South Korea’s Ah-Ah to Hot Coca-Cola: The World Has Them All!

“Can I have an Americano please?” I ask, and a steaming cup of hot coffee is served. Some time back, a different story unfolded, exposing me to something that I was unaware of.

Here it goes…

The chatty receptionist at the doctor’s office had a spoon stuck over a white lump in her coffee mug. Curiosity took the better part of me, and I asked, “What is this drink?” Pat came the reply:  “It’s not a drink, it’s frozen jello.” I was taken aback a little because the temperature was not as high that day for a frozen treat. 

She perhaps read my mind and continued with a smile: “Check out the study that was done about the obsession we South Koreans have for iced Americanos. That will explain what I have before me. I mean our craze for the cold stuff!”

That knowledge is fluid is a truth well-acknowledged. It becomes even more interesting when a fact is gathered through a casual conversation rather than from turning the pages of a book. The mention of an Americano always brought to my mind coffee that is piping hot. Now I am learning something new. 

Ah-Ah is thy name

A hot favorite of Koreans comprises shots of espresso served over ice and topped up with water. This coffee drink has become South Korea’s unofficial national drink. Nicknamed “Ah-Ah” (short for ah-iced ah-mericano), fans have also coined a proverb which runs: “Even if I freeze to death, iced Americano!” Data shared by Starbucks shows surprising numbers where sales of hot Americano are lower than its iced counterpart even in the thick of winter.

Why is iced Americano South Korea’s darling coffee?

Sans dairy and sugar, iced Americano scores the brownie points as a low calorie beverage that is not just refreshing but also a healthy option.

Viewed as an energy drink, South Koreans believe that an iced Americano gives them a boost to stay on their toes in their fast-paced lives. They get their dose of caffeine to stay alert and pull through long hours at work. It is also immensely soothing in the nation’s hot and humid summers. 

In a work environment that is highly demanding, how could one waste time sipping a cup of hot coffee slowly? Instead this drink can be consumed at a much faster rate. Because of this convenience, even the bitter winters do not deter devotees from getting their ah-ah fix.

Anything that bears the stamp of celebrity use is a big hit among commoners. So another reason for the popularity of this iced cup is that it is heavily featured in K-pop and K-dramas!

A sneak peek into the unconventional  

We have exotic food around the world, and every community takes pride in the food and drinks that are a part of their culture. Drinking iced Americano is really not that weird, but there are foods and beverages consumed atypically that could possibly raise an eyebrow for the uninitiated. Here are just a few examples:

• A combo of coffee, unsalted butter, and medium chain triglyceride oil, butter coffee, also known as Bulletproof coffee, is a high-fat drink very popular in Ethiopia.
• Don’t always crave for a chilled coke. Hot Coca-Cola with dashes of lemon and ginger is served in Hong Kong. It is thought to be a good remedy for someone suffering from a cold.
• Italy boasts of brioche con gelato where gelato, a type of ice cream, is sandwiched between buns. Can you visualize the bread / ice cream mix?.
• Although eaten along with a non-vegetarian side in some states of South India, dosa is originally and essentially a vegetarian dish. Now the dosa has forayed into the non-veg territory with a chicken filling inside this Indian pancake.
• Don’t be dumbfounded! You may see someone eating their French fries after dipping them in a bowl of ice cream or a glass of milkshake.

I know this statement sounds rather cheesy, but I’ll say it anyway! Variety is the spice of life, and food is our love language. If someone’s tastebuds are satisfied, why care if they eat or drink a little differently from the mainstream way? Bon Appetit!