Mixing Cultures: Korean Bartenders In Singapore Shaking Up The Cocktail Scene
PUBLISHED December 27th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED January 8th, 2024 11:21 pm
Beyond K-pop and K-dramas, there isa new wave of of K-frenzy going round in Singapore – in the form of K-drinks with Korean bartenders in Singapore shaking up the cocktail scene. These talented craftsmen and women are shaking up our cocktail scene, infusing a blend of cultures and bringing exciting fresh flavours. In our conversation with these six Korean bartenders in Singapore, we delve into their world to learn more about them and the Korean cocktail culture. Find out which bars these bartenders love in Korea and pick up some easy cocktail recipes for the festive season.
Uno, Jigger & Pony
What started as a post-graduation trip to the Lion City turned into an eight-year journey, transforming the cocktail scene in Singapore. Armed with all that he learned studying hospitality, Uno moved from the now-defunct ORGO to Jigger & Pony in 2017 and has been a mainstay at the No.2 best bar on Asia’s 50 Best Bars ever since. Among all the cocktails, his go-to drink will always be an Espresso Martini for its rich, bold flavours, scented by the aroma of coffee.
Some of his favourite bars in Korea include Bar Cham for its comfortable and inviting vibes. Set in a Hanok in Northern Seoul, the No.28 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars crafts their cocktails with Korean wines and spirits – something he wishes he had more access to in Singapore. And to the south of Seoul (Gangnam), he enjoys the sustainability-forward ZEST SEOUL, No. 5 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, for their use of local ingredients such as herbs, honey, and fruits. Besides working towards minimal waste, the Best Bar in Korea uses every part of the fruit, for example, redistilling hallabong peels into house gin and turning the pulp into cordial.
“ Koreans love to create their own recipe and mix it with other different ingredients!” – Uno, Jigger & Pony
Sharing insights into Korea’s vibrant cocktail culture, Uno mentioned an interesting trend called “Modisumer” – combining the words modify and consumer. These informed consumers actively explore novel ways to experience a product based on their preferences. From somaek (Soju and beer) in the 1980s, this trend has given rise to more Korean cocktails such as Maksa (mixing Makgeolli and Sprite) and Gojingamrae (mixing soju, beer, and coke).
In an alternate reality where Uno isn’t shaking things up behind the bar, he sees himself tearing up the tracks as a car racer.
Cocktail Recipe
Say Hi to Uno at Jigger & Pony located at Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539, p. +65 9621 1074. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am, Sun 6pm-12am. Closed Mon.
Sophia Kang, One-Ninety Bar
Hailing from Incheon, South Korea, Sophia arrived in Singapore with an appetite for adventure. More than a decade later, you can find her stirring up appetites for great-tasting cocktails at One-Ninety Bar. Although she started as a floor staff, Sophia worked her way to becoming the first and only female bartender in Manhattan at the former Regent Singapore, and now the head bartender at One-Ninety Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Her go-to cocktails range from sour-styled classics like the Whiskey Sour and Amaretto Sour to a refreshing Whiskey Highball, depending on mood and setting.
When asked about her favourite bars in Korea, Sophia loves ZEST SEOUL for its sustainability ethos and Bar Cham for its fusion of modern mixology with traditional elements. For accessible cocktails and a neighbourhood-style bar experience, she likes Cricket Seoul – with their rare offering of cocktails on tap.
“It’s intriguing to see how, despite the cultural nuances, there is a shared appreciation for the evolving world of mixology. This mutual willingness to explore and try new things has likely played a role in enhancing the drinking culture in both Singapore and Korea.” -Sophia Kang, One-Ninety Bar
“Korean bar culture has experienced significant growth over the past four years, with a shift in drinking preferences and habits”, Sophia shares. Once regarded as a quick fix, by mixing spirits and beers, cocktails in Korea are now experiencing a renaissance. Adding unique Korean twists to traditional recipes ignites people’s newfound exploration and appreciation of flavours and techniques. This openness contributes to the dynamic evolution of the cocktail scene and serves as a catalyst for innovative trends within the industry. This burgeoning culture is more evident after the pandemic, where a more diverse blend of locals and foreigners now frequent guest shifts.
In an alternate reality where Sophia isn’t crafting fine flavours, she sees herself as a perfumer, exploring and creating scents that evoke emotions and memories.
Cocktail Recipe
Say Hi to Sophia at One-Ninety Bar located at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore 190 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248646, p.+65 6831 7250.
David Kim, Live Twice
His Singapore journey began in 2014 as a room service intern at Grand Hyatt. But his love for life in Singapore brought him back again after his studies. After a stint with Ritz Carlton, he joined Live Twice Singapore, and the Principal Bartender has never looked back since. “The first time is always special” rings true for David as the bitter-sweet complexity in Negroni – the first cocktail he tried- continues to hold its place as his go-to cocktail.
David’s choice of Korean bars includes Bar Cham for its beautiful Korean-inspired drinks and great hospitality, an excellent way to introduce Korean culture through cocktails. ZEST SEOUL stands out with their signature Gin & Tonic and awesome cocktails, alongside the use of seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality. SOKO Bar is all about authenticity and class, boasting sophisticated interiors and glassware, with experienced bartenders crafting signature cocktails with local ingredients.
“Koreans love to drink while having a meal. We normally say “let’s have Banju”, which means having alcohol while eating food which goes well with bar bites that we call ‘Anju’”. – David Kim, Live Twice
Although Korea’s cocktail culture carries Japanese influences, David sees the bar scene evolving synergistically, with the cross-pollination of culture through guest shifts. The ever-shifting menus, mirroring seasonal ingredients and flavours, fuel the vibrancy of Korea’s cocktail landscape. He suggests venturing beyond Seoul to explore Jeju Island or Busan to experience the rich diversity and warm hospitality embedded in Korean cocktail culture. Koreans are more open-minded and eager about cocktails, so whenever he does guest shifts in Korea, he’ll do his best to explain the ingredients and techniques.
In an alternate reality where David isn’t perfecting his craft, he thinks he’ll be teaching Geography in a high school.
Cocktail Recipe
Say Hi to David at Live Twice Singapore located at 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834, p.+65 9011 8304. Open Wed – Thu 6pm -1am, Fri- Sun 6m -2am, Mon 6pm -12am. Closed Tue.
Bannie Kang, Side Door
At the young age of 20, Bannie Kang ventured to Singapore to pursue her passion for bartending and F&B. More than 11 years on, she’s clinched numerous titles like the Mancino Bartenders’ Bartender 2021 (the only peer-voted accolade in Asia’s 50 Best Bars) and the 2016 Bacardi Legacy Global Competition championship. Together with her husband, they have scaled their private home dining venture into a full-fledged commercial gastro bar, Side Door, in the heart of Chinatown. The dynamic bartender-owner appreciates the simplicity of a Highball – one part whisky and three parts soda, as her go-to drink. Korean bartenders in Singapore
Her top picks of Korean bars include ZEST SEOUL for its commitment to sustainability and community-centric initiatives and mixology for its meticulous craftsmanship. Housed in a traditional Korean hanok, Bar Cham earns its place on her list for its focus on Korean spirits and locally sourced ingredients. She wishes to incorporate more Korean ingredients, such as Korean wormwood, omija-cha, and Korean wild berries, into her drinks. However, these ingredients are less accessible and come at a very steep price.
“My ultimate goal in life is to make an impact on the lives of others and never forget to advise the young to Be Real, Be Humble and Chase Your Passion” – Bannie Kang, Side Door
Bannie reminisces about past experiences mixing Sprite and Makgeolli, at the same time sharing some modern favourites such as fruit juice-infused soju slushies and the recently viral Hwachae—a concoction of fresh fruits, spirits, and soju. Such trends have given rise to the production of flavoured soju. As someone who embarked on her bartending journey in Singapore, Bannie draws parallels between the vibrant bar communities of both countries.
In an alternate universe where Bannie isn’t blazing the cocktail trail, she’ll be bringing joy and caring for animals as a zookeeper.
Cocktail Recipe
Say Hi to Bannie at Side Door located at 3 Neil Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088805. Open Tue- Sat 3pm- 12am. Closed Sun & Mon.
Charlie, MO Bar
Setting his sights on the next cocktail hot spot, Charlie Kim moved from Europe to Singapore just a little over a year ago. Now, he leads the newly revamped MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, as Bar Manager, bringing his experience and passion for bartending to the team. Depending on where Charlie is, he may reach for the bright and bitter Sidecar as his go-to cocktail, or if he’s at a particular bar next to MO BAR, he’ll go for the boozy espresso drink, the Irish Coffee. Korean bartenders in Singapore
“I chose to move to Singapore from Europe because I believe that Singapore would be the next spotlight for the cocktail industry.” – Charlie Kim, MO BAR
Charlie values diversity in drink styles and specialities. His favourite bars in Korea include Speakeasy Mortar for its timeless speakeasy ambience and rare whiskies. ZEST SEOUL stands out with its commitment to environmental protection through sustainable and creative drinks. Additionally, Charlie appreciates the high-quality drinks at KISSK, a hip and casual community bar opened by a close friend.
When asked about the cocktail culture in Korea, Charlie shares that since the onset of the pandemic, people have become adept “home-tenders” (home bartenders), mixing soju with various ingredients, much like what you expect from cocktail bars. But Charlie much prefers to have the straight soju. He also notes the evolving drinking rituals in Korea, often involving a shoulder dance and song.
In an alternate universe where Charlie isn’t delighting guests with his creations, he might be conjuring up nightmares for architects doing interior design.
Cocktail Recipe
Say Hi to Charlie at MO Bar located at Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797, p.+65 6885 3500. Open Sun- Thu 5om -1am, Fri -Sat 5pm-2am.
Minji, Ssal Bar
After bartending for a year and a half in Korea, Minji’s pursuit of self-improvement and growth has led her to the hidden bar, Ssal, tucked in the basement of Low Tide. Taking the bar for about a year, Minji is dedicated to innovating Korean tastes and creating unique experiences, even donning a hanbok at work. Her go-to cocktail is a refreshing Daiquiri, but not just any Daiquiri – The ones made of Veritas rum.
A lot of bars have been recognized and awarded in the past year since I came here. I’m in Singapore, but I’m proud of the Korean bar scene and one day I’ll be able to work passionately again when I go back to Korea. – Minji, Ssal
Minji appreciates the diverse mix of bars in Korea; whether they use unique or local ingredients, traditional Korean spirits or Western elements, she loves them all. Although she can’t pick favourites (because each has unique characteristics), she loves a balanced drink. When asked about the Korean drinking culture, Minji notes that it often revolves around food. Sometimes they drink somaek (soju + beer) and makgeolli (Rice wine). To make makgeolli easy to drink, they’ll mix it with Sprite for a sweet, carbonated finish. It’s a drink for a memorial service, and Minji enjoys drinking it when it rains.
In an alternate universe where Minji isn’t shaking up Korean flavours, she’d be doing something that brings joy to people. Korean bartenders in Singapore
Cocktail Recipe
Say Hi to Minji at Ssal located at 98 Club St, Singapore 069467. Open Tue- Sat 6pm–12am
All images courtesy of respective bars and interviewees.
