Print

Refreshing Korean Nectarine Sikhye Punch Recipe with Ginger and Pine Nuts Perfect for Summer

Korean nectarine sikhye punch - featured image

A cool, crisp, and refreshing Korean nectarine sikhye punch with ginger and pine nuts, perfect for summer gatherings. This easy-to-make drink balances sweetness, spice, and nutty crunch for a memorable flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons sweet rice malt or barley malt syrup
  • 1/2 cup cooked short-grain rice
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) water
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) brown sugar or honey
  • 2 medium ripe nectarines, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
  • Small handful fresh mint leaves (optional)
  • 1 cup lightly sparkling water or soda (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine 6 cups (1.4 liters) of water with sliced ginger and malt syrup. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes to infuse flavors.
  2. Stir in 1/2 cup cooked short-grain rice and 1/4 cup (60 g) brown sugar or honey. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing gently to extract liquid but leaving ginger and rice solids behind. Let cool to room temperature.
  4. While the sikhye cools, slice nectarines thinly and toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  5. Once sikhye is cool, add sliced nectarines and pine nuts to the pitcher. Stir in sparkling water or soda just before serving if desired. Optionally add lemon juice to brighten flavors.
  6. Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Do not simmer ginger longer than 15 minutes to avoid bitterness. Toast pine nuts carefully to prevent burning. Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz. Adjust sweetness during simmering step to taste. Use firm ripe nectarines for best texture. For gluten-free, ensure malt syrup and sugar are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean sikhye, nectarine punch, summer drink, ginger punch, pine nuts, refreshing beverage, Korean traditional drink