Sip a traditional taste of Korea at the newly-opened Smoki Moto on Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah where all guests will be treated to a complimentary shot glass of Soju from 23rd to 25th February in celebration of World Bartender Day that takes place on 24th February.
The national drink of Korea, Soju, is a sharp and strong drink made from rice, which is deeply ingrained in Korean culture and is the beverage of choice for every celebration whether its weddings, anniversaries, or birthdays. However, the infused varieties of Sojus are generally sweet. Traditionally drunk neat, the classic green bottle of Soju is a famous presence at every occasion in Korea, and Smoki Moto’s extensive array of expertly crafted cocktails bring guests 10 different ways to try this famous drink, from the Hallyu Wave and JMT Punch to the Dirty Kimchini.
As well as the original Soju, Smoki Moto also serves an inventive mix of Soju blends such as Passion Fruit & Korean Pear Soju, which is paired with premium lemonade, Pineapple & Mint Soju with ginger ale, and Grapefruit & Vanilla Soju with tonic water. Other intriguing flavor combinations include Celery & Thyme, Kiwi & Lime, Blueberry & Banana, and Raspberry & Pistachio.
Whichever flavor is chosen, Korean tradition states that Soju must not be sipped alone but shared with friends and should be handed to you by an elderly person. Steeped in Korean heritage, the correct etiquette is to take the shot glass with two hands and turn your face to the side so as not to make eye contact with the person, before drinking it – usually in one go.
Glasses will continue to be topped up whenever they are empty, and drinkers should remember to allow the elder’s glass to be on top when saying “cheers” – and that saying “no” to another glass offered by an elderly person is not the right answer!
In Korean socializing, Soju is often the basis of games such as the Soju Bottle Cap Flick in which players will twist the long strip that extends from the bottle cap until it’s close to coming off, and then take turns to flick the strip. The one that flicks it off will take a shot of Soju. Another traditional game is Samyukgu (3-6-9), in which players cannot say the numbers three, six or nine, and should replace these numbers with a clap – anyone who messes up will take a drink. Apart from these games, there’s Titantic, where players must fill the five-ounce glass half full of beer and place the shot glass in the glass of beer. The shot glass should float and not sink. If the titanic sinks, the player must drink the mixture in one shot.
A unique destination for mixology, Smoki Moto’s crafted blends of Soju, as well as their inventive cocktails and mocktails, and spectacular setting on West Palm Beach’s waterfront make it a must-visit bar in Dubai. A dedicated Soju wall offers guests plenty of Insta-shot opportunities, while the terrace offers a front-row seat to the sun setting over the sea.
Dubai’s first fully licensed Korean steakhouse, Smoki Moto offers an exciting and interactive dining experience with talented chefs cooking flavorsome cuts of Korean steaks at charcoal grills at each table.
