Sikhae (시래기) is a Korean sweet rice drink that is made by fermenting glutinous rice with water, sugar, and fruit such as pineapple, strawberries or persimmons.
First, the rice is soaked in water for a few hours and cooked until it's soft and sticky. It's then mixed with sugar and fruit, and left in a warm place for a few days to ferment. During fermentation, the natural sugars in the fruit and sugar are converted into alcohol and lactic acid, which gives the drink its characteristic tangy taste.
Once the drink has fermented, it's strained to remove any solids and chilled in the refrigerator. It's often served in a bowl with a few ice cubes and garnished with pine nuts or jujube (Korean dates).
Sikhae is a popular drink in Korea, especially during the summer months, as it's refreshing and helps to cool down the body. It's also believed to have health benefits such as aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.