Ways to enjoy a cocktail bar

Terry Kim of Alice Cheongdam advises beginners on how to get the best out of bars

By Yun Suh-young

For those who are not particularly fond of alcoholic drinks, visiting a bar and ordering the right kind of beverage that you'd like may not be as easy as it sounds.

When visiting a bar to down a cocktail to end your day with grace, beginners may be overwhelmed by the rows and rows of liquor bottles lined up on the opposite side of the wall, which are used as bases for cocktails. Then you start thinking, "Okay, what do I order?"

There's no need to get frightened about ordering cocktails whose names confuse you, says Terry Kim, the owner of Alice Cheongdam, a newly opened cocktail bar in the posh district of Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul.

"In the end, it's the bartenders that do the work for you. Just talk to the bartenders and tell them your tastes and they'll whip up something that's right for you. The closer you become with the bartenders, the more likely you'll get what you want."

Talking to a bartender is like talking to a doctor. What you want after all is to get an accurate diagnosis about your tastes/preferences (symptoms) to be served with the right kind of drink (medication). "It's important to be honest," Kim says.

"When visiting a bar, don't think too much about formality. Relax and be comfortable and take in the whole experience."

Also, there's no need to feel pressured or distressed when a bartender offers a second drink upon seeing a glass being almost emptied.

"Some customers may feel pressured to order another drink even if they don't want to or take it the wrong way thinking they're being pushed to finish it up soon when a bartender offers a second drink. It's simply a ritual and manner to request it upon seeing an emptying glass. So don't be offended," said Kim.

Visiting a bar is a holistic experience. It's not just about drinking, but also taking in the atmosphere, the music, and the interior design.

When first visiting a bar, it is useful to be informed about the bar in advance to fully enjoy the experience, according to Kim.

"Do your own research about the bars and pick the ones that suit your taste. It's important to have some expectations about what you want in advance," he said.

"Then when you get there, take in the details. Don't just gobble down a drink and come out, but feel the fabric of the chair, be aware of the music, the lighting. Bar owners put a lot of effort into creating the space. Bars are spaces that require a lot of sensitive touches," said Kim.

"What you can experience at bars is a lot different from restaurants which have their limits due to the bright lights and aroma from food which can disturb the mood. Bars can incorporate what restaurants cannot into their spaces."

When ordering the very first glass, order the signature cocktail of the house, advises Kim.

"Start with the signature cocktail that only that bar can offer. Then for the next glass, try a classic. I always order the signature when I visit a bar and then get something else for a second drink," said Kim.

Finding your own drink is important to enjoy bars in the long run.

"First try out all the well-known cocktails that you can be served with anywhere in the world. Pick one of them and make it your favorite. This will ease out the ordering process wherever you are," Kim said.

"When you start tasting different cocktails, you'll realize the type of tastes you prefer - for instance, whether you like sweet ones, or prefer an orangey flavor or so on. Then you can find the cocktail that suits you," said Kim.

Kim's last words of advice? Compliment the bartenders.

"Bartenders are humans too. Their job is to be hospitable to customers but when customers befriend them, they feel grateful. When they feel friendly and connected, they will serve you whole-heartedly and perhaps offer you a complimentary drink."

Representative cocktails by taste categories:

Sweet - orgasm

Sour - margarita, gimlet, mohito, pisco sour

Spicy - moscow mule, bloody mary

Fruity - punch

Smoky - rob roy

Bitter - martini

About Alice Cheongdam:

Alice Cheongdam offers a curious experience for visitors at the bar’s entrance.

As can be inferred from the name, Alice Cheongdam's overall concept is derived from the story of "Alice in Wonderland."

The bar, which opened in late April, is located in an underground space in the trendsetting area of Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. First-time visitors may have a difficult time finding the entrance because of its peculiarity.

When stepping downstairs to Alice Cheongdam you will see a bunny logo. Visitors then find a door to a flower shop which might be confusing. This, in fact, is part of the bar. Step deeper into the flower store and you will find a wooden door that leads to the bar.

The reason for the confusing entrance is to give visitors a different, unique and fun experience from the start, says Terry Kim, owner and CEO of Alice Cheongdam.

"It's a secretive and mysterious place. Just like the bunny in Alice in Wonderland led Alice to an unknown world and provided a mystical adventure, I wanted Alice Cheongdam to give our customers unforgettable memories. We, the bartenders, are the bunnies and each customer is our Alice," he said.

The interior of Alice Cheongdam is classic throughout, but with a modern twist. Kim has obviously put a lot of effort into the interior design. The sofas, tables and wallpaper all come together in a British style by which he was inspired. The glasses the cocktails are served in are unique collections that Kim himself bought during overseas travels.

When seated, visitors are welcomed by dried snacks which consist of fruit and vegetables and a welcome sorbet.

Kim formerly worked at The Griffin Bar at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul and the JJ Mahoney's at the Grand Hyatt Seoul before creating his own establishment. He is also a World Class bartender as awarded by Diageo Reserve as the "Best Bartender in Town of 2015."

For more information, call 02-511-8420.