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Soju Party: How to Drink (and Eat!) Like a Korean: A Cookbook
The ultimate how-to guide to drinking, Korean style; recipes for cocktails, snacks, drinking games, hangover cures, and more from Youtube star and co-owner of Bushwick's Orion Bar, Irene Yoo.
With Soju Party, YouTube star, recipe developer, and co-owner of Bushwick’s Orion Bar, Irene Yoo has written the book on drinking like a Korean. Focusing on the pillars of Korean soju (Korea’s most popular drink), maekju (beer), and makgeolli (a lightly filtered rice wine), as well as the foods (known as anju) that go with them, she takes readers out on the town. From the basics—classic Korean alcohols and how to drink them—to levelled up Korean-inspired riffs on classic cocktails; from simple drinking snacks (Honey Butter Bar Nuts) to crowd-pleasers like Kimchi Carbonara and Bossam with Garlic Chive Sauce—this book has you covered. In addition to recipes, Yoo also explores the history of Korean drinking, with illustrated explainers on proper serving and drinking etiquette, drinking games, food pairings, and more.
A book that promises late nights (don’t worry, there’s a section on hangovers!), whether you’re entertaining at home or hitting the bar, this is a party on the page. Geonabe (cheers).
With Soju Party, YouTube star, recipe developer, and co-owner of Bushwick’s Orion Bar, Irene Yoo has written the book on drinking like a Korean. Focusing on the pillars of Korean soju (Korea’s most popular drink), maekju (beer), and makgeolli (a lightly filtered rice wine), as well as the foods (known as anju) that go with them, she takes readers out on the town. From the basics—classic Korean alcohols and how to drink them—to levelled up Korean-inspired riffs on classic cocktails; from simple drinking snacks (Honey Butter Bar Nuts) to crowd-pleasers like Kimchi Carbonara and Bossam with Garlic Chive Sauce—this book has you covered. In addition to recipes, Yoo also explores the history of Korean drinking, with illustrated explainers on proper serving and drinking etiquette, drinking games, food pairings, and more.
A book that promises late nights (don’t worry, there’s a section on hangovers!), whether you’re entertaining at home or hitting the bar, this is a party on the page. Geonabe (cheers).
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 20, 2025
I was hoping for a fun cookbook. I think the people in the photos were having way more fun than I was.
This works as a strictly informational book about Soju and how to drink it. While there are recipes beyond drinks, most are the snack/app variety and, while serviceable, nothing that made me anxious to try cooking it.
I loved the photos.
The historical and cultural items about drinks are very information and very dry.
Just not what I was hoping for.
* ARC via Publisher
This works as a strictly informational book about Soju and how to drink it. While there are recipes beyond drinks, most are the snack/app variety and, while serviceable, nothing that made me anxious to try cooking it.
I loved the photos.
The historical and cultural items about drinks are very information and very dry.
Just not what I was hoping for.
* ARC via Publisher
January 5, 2026
This is a great book. Reccomend, go buy it. Yoo balances history, fun, and culture perfectly.
The part I enjoyed the most was the cultural and social history of soju. The book leads with that, as it should, and the attention to detail, the respect for why things are the way they are, not just stating “this is the way they are” is what makes this book brilliant.
It is also unique, or perhaps Soju is unique. There is no differentiation between brands of Soju, as Yoo says, they all taste the same. That isnt the point. This book isnt attempting to sell you on soju as a beverage, or offer tasting notes.
Other, more stuffy, more classical liquor / cocktail books pass judgement on types of booze, qualities of alchohol and give primacy to whatever the author thinks is the best most traditional story. As if the creation of a drink is behind a door of rarified knowlege, effort, and access. The kind of books that look down on blended whisky. The old Japanese joke of 100% more effort for 10% improvement.
Irene has done an amazing job of providing the antidote to all this, and provides here a kind of authenticity that is bottom up. Her seasonality is informed by the convenience store, the difference in soju types is the color of the bottle. She gleefully shatters ingredient and technique hierarchy while still maintaining respect to origins, and absolute authenticity to the world she lives in and navigates. Her kim chi carbonara is in fact closer to roman carbonara because she uses the technique to create the creamy sauce, not cream. The recipes are funny, the intro texts are endearing, and the drawings are cute.
She provides all the knowledge of current day soju in a couple of pages, and the rest is about the cultural footprint of soju as a drinking event, as a social phenomenon. It helps the outsider navigate the frankly confusing hierarchical rules which accompany the superficially silly drinking games.
Did I run out and buy soju to have with lunch, no, but I did text my friends and invited them to a soju party, so I think I got the point.
The part I enjoyed the most was the cultural and social history of soju. The book leads with that, as it should, and the attention to detail, the respect for why things are the way they are, not just stating “this is the way they are” is what makes this book brilliant.
It is also unique, or perhaps Soju is unique. There is no differentiation between brands of Soju, as Yoo says, they all taste the same. That isnt the point. This book isnt attempting to sell you on soju as a beverage, or offer tasting notes.
Other, more stuffy, more classical liquor / cocktail books pass judgement on types of booze, qualities of alchohol and give primacy to whatever the author thinks is the best most traditional story. As if the creation of a drink is behind a door of rarified knowlege, effort, and access. The kind of books that look down on blended whisky. The old Japanese joke of 100% more effort for 10% improvement.
Irene has done an amazing job of providing the antidote to all this, and provides here a kind of authenticity that is bottom up. Her seasonality is informed by the convenience store, the difference in soju types is the color of the bottle. She gleefully shatters ingredient and technique hierarchy while still maintaining respect to origins, and absolute authenticity to the world she lives in and navigates. Her kim chi carbonara is in fact closer to roman carbonara because she uses the technique to create the creamy sauce, not cream. The recipes are funny, the intro texts are endearing, and the drawings are cute.
She provides all the knowledge of current day soju in a couple of pages, and the rest is about the cultural footprint of soju as a drinking event, as a social phenomenon. It helps the outsider navigate the frankly confusing hierarchical rules which accompany the superficially silly drinking games.
Did I run out and buy soju to have with lunch, no, but I did text my friends and invited them to a soju party, so I think I got the point.
August 14, 2025
This was a fun book to cook through because it not only had recipes, it contained a lot about Korean culture and social rituals. We loved everything we made. It was also my first time really getting into soju and I had a lot of fun trying so many different types! Here is what we made:
Soju Caipirinha: this combo works really well. I loved how fresh and zingy the lime was. Could drink 100 of these (probably shouldn’t but could)
Dubu Kimchi Tofu with Stir Fried Kimchi and Pork: this was hands down my favorite dish. The texture of the pork belly was addictive (though watch for oil splashes while cooking it!)
Bossam Boiled Pork Wrap with Garlic Chive Sauce: felt both savory and filling while also being healthy. That sauce has great umami. We also transformed the leftover broth into a noodle base because we liked it so much
Haejang Guk Hangover Soup: so much great texture and heat. 10/10 perfect soup. We will make this many times again (and not just hungover)
Spam Jeon/Spam Misubi: these were delicious but heavy compared to other preparations I’ve had. I think it was the addition of the cheese and the frying batter. Very tasty though, if annoying to assemble
Chimaek Chicken: we were skeptical about the potato starch but these were insanely crispy. That sauce was also to die for
Kimchi Carbonara: the favor was good and the addition of the kimchi was a fun take, but the ramen couldn’t hold up to the sauce and got mushy
Jujube Ginseng Negroni: I screwed this up slightly by forgetting to buy ginseng tea so we had to make do with green tea with ginseng. Still a refreshing drink though, even though I thought the rice was unnecessary
Thanks to Knopf and Netgalley for the ARC. Soju Party is out 9/9!
Soju Caipirinha: this combo works really well. I loved how fresh and zingy the lime was. Could drink 100 of these (probably shouldn’t but could)
Dubu Kimchi Tofu with Stir Fried Kimchi and Pork: this was hands down my favorite dish. The texture of the pork belly was addictive (though watch for oil splashes while cooking it!)
Bossam Boiled Pork Wrap with Garlic Chive Sauce: felt both savory and filling while also being healthy. That sauce has great umami. We also transformed the leftover broth into a noodle base because we liked it so much
Haejang Guk Hangover Soup: so much great texture and heat. 10/10 perfect soup. We will make this many times again (and not just hungover)
Spam Jeon/Spam Misubi: these were delicious but heavy compared to other preparations I’ve had. I think it was the addition of the cheese and the frying batter. Very tasty though, if annoying to assemble
Chimaek Chicken: we were skeptical about the potato starch but these were insanely crispy. That sauce was also to die for
Kimchi Carbonara: the favor was good and the addition of the kimchi was a fun take, but the ramen couldn’t hold up to the sauce and got mushy
Jujube Ginseng Negroni: I screwed this up slightly by forgetting to buy ginseng tea so we had to make do with green tea with ginseng. Still a refreshing drink though, even though I thought the rice was unnecessary
Thanks to Knopf and Netgalley for the ARC. Soju Party is out 9/9!
September 5, 2025
TLDR: this book was amazing and if you like Korean drinks and food, you should get it too. Lots of drink recipes, a decent amount of food recipes (but they’re all SO good), and enough games to get started.
—
Soju Party. This book is exactly as it’s titled and I LOVED it. I’m not much of a drinker but I invited friends over and did everything by the book and had such a great time. The alcoholic recipes I tried were so good and fit soju and makkgoli so well - some fruity, some sweet, some with beer. We had so much fun with the drinking games, and the food in between each session where we were a little too tipsy was amazing. The food was perfect for drinking, and according to my friends, the kimcheeze (kimchi grilled cheese) was life changing. I may have to buy this book because we didn’t get to do all the drinks or food, and having tried everything else, I NEED to try all the recipes.
Nitty gritty: This book gives some history and descriptions of the different grocery choices, and lists which are best for certain drinks/foods. The book is mostly about the drinks (obviously) but does have a ton of food recipes and enough games to get you started. There’s a healthy mix of traditional drinks/foods and also fusion drinks/foods. There are limited vegetarian food recipes, and VERY limited vegan food recipes.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for allowing me to read this ARC - this has been one of my favorite cookbooks yet.
—
Soju Party. This book is exactly as it’s titled and I LOVED it. I’m not much of a drinker but I invited friends over and did everything by the book and had such a great time. The alcoholic recipes I tried were so good and fit soju and makkgoli so well - some fruity, some sweet, some with beer. We had so much fun with the drinking games, and the food in between each session where we were a little too tipsy was amazing. The food was perfect for drinking, and according to my friends, the kimcheeze (kimchi grilled cheese) was life changing. I may have to buy this book because we didn’t get to do all the drinks or food, and having tried everything else, I NEED to try all the recipes.
Nitty gritty: This book gives some history and descriptions of the different grocery choices, and lists which are best for certain drinks/foods. The book is mostly about the drinks (obviously) but does have a ton of food recipes and enough games to get you started. There’s a healthy mix of traditional drinks/foods and also fusion drinks/foods. There are limited vegetarian food recipes, and VERY limited vegan food recipes.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for allowing me to read this ARC - this has been one of my favorite cookbooks yet.
December 27, 2025
I rarely read cookbooks but love a good cookbook that combines storytelling with recipes. With increase in popularity of pretty much everything Korean, there’s been many Korean cookbooks published in last few years and handful that I loved which combined storytelling to educate readers more on Korean culture & history.
There has never been a Korean cookbook quite like this before — it’s a drinking guide, introduction to drinking like Korean, recipes of dishes that accompanies well with alcoholic drinks, and drinking games. Drinking is a way of life in Korea, it’s a big part of the society & culture, and in some sense, identity.
Author did a fantastic job combing all her knowledge of drinks and drinking with great photos and storytelling.
The cookbook literally has soju on the title— this isn’t going to be for everyone — if you don’t drink, don’t like drinking, trying to quit or need help, you should refrain from reading it and rating just based on the fact you don’t like alcohol and drinking, If you’re open minded and curious about the Korean drinks and drinking culture of Korea, dive in. Such a fun read it! Cheers! — mo ✌️
There has never been a Korean cookbook quite like this before — it’s a drinking guide, introduction to drinking like Korean, recipes of dishes that accompanies well with alcoholic drinks, and drinking games. Drinking is a way of life in Korea, it’s a big part of the society & culture, and in some sense, identity.
Author did a fantastic job combing all her knowledge of drinks and drinking with great photos and storytelling.
The cookbook literally has soju on the title— this isn’t going to be for everyone — if you don’t drink, don’t like drinking, trying to quit or need help, you should refrain from reading it and rating just based on the fact you don’t like alcohol and drinking, If you’re open minded and curious about the Korean drinks and drinking culture of Korea, dive in. Such a fun read it! Cheers! — mo ✌️
August 30, 2025
THE PERFECT BOOK FOR YOUR COOKBOOK CLUB!!
This is such a fun cocktail book! I learned a lot about Korean culture, a lot about soju, and I got to do it while drinking cocktails and eating delicious food!
For snacks, we made the Salty Sweet Seaweed Popcorn, Corn Cheese Queso, Kimchi Carbonara, and Chimaek Chicken. They were also so good (especially the chicken - I usually use the NYTcooking's KFC recipe, but this one is soooooo much better) and the perfect companions for all the cocktails we made.
I love yuzu, so my favorite cocktails were the Perilla Yuja Soju & Tonic and the Yuja Michelada. The watermelon Soju Hwachae was also so good and I loved that it's served in a watermelon bowl/cup. Oh and the Kimchi Bloody Mary!?! YUM.
This is the perfect recipe for anyone, but especially cookbook clubs and those who recently became obsessed with kpop demon hunters. But seriously, every cookbook club needs to do this cookbook! I can't wait for the release!
(I received an ARC with no requirement to review; my opinions are my own and unbiased).
This is such a fun cocktail book! I learned a lot about Korean culture, a lot about soju, and I got to do it while drinking cocktails and eating delicious food!
For snacks, we made the Salty Sweet Seaweed Popcorn, Corn Cheese Queso, Kimchi Carbonara, and Chimaek Chicken. They were also so good (especially the chicken - I usually use the NYTcooking's KFC recipe, but this one is soooooo much better) and the perfect companions for all the cocktails we made.
I love yuzu, so my favorite cocktails were the Perilla Yuja Soju & Tonic and the Yuja Michelada. The watermelon Soju Hwachae was also so good and I loved that it's served in a watermelon bowl/cup. Oh and the Kimchi Bloody Mary!?! YUM.
This is the perfect recipe for anyone, but especially cookbook clubs and those who recently became obsessed with kpop demon hunters. But seriously, every cookbook club needs to do this cookbook! I can't wait for the release!
(I received an ARC with no requirement to review; my opinions are my own and unbiased).
November 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Soju Party.
I'm not a drinker but I was curious about the book.
I do love how the author dedicates her book to non-drinkers too.
I read this to learn more about the history of Korean drinking, its rituals and how Korean culture influences how we drink and in what company we keep.
I thought the illustrations explaining proper serving of drinks and etiquette was helpful and a fun way to show readers how its done.
The bar snacks, hangover dishes and meals to eat after all the bar hopping were all delicious and recipes I'd make just to eat any day of the week.
The drinking games are a nice touch and relatable no matter your culture since there are drinking games in the US, too.
This book is definitely geared toward people who love to drink and/or host parties so it would make a great party gift.
I'm not a drinker but I was curious about the book.
I do love how the author dedicates her book to non-drinkers too.
I read this to learn more about the history of Korean drinking, its rituals and how Korean culture influences how we drink and in what company we keep.
I thought the illustrations explaining proper serving of drinks and etiquette was helpful and a fun way to show readers how its done.
The bar snacks, hangover dishes and meals to eat after all the bar hopping were all delicious and recipes I'd make just to eat any day of the week.
The drinking games are a nice touch and relatable no matter your culture since there are drinking games in the US, too.
This book is definitely geared toward people who love to drink and/or host parties so it would make a great party gift.
November 17, 2025
What a fun book! I'm not a heavy drinker these days, but this definitely made me want to host a party soon (or at the very least, visit her bar in Brooklyn).
I grew up with a lot of Korean-American friends so despite not being Korean myself, a lot of the fusion cocktails recipes sounded very "nostalgic" and intriguing to me. Melona!!
The food recipes also look divine, I took a lot of notes before returning this to the library.
I'm delighted that the publisher "took a chance" on a more narrowly focused cookbook rather than the same old Caucasian-American recipes I see all the time.
I grew up with a lot of Korean-American friends so despite not being Korean myself, a lot of the fusion cocktails recipes sounded very "nostalgic" and intriguing to me. Melona!!
The food recipes also look divine, I took a lot of notes before returning this to the library.
I'm delighted that the publisher "took a chance" on a more narrowly focused cookbook rather than the same old Caucasian-American recipes I see all the time.
September 3, 2025
Netgalley ARC- This has a niche market I'm sure but it's not with me. Too heavy on the drinking (including a section devoted to drinking games) and not a lot of the eating. I appreciate what she is trying to showcase and the pictures show them having fun, but my drinking days are over, but Im always up for Korean food.
February 14, 2026
Interesante libro sobre la cultura coreana de bebidas alcohólicas y comidas para beber
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews