Korea is known for its vibrant drinking culture, and one of the most popular beverages is Somaek (소맥)—a simple yet iconic mix of soju (소주) and maekju (맥주), which means beer. Somaek is a staple in Korean social gatherings, restaurants, and bars, offering a fun, customizable way to enjoy these two beloved drinks.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Somaek: its origins, the best ratios, variations, mixing techniques, and even tips on pairing it with food. By the end, you’ll be able to craft the perfect Somaek to impress your friends and enjoy a true taste of Korea.
A Brief History of Somaek
Somaek’s origins trace back to Korea’s long history with both soju and beer. Soju, a distilled alcoholic beverage typically made from rice, wheat, or barley, has been a part of Korean drinking culture for centuries. Beer became popular in Korea in the early 20th century, with local breweries like Cass, Hite, and OB dominating the market.
At some point, Koreans started combining these two drinks to balance out the strong alcohol content of soju with the refreshing taste of beer. This mix became a social phenomenon, with people experimenting with different ratios, mixing techniques, and even fun drinking games. Today, Somaek is an essential part of any Korean night out.
Somaek Recipe: The Classic Ratio
The key to a great Somaek is finding the perfect balance between soju’s strong, smooth taste and beer’s crisp, refreshing qualities. While there are many variations, the most common ratio is:
- 3 parts beer (Maekju)
- 1 part soju (Soju)
This 3:1 ratio gives a good balance—strong enough to feel the effects of the soju, but still light and drinkable.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of soju (e.g., Jinro, Chamisul, Good Day)
- 1 can or bottle of beer (e.g., Cass, Hite, Terra)
- Optional: Ice cubes (not traditional, but some prefer it)
Instructions:
- Pour the Beer First
Fill a glass about two-thirds full with Korean beer. This ensures a foamy, carbonated base. - Add the Soju
Slowly pour the soju on top of the beer. The recommended amount is about one-third the volume of beer (3:1 ratio). - Mix It Up
- Chopstick Method: Place a chopstick in the glass and tap the side of the glass rapidly to mix the liquids without losing carbonation.
- Bomb Shot Method: Drop a small shot glass of soju into a larger beer glass and drink quickly.
- Spoon Stir Method: If you don’t want a strong soju taste in one sip, gently stir the drink with a spoon.
- Drink and Enjoy!
Toast with a classic Korean cheer: “Geonbae!” (건배!), meaning “Cheers!”
Somaek Variations
While the classic Somaek is delicious on its own, many drinkers like to experiment with different flavors and techniques. Here are some creative variations:
1. Golden Ratio Somaek
- Ratio: 7 parts beer to 3 parts soju
- A stronger mix, great for those who enjoy the taste of soju but still want a refreshing beer component.
2. Strong Somaek (Chok! Somaek)
- Ratio: 50% beer, 50% soju
- For those who prefer a heavier kick, this mix is stronger and gives a quicker buzz.
3. Somaek with Cola (Somaek-Cola)
- Ratio: 3 parts beer, 1 part soju, 1 part cola
- Adding a splash of cola gives a sweeter, smoother taste—ideal for beginners.
4. Fruity Somaek
- Add a splash of flavored soju (like peach, grapefruit, or blueberry) instead of regular soju.
- Enhances sweetness and makes it easier to drink for those who don’t like the strong taste of alcohol.
5. Somaek with Lemon or Lime
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice adds a tangy freshness to cut through the bitterness of beer.
6. Somaek Ice Blast
- Add crushed ice and shake gently to create a frothy, slushy version—perfect for hot summer days.
7. Soju Bomb (Poktanju)
- Drop a full shot glass of soju into a beer mug and drink it all in one go. This is a popular party trick in Korea.
Tips for the Best Somaek
- Use Cold Ingredients
The colder the beer and soju, the better your Somaek will taste. Warm soju can make the drink taste harsh. - Choose the Right Beer
Light, crisp beers like Cass, Hite, and Terra work best. Avoid dark, heavy beers, as they overpower the soju. - Experiment with Ratios
Some people prefer more beer, while others like a stronger soju kick. Adjust the ratio based on your preference. - Mix It Properly
A well-mixed Somaek enhances the flavors and smoothness. Use chopsticks or gentle stirring to keep the carbonation. - Pair with Korean Snacks
Somaek goes great with Korean bar foods (Anju), such as:- Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek – Chicken + Maekju)
- Spicy Rice Cakes (Tteokbokki)
- Grilled Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)
- Kimchi Pancake (Kimchijeon)
Somaek Drinking Games
Drinking is a social activity in Korea, and Somaek is often enjoyed with fun games. Here are a few popular ones:
1. Titanic Game (Jenga Somaek)
- Fill a beer glass halfway.
- Place an empty shot glass inside the beer.
- Each person pours a little soju into the shot glass.
- Whoever makes the shot glass sink must drink the whole thing!
2. Bottle Cap Flick (Ddabakji)
- Take the twisted end of a soju bottle cap and twist it to create a small tab.
- Players take turns flicking the tab until it breaks off.
- Whoever breaks it off gets to pick someone to take a shot.
3. Numbers Game (Baskin Robbins 31)
- Players take turns counting numbers in sequence (1, 2, 3, etc.).
- The player who says “31” must drink!
The Social Aspect of Somaek
Somaek is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural experience. In Korea, drinking etiquette is important, and Somaek is often enjoyed in group settings. Here are a few tips:
- Pour drinks for others, not yourself. In Korean culture, it’s polite to pour for others and let someone else pour for you.
- Use both hands when receiving a drink from someone older or higher in status.
- Toast before drinking! Saying “Geonbae!” makes the experience more enjoyable.
- Pace yourself. While Somaek is smoother than straight soju, it’s still strong!
Conclusion
Somaek is a beloved Korean cocktail that perfectly blends the smooth, strong flavors of soju with the crisp, refreshing taste of beer. Whether you stick to the classic ratio or experiment with creative variations, Somaek is a fun and easy way to enjoy Korea’s drinking culture.
Next time you’re hosting a Korean-themed night or just want to try something new, mix up a glass of Somaek and toast to good times with friends. Geonbae! (건배!)
