our story
“Cho’s drinks reflect a more thoughtful and nuanced approach to flavors where an inviting sniff tempts a pleasing sip”
- Gregory Han, LAist
“Han Suk Cho is like a nonalcoholic whisperer of California.”
— Julia Bainbridge, Good Drinks
Non-alcoholic beverage pairing by
“wizard” Han Suk Cho is a highly original detour.
— Soleil Ho, San Francisco Chronicle.
“Cho's position is admittedly unique. Though not every restaurant can afford to have a staff devoted to its non-alcoholic beverage pairings like at Dialogue, that doesn't mean it isn't a priority elsewhere.”
— Nevin Martell, Michelin Guide.
Growing up in a country side of Korea, my mother never drank alcohol. She never liked sugary artificial-flavored sodas or juices so she usually ended up drinking water. I wanted to create a beverage for my mother to enjoy on special occasions so her glass could be full with everyone else.
Years after, I moved to the States and became the non-alcoholic beverage director at Single Thread Restaurant. Spending childhood in Korea gave me unique perspective in creating non-alcoholic cocktail pairings for 13-course dinner. And I started meeting many people who are just like my mother, choosing not to drink alcohol for whatever the reason.
Becoming one of the first non-alcoholic mixologist and seeing highly executed cocktails made me wonder “Why isn’t anybody putting same amount of effort in non-alcoholic cocktails? Why is it always an after thought? Why do restaurants and bars make non-drinkers feel uncomfortable?”. These unanswered questions led me be more obsessed with making crafted, seasonal, fresh non-alcoholic cocktails to help myself to recover, make my mother feel included, and beyond. My passion for creating well-balanced non-alcoholic cocktail is not just a “temperance”.
Zero Proof is an experience. It is a collaboration of organic farmers, celebrated chefs, and hospitality professionals. It is for both drinkers and non-drinkers. It is for kids and elders. It is for you.
Love you mom
-Han Suk Cho