Boxes on Amazon.*