Have you ever seen vibrant pictures of Korean Grapefruit Ade and wondered what it tastes like or how to make it at home?
This fizzy, citrusy drink is a staple in Korean cafés, perfect for refreshing summer afternoons or adding a touch of Korean flair to your day.
Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it - this guide will teach you how to make a delicious Korean Grapefruit Ade right in your kitchen, complete with a step-by-step recipe.
1. The Star Ingredient: Grapefruit Syrup (Cheong)
The secret to Korean Grapefruit Ade lies in its base, the grapefruit syrup (also called "cheong"). This homemade syrup combines fresh grapefruit pulp, honey, and sugar into a sweet, tangy concentrate. It’s not just a drink ingredient, in fact, it can double as a toast topping or even a salad dressing. Making the syrup is straightforward, but the aroma of fresh grapefruit and honey as you prepare it will make you feel like a chef in a Seoul café.
Grapefruit ade juice - Korean street food
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- 2 grapefruits
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup sugar (turbinado or white sugar)
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
2. Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grapefruits
Peel the grapefruits and remove as much of the white pith as possible. Gently separate the pulp from the membrane and remove any seeds.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
In a clean mixing bowl, combine the grapefruit pulp, honey, and sugar. Use a sanitized spoon to mix and slightly crush the grapefruit, releasing its juice. (Pro tip: Wear gloves if you’re using your hands for this step.)
Step 3: Store the Syrup
Transfer the mixture into an airtight glass jar. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 24 hours for the flavors to meld. This syrup will keep for up to three months.
Step 4: Make the Ade
In a tall glass, add 2 tablespoons of your grapefruit syrup. Top with sparkling water and a handful of ice cubes. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of lemon for added flair.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Take a sip and let the vibrant grapefruit flavor transport you straight to the streets of Korea.
Why Grapefruit Ade Is a Must-Try
This drink isn’t just about the flavor, but it’s a total vibe. Grapefruit Ade combines tangy fruitiness with a fizzy kick, making it ideal for any occasion, from a Netflix binge to impressing your friends at a party. Plus, since it’s non-alcoholic, it’s a family-friendly treat. The versatility of the grapefruit syrup means you can experiment by adding it to other drinks, like tea or mocktails.
When making your grapefruit syrup, cleanliness is very important, so remember to sanitize your utensils and jar to extend the syrup’s shelf life. If you want an even deeper flavor, let the syrup sit in the fridge for a few days before using it. Don’t forget to share your masterpiece on social media with the hashtag #KoreanGrapefruitAde!
