It is usually served on hot summer days to quench thirst or as an instant nutritious drink for breakfast or as a healthy snack.
In a Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) recipe book, misu was mentioned as stir-fried barley (gu).
Misu is made of glutinous rice and other ingredients, such as barley, yulmu (Coix lacryma-jobi var.
Misugaru is commonly added to water or milk and stirred to make a drink.
The beverage is high in protein, vitamins, calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, folate, and selenium, and is a dieter's drink, as it is quite filling but low in calories.