If you’re new to the world of soju and eager to learn how to craft unique cocktails with this Korean staple, you’re in luck. As interest in South Korea’s popular culture continues to soar, its drinking traditions are gaining attention worldwide. Soju, a versatile spirit made from rice, wheat, or potato starch, has emerged as a favorite among Koreans and Westerners alike.
The drink’s widespread appeal can be attributed to its mild flavor profile, which is often described as sweet yet aggressive, similar to vodka. What sets soju apart, however, is its varying alcohol content, ranging from 13% to 42%. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of palates.
While soju is typically enjoyed neat or with a splash of soda, mixologists and enthusiasts have also discovered the joy of combining it with fruit juices, other thirst quenchers, and even yogurt! In this blog post, we’ll share 13 of our favorite soju cocktail recipes that you can try at home or order when dining out. From classics like the Yogurt Soju Cocktail to innovative creations like the Sesame Soju Mojito, there’s something for everyone.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss #9, which allows customers to take an active role in crafting their own unique cocktail experience.
Celery & Tonic
Take the classic Gin and Tonic to new heights by swapping gin for soju in the Celery & Tonic cocktail. The bold, oriental flavor profile that results from this substitution is both intriguing and invigorating. When combined with tonic water, which can range from lightly sweet to boldly bitter, the soju adds a much-needed kick to this tantalizing drink.
A crucial component of this recipe is the celery shrub, which not only lends its unique flavor but also gives the liquid mixture a vibrant green hue.
Korean Iced Green Tea With Soju
In Korea, Nokcha is a beloved green tea that’s often enjoyed as a hot or cold herbal beverage. However, its versatility doesn’t stop there. When paired with soju, the country’s popular rice wine, it creates a unique tea-cocktail hybrid. To craft this blend, mix one part of green tea with two parts of soju for a harmonious balance of earthy and slightly bold flavors. For added depth, consider squeezing in some zesty lemon slices to your cocktail, infusing the drink with an invigorating tanginess.
Melona Soju
In South Korea, Melona is a beloved ice cream popsicle brand that has captured the hearts of many. Its widespread popularity led to the creation of a unique cocktail recipe, where this fruity treat serves as the base ingredient mixed with soju. However, crafting this drink requires some patience, as the Melona bar needs to be fully submerged in a mixture of soju and lemon-lime soda.
Despite the extra effort, the end result is a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, showcasing the contrast between the ice cream’s fruity taste and the boldness of the alcohol and soda.
Yogurt Soju Cocktail
While many may associate soju cocktails with complex recipes, its simplicity has contributed to its enduring popularity. The combination of yogurt milk, a staple in most supermarkets, with the subtle flavor of soju creates a refreshing and creamy drink that’s easy on the palate. Moreover, this mix is particularly well-suited for those new to soju drinking experiences, as it expertly balances the mildly bitter taste of the liquor with the tangy sweetness of yogurt milk.
The end result is a delightful concoction that’s both accessible and enjoyable.
Raspberry Soju
Raspberry Soju’s unique flavor profile thrives on the boldness of raspberries, which harmoniously complement the crisp, refreshing qualities of soju. The resulting blend is a masterful balance of tangy and fizzy notes, yielding a cocktail that boldly defies monotony. Ideal for those seeking an invigorating drink experience, this Raspberry Soju combination is sure to tantalize taste buds.
Sesame Soju Mojito
While maintaining the essence of a classic Cuban Mojito, this Korean-inspired cocktail takes an exciting detour by substituting clear white rum with soju. The real game-changer, though, is the incorporation of Yuja citrus fruit and Perilla (sesame) leaves, which infuse the drink with distinctively Korean flair.
As you take a sip, the herbal notes will transport your taste buds to a serene garden, where earthy and minty flavors mingle in perfect harmony.
But don’t just rely on the taste – the visually appealing presentation and alluring aroma of this unique cocktail are sure to delight as well.
Strawberry Soju Cocktail
Similar to the Raspberry Soju Mix, this recipe takes a different approach by featuring strawberries as its star ingredient. The key to bringing out the best in this tangy fruit is to combine it with a strawberry-flavored soju and add some effervescence from sparkling water or carbonated soda. As with the previous recipe, it’s essential to serve this cocktail chilled for the optimal flavor experience.
Soju Caipirinha
Caipirinha is a celebrated cocktail hailing from Brazil, renowned for its unique blend of sweet and sour flavors. Typically crafted with cachaça, a distilled sugar cane spirit, combined with lime and sugar, this national treasure packs a punch due to the 38-48% alcohol content. However, for those seeking a more laid-back experience, the Soju Caipirinha offers a lower-alcohol alternative by substituting cachaça with soju, a Korean liquor.
Notably, the Korean variation of Caipirinha maintains its essence while catering to beginners, thanks to the reduced potency and mild taste of soju.
Somaek (Soju Bomb)
The Soju Bomb, also known as Somaek, is a unique cocktail that requires only two main ingredients: beer and soju. The key to its preparation lies not in the mixture itself, but rather in the creative process of mixing it. To craft this drink, you’ll need to place two chopsticks across the top of a pint glass filled with beer, followed by a shot glass of soju positioned on top of the chopsticks. Next, slam your hands or fists repeatedly onto the table until the soju shot falls into the beer.
For added flair, you can incorporate chants like ‘One…Two…Three…Bomb’ to enhance the experience. While this method can result in a bit of chaos and messiness, the camaraderie and memories made with friends while doing so are truly priceless.
Soju Makgeolli
While Makgeolli shares some similarities with Soju in that they are both types of rice liquor, the two beverages exhibit distinct differences. One notable characteristic of Makgeolli is its milky appearance, which is often accompanied by a tangy and sour taste profile. In contrast to Soju, which tends to have a stronger and smoother flavor, Makgeolli’s lower alcohol content contributes to its more acidic taste.
When combined with Soju, the resulting cocktail is a unique blend of sweet and sour notes that are well worth exploring.
Soju Sour
When exploring the world of Korean cocktails, one notable creation is the Soju Sour, also affectionately referred to as Sour Seoul. This refreshing mix combines small amounts of soju, a traditional Korean liquor, with lemon juice, simple syrup, and other liqueurs of your choice. The result is a unique blend that’s not dissimilar from Japan’s Lemon Chuhai, which also pairs its national beverage with a squeeze of citrus.
For those new to soju or looking for a gentle introduction, the Soju Sour offers a perfect entry point. Its balanced flavor profile makes it an excellent starting point for exploring this traditional Korean drink.
Subak Soju (Soju Watermelon)
Watermelon’s refreshing appeal as a fruit juice and thirst quencher has made it a staple during the sweltering summer months. But did you know it also pairs surprisingly well with soju? The combination is the inspiration behind this Soju Watermelon recipe. To make it, simply puree fresh watermelons before blending them with soju and fizzy soda water. The end result is a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and fizz that’s sure to delight both newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike.
White Gold
The allure of ‘White Gold’ lies not only in its sophisticated-sounding name, but also in its intriguing ingredients and tantalizing texture. This Korean-inspired cocktail recipe brings together soju, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and egg whites to create a drink that’s as unique as it is refreshing. The addition of egg whites produces a silky, foamy top that adds an extra layer of complexity to the White Gold experience.
The bottom line
As the popularity of Korean pop culture continues to soar, soju is increasingly becoming a sought-after beverage globally. Its diverse range of alcohol content and flavors has made it an appealing choice for many drinkers. Characterized by its light green to green bottles, soju is often consumed in its pure form or used as a base for crafting unique cocktails.
By combining the drink with various fruit juices, similar liquor, and herbal tea, you can create an array of refreshing soju-based cocktails from the comfort of your own home. When enjoyed with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances during late-night bar hangouts and gatherings, soju truly shines.
For those looking for inspiration on pairing their Soju Cocktails with Korean cuisine, we recommend exploring our curated lists of 25 Korean Recipes, 10 Delectable Korean Side Dishes, and 25 Korean Desserts. For a fun night in, try one of the 13 easy Soju Cocktails below!