Korean Soju Beer Mix (Soju Lager Lemon Highball)

Quick answer

Total time: 5 min
Level: Easy
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients: 6

About this dish

Somaek is Korea's most popular mixed drink, made by combining soju and lager beer in a single glass so that the spirit's alcohol strength meets the beer's crisp carbonation.

The standard ratio is one part soju to three parts beer, and both liquids should be thoroughly chilled beforehand for the cleanest, most refreshing result. Ice goes in the tall glass first, followed by a splash of fresh lemon juice, then the soju, and finally the beer poured slowly down the inside wall of the glass to minimize foam and preserve the carbonation. A small addition of sparkling water lightens the drink further and brings the alcohol level down slightly for those who want a longer session. A lemon slice resting on the rim releases citrus oils with each sip, adding a bright aromatic layer that keeps the drink from feeling heavy. Somaek traces its roots to the bombtail drinking culture unique to Korean social gatherings, but today it exists in countless variations with different soju brands, beer styles, and ratio preferences that regulars debate with genuine seriousness.

Ingredients

servings

IngredientAmountUnit

soju120 mlml

lager beer360 mlml

ice8 pcspcs

lemon slices2 pcspcs

lemon juice1 tbsptbsp

sparkling water60 mlml

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Instructions

Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.

6 steps

1

Prep

Chill 120ml soju, 360ml lager beer, and 60ml sparkling water for at least 3 hours.

Place the serving glass in the refrigerator too, so the drink stays crisp instead of turning watery as soon as it is mixed.
2

Step

Fill a tall glass with 8 ice pieces and let it stand for about 20 seconds, until the glass feels very cold.

If much meltwater collects at the bottom, pour it out before adding the alcohol.
3

Step

Pour 1 tablespoon lemon juice evenly over the ice, then add 120ml soju.

Do not stir yet, because leaving the layers still keeps the citrus aroma clean and prevents the drink from going flat early.
4

Step

Pour 360ml lager beer slowly down the inside wall of the glass.

If the foam rises higher than about one finger, pause briefly before continuing so the carbonation stays lively without overflowing.
5

Prep

Add 60ml sparkling water at the end if a lighter drink is preferred.

Use a long spoon to lift once from the bottom to the top, mixing just enough without knocking out the bubbles.
6

Finish

Float 2 lemon slices on top or set them on the rim.

Serve immediately while the foam is fine, the glass is still cold, and the bubbles are visible through the drink.

Practical Cooking Checks

The cues that matter most while cooking.

Key technique: Neutral spirit and crisp lager carbonation combine in the classic three-to-one ratio found in Somaek.
Finish cue: Float 2 lemon slices on top or set them on the rim.
Avoid this: Do not stir yet, because leaving the layers still keeps the citrus aroma clean and prevents the drink from going flat early.
Storage and reheating: Place the serving glass in the refrigerator too, so the drink stays crisp instead of turning watery as soon as it is mixed.