Get ready to beat the heat with a dazzling array of soju co*cktails! When the sun is blazing and the temperature is soaring, nothing quite compares to the refreshing and mouth-watering goodness of these Korean-inspired creations.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply lounging by the pool, these sparkly, fun, and fresh soju co*cktails are perfect to cool you down and elevate your summer experience. So, grab your shaker, and let’s dive into the world of irresistible soju-infused drinks that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to soak up some sun!
What is soju and why is it so popular?
Soju is a clear distilled spirit that originated in Korea and has gained immense popularity worldwide.
It is typically made from fermented grains, such as rice, wheat, or barley, though modern variations may include other ingredients like sweet potatoes or tapioca. Known for its smooth and clean taste, it has an alcohol content ranging from 16% to 45%, making it a versatile base for a wide array of co*cktails.
In fact, one of the important reasons behind soju’s immense popularity is its ability to blend seamlessly with various tastes, allowing mixologists and DIY enthusiasts to create innovative and enticing co*cktails. It has a neutral profile that serves as a perfect canvas for incorporating fruits, herbs, and other exciting ingredients, resulting in unique mixed drinks.
The social aspect of soju also plays a significant role in its popularity. In Korean culture, soju is often enjoyed with friends and family, creating a social atmosphere, and fostering connections. The tradition of “pouring for others” adds a communal and interactive element to the drinking experience, making the spirit an integral part of gatherings and celebrations.
Here are a few of our favourite soju co*cktail recipes to try at home:
1. Mango Melona Soju co*cktail
Many popular co*cktails with soju tend to lean into the tropical end of the flavour spectrum, and we love it. For those of you who don’t know, a melon bar is a creamy fruit-flavoured popsicle. To make this morish mango co*cktail, mix equal parts mango soju and fizzy lemonade in a glass with ice. Then take the melon bar out of the freezer, remove the wrapping, and gently stir the ice pop into the drink. Tasty, fun, and something completely different for summertime picnics.
More mango magic! 8 Deliciously Fresh Mango co*cktails You Must Try
2. Strawberry Soju co*cktail
This Strawberry Soju co*cktail is as easy to sip as it is to prepare. Blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of simple syrup, and 1/4 cup of soju with ice until smooth. Share between two glasses and garnish with a strawberry slice.
TOP TIP: We love pairing strawberry co*cktails with summery eats like Korean BBQ.
3. Soju Mojito
Of course, soju co*cktail recipes can also be tailored to be lean and green like the always-classy Mojito. Muddle 6-8 fresh mint leaves, 30ml of sugar, and the juice of 1 lime in a glass. Add ice, 60ml of soju, and a splash of soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
4. Korean Iced Green Tea with Soju
Sticking with the green theme, you’ve got to try Korean Iced Green Tea with Soju. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool. Fill a glass with ice, then pour 30ml of green tea and 30ml of soju over the ice. Stir gently, and garnish with a lemon slice. This easy co*cktail is a refreshing fusion of cool green tea and smooth soju, resulting in a harmonious blend of earthy and crisp flavours complemented by a subtle touch of citrus when garnished with a lemon slice.
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5. Soju Caipirinha
The classic Caipirinha has been a staple on co*cktail menus around the globe for ages. To make the Korean-inspired version, muddle 2 lime wedges and 2 teaspoons of sugar in a glass. Fill the glass with ice and add 60ml of soju. Stir gently, and garnish with a lime wedge.
6. Soju Cosmo
Naturally, we had to give the classy Cosmo the soju treatment as well. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 60ml of soju, 30ml of cranberry juice, 30ml of lime juice, and 30ml of Grand Marnier. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist or a cranberry skewer. It’s tangy, zesty, rich, and invigorating all at once!
7. Yogurt Soju co*cktail
The Yogurt Soju co*cktail, also known as a Soju Yakult co*cktail, combines the kick of soju with Yakult, a creamy yogurt drink that many Koreans enjoyed as kids. To make a Yogurt Soju drink, fill a glass with ice and pour 60ml of soju over it. Top it up with 120ml of Yakult, and add a splash of lemon-lime soda like Sprite. Stir it gently and garnish with a lemon slice.
Love all things fermented? Fermented co*cktails: Why They’re Growing in Popularity
8. Subak Soju (Watermelon Soju)
A watermelon-based co*cktail is a thing of beauty on a hot summer day. To make a Subak Soju, cut a watermelon into cubes and remove the seeds. Blend the watermelon until smooth. In a glass, add 60ml of soju and pour the blended watermelon over it. Stir gently, and garnish with a watermelon slice.
9. Soju Sunrise
If you love the sweet zest of an Italian Sunrise or Tequila Sunrise, you’re going to adore a Soju Sunrise. Fill a glass with ice and add 60ml of soju. Slowly pour in 120ml of orange juice, allowing it to settle at the bottom. Gently pour 30ml of grenadine syrup over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. Garnish with an orange slice.
10. Raspberry Soju
Following in the slipstream of dainty drinks like the Raspberry Martini, the Raspberry Soju provides a beautiful way to showcase the tender taste of this picture-perfect fruit. In a glass, muddle a few fresh raspberries with 15ml of simple syrup. Add ice and 60ml of soju. Stir gently, and garnish with a few more raspberries.
11. Soju Lemonade
Love a Lemon Drop Martini? Then this is the soju co*cktail for you. In a glass, combine 60ml of soju, 30ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 30ml of simple syrup. Add ice and stir well. Garnish with a lemon slice. Easy as Sunday morning!
12.Poktanju (Soju Bomb)
This drink is a complete Korean pub classic. Fill a glass halfway with chilled beer. Place two chopsticks across the top of the glass. Pour the soju into a shot glass, and carefully balance it on top of the chopsticks. Now, slam your hands onto the table on either side of the glass and watch your shot of soju drop into the beer. Enjoy!
Read next: 10 Beer co*cktails for the Win
13. Soju Martini
Let’s venture off the beaten path to put an East Asian spin on the 007 classics. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 60ml of soju, 30ml of Cinzano Vermouth Bianco, and a dash of orange bitters. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.
More Martinis! 22 Types of Martinis You Should Know
14. Pineapple Soju
Totally tropical? Yes, please! In a blender, combine 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks, 60ml of soju, 30ml of coconut milk, and a handful of ice. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge. You can also use this recipe to make a lychee soju co*cktail or a peach soju co*cktail – simply switch out the fruit.
Island-style! 15 Totally Tropical Pineapple Juice co*cktails
15. Cucumber-Soju Coolers
If a Cucumber Martini hits all the right notes, it’s time to whip up a Cucumber-Soju Cooler, bestie. In a shaker, muddle a few cucumber slices with 30ml of simple syrup. Add ice, 60ml of soju, and the juice of 1/2 a lime. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice.
16. The Seoul Mule
Mule co*cktails are having a moment, and the East Asian version is giving major zesty energy. In a copper mug filled with ice, add 60ml of soju, 15ml of lime juice, and 120ml of ginger beer. Stir gently, and garnish with a lime wheel. Completely delicious!
17. Soju Royal Hawaiian
Imagine the Blue Hawaiian, but with a touch of regal swagger. This is the Soju Royal Hawaiian. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 60ml of soju, 30ml of pineapple juice, 15ml of orange juice, and 15ml of coconut cream. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.
18. Soju Sour
You’ve got to love a silky, frothy sour co*cktail! In a shaker, combine 60ml of soju, 30ml of lemon juice, 20ml of simple syrup, and 1 egg white (optional). Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon slice.
19. Soju Citrus co*cktail
Keen to clink a drink that tastes like a walk in an orange orchard first thing in the dew-dappled morning? Pour a Soju Citrus! In a glass, combine 60ml of soju, 30ml of orange juice, 30ml of grapefruit juice, and 15ml of lemon juice. Add ice and stir gently. Garnish with a citrus slice.
Learn more: Amp Up the Acidity by Adding Citric Acids to Your co*cktails
20. Soju Jello Shot
Jello shots are a universal party starter. Dissolve 1 package of flavoured jelly mix (like strawberry or lime) in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in 1 cup of soju. Pour the mixture into small shot cups and refrigerate until set. Bottoms up!
21. Soju Screwdriver
Keep it simple but enjoy a stupendous drink regardless. Fill a glass with ice and pour 60 ml of soju into the glass. Top it up with 120 ml of orange juice. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together. Garnish with an orange slice or wedge, if desired. This version of the classic Screwdriver is a pure delight!
22. Apple Soju co*cktail
If you love a crisp apple co*cktail, this Apple Soju co*cktail will be right up your alley. To make one, mix 60ml soju, and 60ml clear apple juice in a co*cktail shaker filled with ice. Strain it into a Martini glass, top off with 60ml soda water, and enjoy. We love pairing this drink with some sweet-and-sour pork noodles.
Read next: 11 Fruity Martini Recipes to Add Some Colour to Your Next Party
23. Grapefruit & Blood Orange Soju co*cktail
Why yes, flavoured soju is a thing. We love grapefruit soju, and this easy sipper is the perfect way to enjoy it on a hot day. To make a Grapefruit & Blood Orange Soju co*cktail add 45ml grapefruit soju and 60ml pulp-free blood orange juice to a co*cktail shaker with ice. Shake to combine, decant into a coupe glass, top it off with a splash of your favourite tonic water, and enjoy.
Also see: 12 Easy Grapefruit co*cktails Recipe to Try
24. Cojinganmek
Another popular way to drink soju in Korea is the pub classic called Cojinganmek. This is a layered drink, with two shot glasses inside of a beer mug. To make one, start by placing one shot glass in a beer mug and filling it halfway with cola. Then place the second shot glass inside of the first and fill completely with soju. Finally, fill the mug to the top with your choice of beer.
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There you have it – 24 amazing soju co*cktails to try at home. Which one will you try first? Remember to tag us when you share pictures of your DIY co*cktails on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to get the freshest drinkspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
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