Korean Fruit Drink

Ingredients

• 4lemons or oranges
• 100 gsugar
• 1 Lwater
• as neededice

Method

1. Start by thoroughly washing 4 lemons or oranges under running water to remove any wax or dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel. This ensures that the zest and juice are clean and fresh, which is essential for the drink's flavor.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice the lemons or oranges into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This allows the fruit to release its juices and oils effectively when combined with the sugar and water.
3. In a large pot, add the sliced fruit and 100 g of sugar. Gently toss the fruit with the sugar using a wooden spoon, ensuring each slice is well coated. This step helps to draw out the fruit's natural juices and infuse the sugar with citrus flavor.
4. Pour 1 L of water into the pot with the fruit and sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. You will notice the liquid becoming slightly syrupy and fragrant with citrus aroma, indicating that the flavors are melding together.
5. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the flavors to develop fully without any bitterness from the citrus pith.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing down on the fruit slices to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. The strained liquid should be clear with a vibrant citrus aroma.
7. Chill the drink in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it is thoroughly cold. This chilling step enhances the refreshing quality of the drink, making it perfect for serving.
8. To serve, fill traditional Korean glassware with ice and pour the chilled fruit drink over the ice. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors that are characteristic of a Korean Fruit Drink.