Zest Seoul

Zest Seoul, located in Gangnam, is a pioneering cocktail bar that marries sustainability with sophisticated mixology. Founded in December 2020 by renowned bartenders Demie Kim, Sean Woo, Jisu Park, and Noah Kwon, Zest has rapidly ascended the global bar scene, ranking No. 9 on The World's 50 Best Bars 2024 and No. 2 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024. ​ The bar's name, a blend of "zero" and "waste," reflects its commitment to sustainability. Zest employs a zero-waste philosophy, utilizing every part of an ingredient across multiple cocktails. For instance, the Jeju Garibaldi cocktail uses Jeju Island oranges and Gujwa village carrots, with peels redistilled into house gin and pulp transformed into cordial or sauerkraut. ​ The interior exudes a minimalist charm, featuring stone, clay, and wood elements, with a glowing back bar showcasing homemade gins distilled from local, seasonal produce. Zest's dedication to sustainability extends beyond drinks; the bar crafts its own sodas and tonics to eliminate packaging waste and collaborates with local artisans for eco-friendly uniforms and glassware. ​ Zest's innovative approach has earned it accolades, including the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2024 and the Nikka Highest Climber Award 2023. It's not just a bar; it's a movement towards a more sustainable and refined drinking culture in Seoul.​