K-Drink “Somaek” Gains Global Attention as Premium Ready-to-Drink Brand “KHEE Somaek” Redefines Korea’s Iconic Cocktail
2026
Newsis
Author
생활맥주
Date
2026-08-05 17:53
Views
12
BLACKPINK’s Rosé recently prepared kimchi fried rice before reaching for a bottle of soju and a glass of beer. Instead of pairing her meal with wine or whisky, she chose one of Korea’s most iconic drinking traditions: somaek—a blend of soju and beer.
In a video produced by Vogue, Rosé demonstrated how she mixes somaek herself before enjoying it alongside kimchi fried rice.
Korean American actor Daniel Dae Kim also introduced the Korean drinking custom on NBC’s popular talk show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, personally teaching host Jimmy Fallon how to prepare a glass of somaek.
For Koreans, these moments represent familiar scenes from everyday social gatherings. For international audiences, however, they have become engaging examples of Korean culture.
K-Pop, K-Food… and Now K-Drinks
The name “somaek” combines the first syllables of soju and beer and refers to the uniquely Korean practice of mixing the two beverages according to personal preference.
For international consumers, somaek offers more than simply a mixed drink. Every drinker has a preferred ratio, while preparation methods—from creating foam with chopsticks or spoons to various pouring techniques—add an element of entertainment. Enjoyed alongside Korean favorites such as fried chicken, grilled pork, and spicy dishes, somaek has evolved into a cultural experience rather than just a beverage.
As K-pop and K-dramas continue introducing Korean cuisine and everyday lifestyles to global audiences, international curiosity has expanded beyond what Koreans eat to how they socialize and celebrate together. Somaek has emerged as a symbol of Korean drinking culture, combining food, entertainment, and social connection in a uniquely Korean way.
Despite its growing popularity overseas, enjoying authentic somaek outside Korea has remained challenging. Korean beer and soju are not always readily available abroad, and consumers must still purchase two separate beverages and mix them themselves.
Even in Korea, buying both beer and soju simply to enjoy one or two glasses of somaek can be inconvenient, particularly for solo drinking occasions, home parties, camping trips, or picnics where leftover alcohol must be stored afterward.
KHEE Somaek: A Ready-to-Drink Interpretation of Korea’s Signature Cocktail
To preserve the cultural appeal of somaek while eliminating the inconvenience of preparation, Daily Beer and premium distilled soju brand KHEE have jointly developed KHEE Somaek.
Rather than simply blending commercial beer and soju in a predetermined ratio, KHEE Somaek was designed from the ground up as a premium ready-to-drink beverage.
The product combines KHEE’s traditional distilled spirit—crafted from 100% organic rice and matured in traditional Korean onggi earthenware—with Daily Beer’s craft pale ale featuring bright citrus characteristics from Cascade hops.
According to the companies, the final recipe was developed through approximately one year of formulation research and blind tasting sessions to achieve an optimal balance between the depth of distilled soju and the aroma and flavor profile of craft beer.
Whereas traditional somaek relies on individual mixing preferences and techniques, KHEE Somaek delivers a consistent flavor profile with every can, requiring no additional ingredients or preparation.
Beyond convenience, the product represents a premium reinterpretation of one of Korea’s most familiar drinking traditions, positioning somaek as a modern K-drink for both domestic and international consumers.
From Exclusive Launch Event to Everyday Lifestyle
KHEE Somaek made its public debut at an exclusive preview launch party in Seoul’s Cheongdam district, attended by celebrities and figures from the arts and cultural industries, where it attracted considerable attention as a new take on Korea’s iconic mixed drink.
Following the preview event, the product expanded nationwide through CU convenience stores, making it easily accessible for everyday consumers.
Designed for a variety of occasions—including camping, Han River picnics, home gatherings, and food pairings—KHEE Somaek reflects a shift in Korea’s drinking culture. Rather than being a drink prepared by someone else at a company dinner, somaek is reimagined as a ready-to-enjoy beverage that consumers can choose anytime and anywhere.
Industry observers note that appearances by Rosé and Daniel Dae Kim in international media demonstrate the growing global interest in Korean drinking culture.
KHEE Somaek builds upon that cultural momentum by transforming the experience into a finished premium product, allowing consumers around the world to enjoy the flavor and atmosphere of Korea’s iconic somaek tradition simply by opening a can.
In a video produced by Vogue, Rosé demonstrated how she mixes somaek herself before enjoying it alongside kimchi fried rice.
Korean American actor Daniel Dae Kim also introduced the Korean drinking custom on NBC’s popular talk show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, personally teaching host Jimmy Fallon how to prepare a glass of somaek.
For Koreans, these moments represent familiar scenes from everyday social gatherings. For international audiences, however, they have become engaging examples of Korean culture.
K-Pop, K-Food… and Now K-Drinks
The name “somaek” combines the first syllables of soju and beer and refers to the uniquely Korean practice of mixing the two beverages according to personal preference.
For international consumers, somaek offers more than simply a mixed drink. Every drinker has a preferred ratio, while preparation methods—from creating foam with chopsticks or spoons to various pouring techniques—add an element of entertainment. Enjoyed alongside Korean favorites such as fried chicken, grilled pork, and spicy dishes, somaek has evolved into a cultural experience rather than just a beverage.
As K-pop and K-dramas continue introducing Korean cuisine and everyday lifestyles to global audiences, international curiosity has expanded beyond what Koreans eat to how they socialize and celebrate together. Somaek has emerged as a symbol of Korean drinking culture, combining food, entertainment, and social connection in a uniquely Korean way.
Despite its growing popularity overseas, enjoying authentic somaek outside Korea has remained challenging. Korean beer and soju are not always readily available abroad, and consumers must still purchase two separate beverages and mix them themselves.
Even in Korea, buying both beer and soju simply to enjoy one or two glasses of somaek can be inconvenient, particularly for solo drinking occasions, home parties, camping trips, or picnics where leftover alcohol must be stored afterward.
KHEE Somaek: A Ready-to-Drink Interpretation of Korea’s Signature Cocktail
To preserve the cultural appeal of somaek while eliminating the inconvenience of preparation, Daily Beer and premium distilled soju brand KHEE have jointly developed KHEE Somaek.
Rather than simply blending commercial beer and soju in a predetermined ratio, KHEE Somaek was designed from the ground up as a premium ready-to-drink beverage.
The product combines KHEE’s traditional distilled spirit—crafted from 100% organic rice and matured in traditional Korean onggi earthenware—with Daily Beer’s craft pale ale featuring bright citrus characteristics from Cascade hops.
According to the companies, the final recipe was developed through approximately one year of formulation research and blind tasting sessions to achieve an optimal balance between the depth of distilled soju and the aroma and flavor profile of craft beer.
Whereas traditional somaek relies on individual mixing preferences and techniques, KHEE Somaek delivers a consistent flavor profile with every can, requiring no additional ingredients or preparation.
Beyond convenience, the product represents a premium reinterpretation of one of Korea’s most familiar drinking traditions, positioning somaek as a modern K-drink for both domestic and international consumers.
From Exclusive Launch Event to Everyday Lifestyle
KHEE Somaek made its public debut at an exclusive preview launch party in Seoul’s Cheongdam district, attended by celebrities and figures from the arts and cultural industries, where it attracted considerable attention as a new take on Korea’s iconic mixed drink.
Following the preview event, the product expanded nationwide through CU convenience stores, making it easily accessible for everyday consumers.
Designed for a variety of occasions—including camping, Han River picnics, home gatherings, and food pairings—KHEE Somaek reflects a shift in Korea’s drinking culture. Rather than being a drink prepared by someone else at a company dinner, somaek is reimagined as a ready-to-enjoy beverage that consumers can choose anytime and anywhere.
Industry observers note that appearances by Rosé and Daniel Dae Kim in international media demonstrate the growing global interest in Korean drinking culture.
KHEE Somaek builds upon that cultural momentum by transforming the experience into a finished premium product, allowing consumers around the world to enjoy the flavor and atmosphere of Korea’s iconic somaek tradition simply by opening a can.