식혜 is a traditional Korean sweet rice drink made from fermented steamed rice and barley malt. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a refreshing taste, often enjoyed as a dessert or a refreshing beverage during hot weather. The drink is typically served chilled and may contain floating grains of rice. To prepare 식혜, cooked rice is mixed with a malt extract, which helps in fermentation. This process converts the starches in the rice into sugars, resulting in its characteristic sweetness. It is often garnished with pine nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.