Soju And Beer: Perfect Pairing Partners

Soju is a popular Korean distilled beverage made from rice and often served as a shot or in mixed drinks. One such cocktail is the soju bomb, or somaek, which combines soju with beer. The ideal ratio is said to be three parts soju to seven parts beer, although there is no consensus. The beer used is typically a lager-style, such as Hite, Cass, Budweiser, or Anchor. Soju bombs can also be made with flavoured soju, which has a lower alcohol content, and is a good option for those who don't like the taste of beer.

The ideal ratio of soju to beer

There is no strict consensus on the perfect ratio, but the widely accepted ratio is three parts soju to seven parts beer, or 30% soju and 70% beer. This ratio is often referred to as the "golden ratio" for this cocktail. It is believed to strike the right balance between the freshness of the beer and the strength of the soju, creating a smooth and refreshing drink.

The beauty of this cocktail is that the ratio can be adjusted to suit individual tastes and desired alcohol content. Some people prefer a stronger soju presence, while others might opt for a milder version. The ratio can be tweaked accordingly, making it a versatile and customisable drink.

To make a basic Somaek, fill a glass with three-quarters of your chosen lager, and top it off with one or two shots of soju. This typically equates to approximately 210ml of beer and 50ml of soju. The key to a successful Somaek is to then tap the bottom of the glass with a stirrer to allow the soju's alcohol to combine with the carbonation of the beer. This mixing technique ensures the two drinks blend harmoniously, creating a crisp and refreshing cocktail.

While the 3:7 ratio is widely suggested, some enthusiasts might prefer a stronger soju presence and may opt for a 50:50 ratio or play around with different proportions to find their preferred balance. The flexibility of this cocktail is part of its appeal, allowing drinkers to experiment and find their ideal flavour profile.

Recommended beers for a soju bomb

Soju bombs, also known as somaek, are a popular Korean cocktail made by mixing beer and soju. The ideal beer for a soju bomb will complement the soju's strong flavour and high alcohol content, which is typically between 20% and 45%. The beer used is usually a lager-style beer, and the ratio of soju to beer is usually 1:3 or 1:4, with some sources suggesting 3:7 is the "golden ratio". Here are some recommended beers for the perfect soju bomb:

HiteJinro Chamisul Fresh

HiteJinro Chamisul Fresh is a widely consumed Korean beer with a light and crisp flavour that goes well with soju. It is a popular choice for soju bombs and can be easily found in Korea.

OB

OB is a traditional Korean beer with a full-bodied, rich flavour. Although some may find it too heavy, it pairs well with soju.

Cass

Cass is another popular beer in Korea, with a slightly sweeter flavour than HiteJinro Chamisul Fresh. This beer is a good option for those who prefer a touch of sweetness in their soju bomb.

Tiger Beer

Tiger Beer is a Singaporean beverage that is light and mildly sweet. It is a great choice for those who want a more delicate soju bomb.

Asahi Super Dry

Asahi Super Dry is a Japanese beer that has gained popularity in Korea. Its sharp and clean flavour pairs well with soju.

Sapporo Premium Beer

Sapporo is a Japanese rice lager with an unmistakable, crisp flavour that mixes nicely with soju.

Budweiser Budvar Original Czech Pilsner

This Czech lager has more body than a typical pilsner, pairing well with soju.

Corona

Corona has a light and refreshing flavour, making it a good choice for those who want to keep their soju bomb light and refreshing.

Yuengling Traditional Lager

Yuengling Traditional Lager is a well-known American beer that can add a familiar taste to your soju bomb.

Yanjing

Yanjing is a Chinese beer with a light and energising taste. It is a preferred beer for soju bombs in China, as it complements soju excellently.

How to make a soju bomb

Soju is often consumed as part of a beer cocktail called a Soju Bomb (or Somaek). This cocktail is made by pouring beer into a pint glass and soju into a shot glass. The ratio should be three parts soju to seven parts beer. The shot glass is then perched on top of the pint glass, balanced on two chopsticks. To drink the cocktail, slam your hands on either side of the pint glass to drop the shot glass into the beer and then drink.

Soju is a clear Korean liquor similar to vodka but milder and cheaper. It is often paired with a light lager-style beer, such as Cass Fresh or Hite, which are popular in Korea. The cocktail is said to bring out the sweetness of the beer and smooth the grainy edges of the soju.

There are various ways to mix beer and soju, and the process is called "manufacturing" by enthusiasts. Some popular methods include:

• Hurricane: Fill a glass with beer and soju to your desired ratio. Cover the top with a tissue and sharply twist your wrist to mix the contents, creating a swirl that resembles a miniature hurricane. The tissue will get wet, and some people then try to stick it to the ceiling.
• Hole-in-one: Almost completely fill a beer glass with beer and soju. If you drink it in one gulp, it is called a hole-in-one. Two gulps is an eagle, three gulps is a birdie, and four gulps is a par.
• Air force one: Fill two glasses with beer and soju to your preferred ratio. Hold one in each hand and drink from one while pouring the other into it. The goal is to synchronise the drinking and pouring without spilling.
• Cappuccino: Drop a shot glass into the beer glass. Pour soju into the shot glass and fill the remaining space with beer. Cover the top with a tissue and smash your palm on the glass. This creates thick foam that resembles cappuccino, and the remaining liquid will be smooth.

Other soju cocktails

Soju is a clear, distilled spirit that originated in Korea and has become popular worldwide. It is typically made from fermented grains such as rice, wheat, or barley, and its alcohol content can range from 16% to 45%. Soju is often enjoyed with beer, and the cocktail is called Somaek. The ratio of soju to beer varies, but it is widely suggested that the ideal ratio is three parts soju to seven parts beer.

Yogurt Soju

Also known as Yakult Soju, this cocktail combines equal parts soju with a cultured milk drink like Yakult and a splash of Sprite or 7 Up. It is a popular choice and offers a sweet and easy-to-drink cocktail.

Korean Screwdriver

A twist on the classic Screwdriver, this cocktail replaces vodka with soju. Mix one part soju with four parts orange juice for a smoother cocktail with an additional layer of taste.

Soju Coffee

This cocktail combines one part soju with four parts coffee, either black or with milk. The black coffee option will result in a bitter cocktail, while the milk coffee will taste creamy.

Soju Sangria

A sweet and tangy cocktail with a punch, the Soju Sangria mixes two parts grapefruit juice, two parts lemon juice, and two parts soju. The alcohol content balances out the sourness of the fruit juices.

Subak Soju (Watermelon Soju)

A sweet and refreshing cocktail, the Subak Soju is perfect for hot summer days. Blend watermelon until smooth and combine equal parts watermelon juice and soju in a glass. You can also add Sprite for a bit of fizz. Serve with ice and a watermelon slice.

Soju Citrus Cocktail

This cocktail combines two ounces of soju with one ounce each of orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice. Add ice and stir gently. Garnish with a citrus slice.

Where to buy soju

Soju is a popular Korean low-alcohol distilled liquor commonly made with sweet potatoes or tapioca. It is similar to vodka but is milder and half the proof.

You can buy soju online from several retailers, including Total Wine & More and Craft City.

If you are in the United States, you can also find soju in Korean markets such as H Mart, Lotte, Arirang, Sunrise International Market, and Saraga. It is also available at Chateau Wine & Spirits, CAM International, and Giant Eagle Market District.

Frequently asked questions