Korean Traditional Spiced Honey Drink
Quick answer
Jehotang is a traditional Korean royal summer drink prepared by the court medical office and presented to the king as a cooling remedy against the summer heat.
What makes this special
- Originating in the Joseon royal court medical office, Jehotang layers plum syrup and honey with a simmered ginger-cinnamon-licorice decoction.
- A Joseon royal court summer drink blending plum syrup, honey, and spice broth
- Honey and plum syrup must be added after the broth cools to preserve their aroma
Key ingredients
Core cooking flow
- 1 Thinly slice 25g of peeled ginger and rinse two cinnamon sticks and 5g of li...
- 2 Pour 1000ml of water into a pot with the ginger, cinnamon, and licorice, the...
- 3 Once the spices have fully infused, strain the mixture through a fine sieve...
Jehotang is a traditional Korean royal summer drink prepared by the court medical office and presented to the king as a cooling remedy against the summer heat. Cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, and licorice root are simmered together over a low flame for an extended period to draw out the full depth of each spice, then the liquid is strained and blended with plum syrup and honey once it has cooled. The result is a chilled, aromatic drink that balances sweet and tart notes while layering the warmth of multiple spices underneath. Cinnamon and ginger were considered warming in nature even when drunk cold, believed to revive a body worn down by summer heat from the inside. A few floating pine nuts on top add a subtle nuttiness that rounds out each sip. Adjusting the amount of honey or water to account for the sweetness of the plum syrup allows the drink to be tuned to personal preference.
Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Prep
Thinly slice 25g of peeled ginger and rinse two cinnamon sticks and 5g of licorice root under cold running water to remove any dust or surface impurities.
- 2Control
Pour 1000ml of water into a pot with the ginger, cinnamon, and licorice, then simmer over medium low heat for 15 minutes until the liquid becomes aromatic.
- 3Prep
Once the spices have fully infused, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove all solids and keep only the clear, dark brown aromatic liquid extract.
- 4Step
When the liquid has cooled to a lukewarm state, add 120ml of plum syrup and 3tbsp of honey, stirring well until everything is completely dissolved and blended.
- 5Prep
Pour the prepared drink into a clean bottle and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill thoroughly and allow the spiced flavors to mellow and develop.
- 6Finish
Pour the chilled drink into traditional cups and garnish with 2tbsp of pine nuts on top, then serve as a refreshing and healthy traditional Korean herbal beverage.
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