What are Milkis?
Milkis is a carbonated soft drink that is infused with milk to give it a creamy texture. It is equally as famous as Coke being famous in Korea, Milkis is Korea’s most famous soft drink!
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
The beverage was launched in 1989 by Lotte Chilsung, South Korea’s largest drink manufacturing company. It was labeled “New Feeling of Soda Beverage” on its packaging and was heavily marketed during its release to the market.
Now, Milkis is available with 11 different flavors for everyone to enjoy! The regular flavor would taste better when mixed with other beverages, however, the wide variety of fruit-flavored Milkis can be found almost everywhere in South Korea!
From Muskmelon to Pineapple, even Lemon-flavored Milkis are available!
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Since the breakthrough of Milkis in Korea, you may find this beverage in any convenience store or at any supermarket. It only cost ￦2,900 ($2.50) for a 500ml bottle. You may also find it overseas as the drink gains popularity even outside of Korea.
The Reason Why It Is Famous!
Milkis gained its fame through a famous catchphrase “Saranghaeyo, Milkis!” from a Hong Kong film titled A Better Tomorrow where actor Chow Yun-fat said the catchphrase in his accent and till this day is one of the most famous Milkis catchphrases.
Not only that, K-pop idols and K-dramas play an active role in promoting the Korean soft drink, Milkis.
In a K-drama, Reply 1988 the cast can be seen drinking the beverage in one of the scenes.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
K-pop idols such as BTS always enjoy the beverage with their meals in any of their content videos.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Why Do Koreans Love It?
Though the combination may sound shocking, it is good when mixed. It can not only be found as a drink but many cafes or even restaurants have unique desserts using Milkis!
One of the most famous desserts will be Korean shaved ice or Korean Bingsu. You may find Milkis flavored desserts in many cafes in Korea.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
On the other hand, in America, there is a dessert place with the name Milkie Milkie Dessert Café, where you will be able to find Korean bingsu and many other Korean desserts.
The café is located in Seattle and Edmonds. Do visit if you live in the US!
What Experimental Drinks Could Be Made With Milkis?
As Milkis has a wide variety of flavors, it can be made into various drinks when mixed with other beverages.
In Korea, they are often enjoyed with alcohol as they are made into cocktails. We got a few recipes for you to try!
Basic Soju-Milkis Cocktail
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
- 3 ounces of soju
- 3 ounces of flavored Milkis
Sakura Milkis Cocktail
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
- 2 ounces of Roku Gin
- 4 ounces of Milkis Milk & Yogurt Flavor
- 1 ounce of Sakura Syrup
Sakura Syrup
- 11 salt pickled Sakura Cherry Blossoms
- ¾ cup of Water
- ¾ cup of Granulated Sugar
Vodka Milkis Cocktail
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
- 2 ounces of Vodka
- 1 ounce of Raspberry Syrup
- A few Mint Leaves
- Milkis!
Strawberry Soju Cocktail
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
- 2-3 frozen Strawberries
- 3 ounces of Strawberry flavored Soju
- 3 ounces of Strawberry Milkis
As this Korean drink floods the market, you will be able to get a taste even if you are living abroad!
We suggest pairing it with Korean cuisines as it fits perfectly and gives you the most Korean experience of all time!
Let us know what you think of the drink recipes above! (Make sure to be legal!)
