Drink-Themed Songs to Cool Down With

With summer still in full force in the Northern Hemisphere, a cold drink can help bring that heat down. Thankfully, K-Pop offers a selection of drink-themed songs to offer some refreshing relief. Whether you fancy a nice glass of water, juice, coffee, soda, or tea, why not see if some recent additions suit your tastes? 

Wheein - “coco water”

MAMAMOO’s Wheein brings relaxing vibes by painting a carefree summer scene in her J single “coco water,” released on July 12.  Lyricists Bottle Paik, Rhode, Sue, and Park Woosang use “summer nights filled with the scent of green,” “a breeze blowing on my hair,” and “smiling until my cheeks hurt” to describe the feelings associated with that moment.* When paired with Wheein’s soothing vocals and a low energy instrumental, it’s one to play while basking in the sun.   

Ryu Sujeong - “Orange Juice (feat. Yein)”

Released on May 16, Ryu Sujeong and Yein of Lovelyz fame collaborated for a dance digital single. After their heavy involvement in Ryu Sujeong’s EP 2ROX, Lee Newell and Paige Duddy (also known as American artist XYLØ) assist her again in composing and writing “Orange Juice (feat. Yein).” This song compares the comfort someone gives to orange juice, refreshing but bound to run out eventually. The duo sings about wanting to prolong this time together with this person. The combo of Ryu Sujeong and Yein together brings back some of that Lovelyz sweetness. 

Red Velvet - “Iced Coffee” 

Red Velvet sends chills with their B-side “Iced Coffee,” released on November 13, 2023. This dreamy song off their Chill Kill album compares falling in love with the sensations of drinking iced coffee. Alina Smith, Elli Moore, and Gabriella Nelida DeMartino composed a wonderful R&B ballad, one that Red Velvet’s smooth vocals pair well with. The trio of singer-songwriters also penned the lyrics with Cho Yun Kyoung to convey the cold, sometimes bitter, satisfying taste of iced coffee.  

Loossemble - “Strawberry soda”

From their debut last September, Loossemble served up a sugary and poppy B-side in “Strawberry soda.” Former LOONA members Hyunjin, Vivi, Gowon, Hyeju (formerly Olivia Hye) and Yeojin sang this song beautifully. A sixth ex-LOONA member contributes to this song as well: Yves wrote the lyrics, and she composed the song with Kim Mingu, Min!n’, Lee Yejun, and Do Minkyu. “Strawberry soda” describes the emotions associated with taking initiative in love. These feelings come across “sweeter, sometimes sour,” like the tanginess of strawberries. 

Jo Yuri - “Lemon Black Tea”

Jo Yuri was “sippin’ lemon black tea” when she released her second EP LOVE ALL on August 9, 2023. This B-side is like its namesake: not overly sweet, but still delightfully refreshing. With lyrics by DAY6’s Young K and a composition by paulkyte and eldon, “Lemon Black Tea” goes on its own assured rhythm. The song sounds like it accompanies a cartoon character marching around, leaving a little bounce in your step. Sometimes black tea can turn out bitter, but Jo Yuri makes sure that there’s only good vibes around. 

*Note: Lyrics taken from English captions in the official music video.

Edited by Clark Royandoyan