There is one word that never fails to appear at a Korean drinking table: Somaek. This bomb cocktail—made by mixing soju and beer—naturally shows up at company dinners, casual gatherings, and celebratory moments. It’s not just a drink meant to get people drunk; it’s closer to a ritual that lifts the mood and strengthens camaraderie. The clink of glasses, the perfectly timed gulp—these moments are all part of Somaek’s unique charm.
What is Somaek?
When did Somaek first appear? While its exact origin is hard to pinpoint, few would argue that it developed organically alongside Korea’s corporate dining and social drinking culture. The sharp intensity of soju is softened by beer, while the beer’s refreshing carbonation neatly trims the alcoholic edge of the soju.
Why is Somaek so widely loved?
Speed: The buzz kicks in quickly, instantly energizing the atmosphere.
Balance: The boldness of soju meets the crisp freshness of beer in perfect harmony.
Versatility: From barbecue restaurants to fried chicken joints, from old-school pubs to trendy bars, Somaek fits in anywhere.
How is it made?
Typically, a glass is filled with about 20–30% soju and 70–80% beer. The mixture is then quickly stirred, creating foam as the two liquids blend together, and enjoyed in one smooth gulp along with the foam.
* Depending on personal preference, some opt for different ratios such as 1:2, 1:1, or even unconventional mixes like 9:1.
HiteJinro’s “Tesla”?
Now it’s time to introduce the real star of the story. A Somaek made by mixing Terra beer and Chamisul soju, two flagship products from HiteJinro, is affectionately known as “Tesla.” The name sticks instantly. Formed by combining “테” from “테라(TERA)” and “슬” from “참이슬(Chamisul), the nickname just happens to share the same Korean pronunciation as “테슬라(Tesla)”, one of the hottest companies in the United States.
And that’s where the fun begins.
Intuitive, like an electric car: No complicated recipe—just pour and go
Instant acceleration: You feel the kick from the very first sip
The crisp carbonation of Terra pairs with the clean finish of Chamisul to lighten the heaviness often associated with Somaek, creating a bomb cocktail that’s surprisingly easy to drink. And with a name like “Tesla,” it naturally invites jokes at the table.
“Tonight, we’re going fully charged with Tesla.”
There is one word that never fails to appear at a Korean drinking table: Somaek. This bomb cocktail—made by mixing soju and beer—naturally shows up at company dinners, casual gatherings, and celebratory moments. It’s not just a drink meant to get people drunk; it’s closer to a ritual that lifts the mood and strengthens camaraderie. The clink of glasses, the perfectly timed gulp—these moments are all part of Somaek’s unique charm.
The Somaek Jensen Huang Fell for - and the Somaek Tower
A recent scene spotted at a Korean fried chicken restaurant quickly became a hot topic online. Leaders from the worlds of semiconductors, conglomerates, and mobility - Jensen Huang, Lee Jae-yong, and Chung Euisun - were seen meeting together. And sitting prominently on their table was a symbolic centerpiece: the Somaek tower.
The Somaek tower is more than just a performance gimmick. Designed to prepare multiple glasses of Somaek at once, it serves as a declaration that the mood is officially shifting into high gear. The image spread rapidly online and was reborn as a humorous narrative - “the Somaek that even Jensen Huang fell for.” What began as an everyday Korean drinking custom suddenly became a cultural meme, blending global CEOs with Korea’s iconic bomb cocktail tradition.
When Two Drinks Become One Culture
Soju and beer - two simple drinks - come together to create a new flavor and a new story. In Korea, Somaek has long been more than just alcohol; it’s a shared experience and a social glue. Among its many variations, HiteJinro’s Tesla (Terra + Chamisul) stands out as an easy, fast, and universally approachable combination, firmly securing its place as the nation’s go-to bomb cocktail.
And the name makes it even better. Just as Tesla continues to surge in popularity across the U.S., Korea’s own version of Tesla is ready to cross borders through word of mouth.
Tonight, why not give your table a charge of its own?
Discover more about JINRO and its wide range of products on JINRO official social media: Instagram, Facebook.
There is one word that never fails to appear at a Korean drinking table: Somaek. This bomb cocktail—made by mixing soju and beer—naturally shows up at company dinners, casual gatherings, and celebratory moments. It’s not just a drink meant to get people drunk; it’s closer to a ritual that lifts the mood and strengthens camaraderie. The clink of glasses, the perfectly timed gulp—these moments are all part of Somaek’s unique charm.
What is Somaek?
When did Somaek first appear? While its exact origin is hard to pinpoint, few would argue that it developed organically alongside Korea’s corporate dining and social drinking culture. The sharp intensity of soju is softened by beer, while the beer’s refreshing carbonation neatly trims the alcoholic edge of the soju.
Why is Somaek so widely loved?
Speed: The buzz kicks in quickly, instantly energizing the atmosphere.
Balance: The boldness of soju meets the crisp freshness of beer in perfect harmony.
Versatility: From barbecue restaurants to fried chicken joints, from old-school pubs to trendy bars, Somaek fits in anywhere.
How is it made?
Typically, a glass is filled with about 20–30% soju and 70–80% beer. The mixture is then quickly stirred, creating foam as the two liquids blend together, and enjoyed in one smooth gulp along with the foam.
* Depending on personal preference, some opt for different ratios such as 1:2, 1:1, or even unconventional mixes like 9:1.
HiteJinro’s “Tesla”?
Now it’s time to introduce the real star of the story. A Somaek made by mixing Terra beer and Chamisul soju, two flagship products from HiteJinro, is affectionately known as “Tesla.” The name sticks instantly. Formed by combining “테” from “테라(TERA)” and “슬” from “참이슬(Chamisul), the nickname just happens to share the same Korean pronunciation as “테슬라(Tesla)”, one of the hottest companies in the United States.
And that’s where the fun begins.
Intuitive, like an electric car: No complicated recipe—just pour and go
Instant acceleration: You feel the kick from the very first sip
The crisp carbonation of Terra pairs with the clean finish of Chamisul to lighten the heaviness often associated with Somaek, creating a bomb cocktail that’s surprisingly easy to drink. And with a name like “Tesla,” it naturally invites jokes at the table.
“Tonight, we’re going fully charged with Tesla.”
There is one word that never fails to appear at a Korean drinking table: Somaek. This bomb cocktail—made by mixing soju and beer—naturally shows up at company dinners, casual gatherings, and celebratory moments. It’s not just a drink meant to get people drunk; it’s closer to a ritual that lifts the mood and strengthens camaraderie. The clink of glasses, the perfectly timed gulp—these moments are all part of Somaek’s unique charm.
The Somaek Jensen Huang Fell for - and the Somaek Tower
A recent scene spotted at a Korean fried chicken restaurant quickly became a hot topic online. Leaders from the worlds of semiconductors, conglomerates, and mobility - Jensen Huang, Lee Jae-yong, and Chung Euisun - were seen meeting together. And sitting prominently on their table was a symbolic centerpiece: the Somaek tower.
The Somaek tower is more than just a performance gimmick. Designed to prepare multiple glasses of Somaek at once, it serves as a declaration that the mood is officially shifting into high gear. The image spread rapidly online and was reborn as a humorous narrative - “the Somaek that even Jensen Huang fell for.” What began as an everyday Korean drinking custom suddenly became a cultural meme, blending global CEOs with Korea’s iconic bomb cocktail tradition.
When Two Drinks Become One Culture
Soju and beer - two simple drinks - come together to create a new flavor and a new story. In Korea, Somaek has long been more than just alcohol; it’s a shared experience and a social glue. Among its many variations, HiteJinro’s Tesla (Terra + Chamisul) stands out as an easy, fast, and universally approachable combination, firmly securing its place as the nation’s go-to bomb cocktail.
And the name makes it even better. Just as Tesla continues to surge in popularity across the U.S., Korea’s own version of Tesla is ready to cross borders through word of mouth.
Tonight, why not give your table a charge of its own?
Discover more about JINRO and its wide range of products on JINRO official social media: Instagram, Facebook.