Somaek is a popular drink in Korea made by mixing beer and soju, balancing a unique refreshing and intense flavor. Though a simple combination, the strong taste of soju and the crispness of beer blend perfectly, pairing well with various side dishes and establishing itself as a staple of Korean drinking culture. In this post, we'll introduce somaek, often featured in K-dramas and K-movies, covering its definition, the golden ratio for Korea-style somaek, and tips on making it well, so that foreigners can fully enjoy this drink.
How to Make Korean-Style Somaek with the Golden Ratio
Somaek, a blend of the words 'soju' and 'maekju' (beer), is a Korean cocktail made by mixing a suitable amount of soju into beer. This unique drink emerged naturally within Korea's corporate culture in the 1970s. At the time, it became common practice to mix low-alcohol beer with high-alcohol soju at gatherings, allowing people to adjust the strength of the alcohol to their liking. This eventually led to the formation of today's somaek culture.
The Golden Ratio for Korean Style Somaek
The ideal ratio for Korean-style somaek varies depending on personal preference, but the 3:7 ratio (soju : beer) is generally the most popular. Some people prefer a stronger somaek and opt for a 5:5 or 7:3 ratio, and others enjoy somaek as a variation of 'Poktanju' (a drink mixed to be consumed like a bomb shot). Here's a basic guide to the most commonly used Korean somaek cocktail recipes and the popular golden rtio for Korea-style somaek.
Somaek Cocktail - The Golden Ratio for Korean-Style Somaek
1. Soju 3 : Beer 7
The first somaek cocktail recipe involves pouring 3 parts soju into a soju glass, then mixing it with 7 parts beer in a beer glass. This ratio allows the strong flavor of soju to be softened by the crispness of the beer, making it easy to enjoy. It's an ideal option for beginners and those who want a lighter drink experience.
2. Soju 5 : Beer 5
Mixing soju and beer in equal parts creates a balanced blend of the rich alcohol taste of soju and the refreshing crispness of beer. This 50:50 somaek cocktail recipe provides a medium strength and flavor, making it ideal for those who prefer a bolder taste. It's recommended for those who enjoy drinking and appreciate the distinct flavor of soju.
3. Soju 7 : Beer 3
By using 7 parts soju and finishing with 3 parts beer, this combination strongly highlights the flavor of soju with just a hint of beer. This somaek golden ratio has a high alcohol content and tastes closer to pure soju, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger drink and the bold taste of soju.
4. Soju 1 : Beer 9
This 'Somaek cocktail' recipe has only a small amount of soju with mostly beer, resulting in a flavor that's nearly all beer with just a hint of soju. It provides a light drinking experience with a low alcohol feel, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those who prefer lower alcohol content when enjoying soju beer.
How to Make a Delicious Somaek
1. Order
Pour soju into a soju glass first, then pour it into a beer glass. Slowly add the beer to create a nice form.
2. How to Mix Somaek
Gently stir with chopsticks or slightly tilt and shake the glass to mix. If shaken too vigorously, too much foam may form, which can affect the beer's aroma. Another method, commonly used by Koreans, is to place a spoon or chopsticks inside the cup the tap it against the sides. This technique works because when two drinks of different alcohol levels are mixed, the lower-alcohol drink settles a t the bottom. The vertical impact causes the lower layer to rise and mix. Be careful not to tap too hard, as this could break the glass, so it's important to control the strength of your taps when using this method.
3. Somaek Temperature
Using cold beer and soju straight from the refrigerator is the best way to enjoy a delicious Korea-style somaek cocktail.
4. Ice
If you want an extra-cold somaek, you can add ice for a refreshing chill. However, note that this may dilute the beer's flavor.
Somaek is a cocktail that represents Korean drinking culture, combining a strong flavor and refreshing quality thanks to its unique ratios and mixing methods. With simple ratios, the Korea-style soju beer cocktail brings out different charms, making it a must-try for foreigners visiting Korea. To fully enjoy this drink often seen in Korean dramas and movies, try experimenting with various ratios and mixing methods to find your own style. A cold glass of somaek will create a memorable experience in Korea.
