Korean BBQ is more than just a meal — it is a shared experience filled with sizzling meats, bold flavours, side dishes, sauces, and drinks made for the table. At Geonbae Korean BBQ in Frankston, guests can enjoy premium BBQ meats, Korean fried chicken, classic Korean dishes, soju, soju cocktails, Korean beers, wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks.
For beginners, choosing the right drink can make the meal feel even more enjoyable. Whether you are trying soju for the first time or looking for a fun cocktail to share with friends, this guide will help you pair Geonbae’s Korean drinks with your BBQ favourites.
What Is Soju?
Soju is one of Korea’s most popular alcoholic drinks. It is usually served chilled in bottles with shot glasses and is often enjoyed socially with BBQ, fried chicken, and shared dishes. At Geonbae, the name itself means “cheers” or “bottoms up”, which makes soju a natural part of the Korean dining experience.
Geonbae offers classic and flavoured soju options, including Chamisul Fresh, Peach, Mango, Watermelon, Mandarin, Apple, Green Grape, Yogurt, Strawberry, Lychee, and Blueberry. For beginners who are unsure which flavour to choose, the Soju Paddle is a great starting point because it lets you try four 60ml soju flavours.
Best Soju Pairings with Korean BBQ
1. Chamisul Fresh with Pork Samgyupsal
Pork Samgyupsal, or grilled pork belly, is rich, savoury, and satisfying. A clean soju such as Chamisul Fresh works well because it balances the fattiness of the pork and keeps the palate fresh between bites.
Try wrapping grilled pork belly with lettuce, ssam-jang, garlic, and spring onion, then enjoy it with a small sip of chilled soju.
2. Peach or Lychee Soju with Spicy Pork
Spicy Pork is marinated with gochujang, giving it a bold chilli flavour. A fruity soju such as Peach or Lychee can soften the heat and add a light sweetness to the meal.
This is a beginner-friendly choice for guests who want something smooth, fruity, and easy to drink.
3. Green Grape Soju with Beef Bulgogi
Beef Bulgogi is marinated with soy, garlic, and ginger, giving it a sweet and savoury flavour. Green Grape soju pairs nicely because it feels fresh and slightly sweet without overpowering the beef.
This pairing is ideal for first-time Korean BBQ diners.
4. Mango or Watermelon Soju with Spicy Chicken
Spicy Chicken has a deeper chilli and garlic flavour. Mango or Watermelon soju adds a fruity contrast that makes the spice feel more balanced.
This pairing is great for people who enjoy bold food but prefer a lighter drink.
Korean Cocktails for Beginners
If straight soju feels too strong, soju cocktails are a fun and approachable option. Geonbae serves soju cocktails in large glasses with a whole bottle of soju, making them a great drink to share with the table.
Watermelon Mojito
Made with watermelon soju, lime, mint, cane syrup, and soda, this is a refreshing choice for BBQ meats. It pairs especially well with pork belly, soy chicken, and fried chicken.
Passion Mango
This cocktail combines mango soju, passion fruit, and soda. It is bright, fruity, and easy to enjoy, making it perfect for beginners.
Pair it with Spicy Pork, Spicy Chicken, or Korean Fried Chicken.
Apple & Blackcurrant
Apple soju, blackcurrant, and lemonade create a sweet and refreshing drink. This pairs well with Beef Bulgogi, Beef Brisket, and Japchae.
Coconut Bliss
Made with Milkis, Malibu, and yogurt soju, Coconut Bliss is creamy and tropical. It is a good match for fried dishes such as Korean Fried Chicken, Lotus Chips, and Mahn Doo.
Lychee & Pome
This cocktail combines pomegranate juice, lemonade, and lychee soju. It is light, fruity, and refreshing, making it a good option with seafood dishes, Pa Jeon, and lighter BBQ choices.
What to Pair with Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken is crispy, saucy, and full of flavour. Geonbae offers sauce choices such as Sweet Chilli, Honey Mustard, Sweet & Sour, and Soy Garlic.
For Korean Fried Chicken, try:
- Lychee Spritz
- Crystal Breeze
- Peach Icetea
- Passion Mango
- Beer or beer paddle
Korean fried chicken and beer is a popular Korean pairing known as “chimaek”, and it is a great option for groups who want something casual and fun.
Best Drink Choices for Non-Spicy BBQ
For mild BBQ dishes like Beef Brisket, Wagyu Beef, Beef Bulgogi, Soy Chicken, and Pork Bulgogi, choose drinks that are clean, fruity, or lightly refreshing.
Good options include:
- Chamisul Fresh
- Green Grape Soju
- Apple Soju
- Crystal Breeze
- Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Korean beer
These drinks let the BBQ flavour stay at the centre of the meal.
Best Drink Choices for Spicy Dishes
For Spicy Pork, Spicy Chicken, Tteokbokki, Kimchi Jjigae, and Ojingeo-Bokkeum, choose drinks with sweetness, fruitiness, or bubbles.
Good options include:
- Peach Soju
- Mango Soju
- Watermelon Soju
- Passion Mango
- Peach Icetea
- Soju Sunrise
- Moscato
- Milkis for a non-alcoholic option
Sweet and refreshing drinks help balance chilli, gochujang, and garlic-based flavours.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Not every great BBQ pairing needs alcohol. Geonbae also offers Korean soft drinks and cold drinks such as Milkis, Bon Bon Korean grape juice, soft drinks, juices, lemon lime bitters, tea, and coffee.
Milkis is a great beginner-friendly Korean drink because it is creamy, fizzy, and lightly sweet. It pairs especially well with spicy dishes and fried chicken.
Beginner Tips for Enjoying Soju at Geonbae
If you are new to soju, start with a flavoured option such as peach, green grape, lychee, or mango. These flavours are smoother and easier to enjoy.
For groups, the Soju Paddle is a great way to taste different flavours before choosing a full bottle. If you prefer something lighter and more refreshing, start with a soju cocktail instead of straight soju.
Most importantly, enjoy it slowly with food. Korean BBQ is about sharing, tasting, and enjoying the moment together.
Visit Geonbae for Korean BBQ and Soju in Frankston
Whether you are new to Korean BBQ or already love soju, Geonbae offers a fun and flavour-packed dining experience in Frankston. From grilled pork belly and beef bulgogi to spicy chicken, Korean fried chicken, soju paddles, and colourful cocktails, there is something for every taste.
Next time you visit Geonbae, try pairing your favourite BBQ dish with a soju flavour or Korean cocktail. It is a simple way to make your meal more exciting, social, and memorable.
