Discovering the Cocktail Scene in Seoul
I had the chance to visit Seoul, South Korea recently, and let me tell you – the cocktail scene there blew me away. As someone who loves trying new and innovative drinks, I was eager to explore the city’s bars and restaurants to see what kind of creative concoctions they had to offer. And let me tell you, the bartenders in Seoul did not disappoint.
One of the first things that struck me was the sheer variety of Korean spirits and ingredients that were being incorporated into the cocktails. I’m talking everything from soju (the ubiquitous Korean rice liquor) to makgeolli (a traditional Korean rice wine) to unique Korean botanicals and produce. It was a whole new world of flavors that I couldn’t wait to dive into.
As I learned from my research, soju in particular is a big deal in Korea, with the country producing and consuming more of it than anywhere else in the world. And the bartenders in Seoul were really having fun experimenting with it, mixing it into all sorts of creative cocktails. I tried everything from soju-based takes on classic cocktails to entirely new inventions that showcased the spirit’s versatility.
But it wasn’t just the Korean ingredients that caught my attention – it was also the innovative techniques and presentations that the bartenders were using. I saw cocktails served in unique glassware, garnished with intricate edible flowers, and even a few that incorporated elements of Korean cuisine, like kimchi or gochujang (a spicy Korean chili paste). It was like a whole new level of mixology that I hadn’t experienced before.
Craft Cocktails with a Korean Twist
One of the standout cocktails I tried was the “Dirty Dashi” at Uchi, a Japanese-inspired restaurant with locations in Scottsdale and Los Angeles. This vodka martini had a savory, umami-packed punch thanks to the addition of shiro dashi, a Japanese broth made with ingredients like bonito and kelp. The bartender rimmed the chilled coupe glass with nori salt, adding an extra layer of salty, oceanic flavor. It was a completely unexpected take on the dirty martini, and one that had me hooked from the first sip.
Another standout was the “Furusetto” at Duckstache, a cocktail that combined the flavors of sushi, wasabi, soy sauce, ginger, and tuna. The bartender, Josh Baugh, told me he was aiming to capture the essence of a full sushi set in a glass, and he nailed it. The wasabi syrup and wasabi-soy powder gave the drink a delightful kick of heat, while the candied ginger and tequila base provided a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
In an article on Forbes, I read about the “Kimchini,” a Korean-inspired take on the dirty martini that uses kimchi instead of olives and adds a touch of heat with gochujang. The bartender, Tanner Agar, told the publication that the cocktail not only delivers on the “dirty” texture and flavor, but goes “one step further – it’s richer, funkier, spicier, and all around a cocktail we’ll keep drinking long after we take it off the menu.”
And speaking of unique ingredients, I have to mention the “Sắp Sửa” cocktail from sắp sửa in Denver. This drink combines peanut-infused bourbon, fish sauce, and cola syrup – a truly unexpected flavor profile that somehow works brilliantly. The nuttiness of the peanut-infused bourbon balances out the umami from the fish sauce, while the cola syrup adds a touch of sweetness. It’s a beautiful culmination of classic Vietnamese flavors.
Elevating the Classics with Korean Flair
But it wasn’t just the avant-garde cocktails that caught my attention in Seoul – the bartenders were also putting their own spin on classics, adding Korean-inspired twists that took them to new heights.
Take the “RedFarm’s Year of the Dragon” cocktail, for example. This riff on the gimlet features dragon fruit, citrus gin, and plum wine. According to Shawn Chen, the beverage director at RedFarm, the refreshing tang of grapefruit liqueur, the delicate sweetness of plum, and the exotic allure of dragon fruit come together in a “symphony of taste sensations.” He even adds a hint of thyme tincture and a touch of citrus to brighten things up.
Then there’s the “Yuzu Colada” at Sakazuki in Detroit, which puts a Japanese spin on the classic piña colada. Using yuzu (a tart, fragrant Japanese citrus) and sake, the bartenders have created a cocktail that’s both familiar and entirely novel. As Natasha David, the creative beverage director at Method Cos, told Forbes, “Think of it as a Japanese-inspired piña colada. To me the piña colada is the ultimate transportive cocktail. Yuzu pairs beautifully with coconut and the sake adds a whole other dimension to the familiar flavors of the classic.”
And let’s not forget the “Vietnamese-Inspired Espresso Martini” from Lee’s Kitchen & Cocktails. Instead of the traditional espresso, this cocktail uses Vietnamese coffee, which has a distinctly different flavor profile. Combined with condensed milk, cacao nibs, and a cacao-turbinado syrup, it creates a rich, decadent dessert-like drink that’s the perfect way to cap off a meal.
Sipping on Korea’s Vibrant Cocktail Culture
As I wandered the streets of Seoul, popping into bars and restaurants, I couldn’t help but be struck by the sheer vibrancy of the city’s cocktail culture. The bartenders were clearly having a blast experimenting with Korean ingredients and putting their own creative spin on classic cocktails.
And the best part? They weren’t just catering to tourists or trying to impress with over-the-top presentations. These were drinks that were made to be sipped and savored, that told a story about the unique flavors and traditions of Korea. I left Seoul feeling inspired and eager to try my hand at recreating some of these Korean-inspired cocktails back home.
So if you ever find yourself in Seoul, or even just craving a taste of Korea, be sure to seek out the city’s thriving cocktail scene. You never know what kind of delightful surprises the bartenders might have in store for you. And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite drink.
Hotel Stay Inn Seoul is the perfect home base for exploring the vibrant cocktail culture of South Korea’s capital. With its convenient location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service, you’ll be able to sip and savor your way through the city’s best bars and restaurants in style.
