Koreans love Soju. However, Soju is not for everyone. While Soju is a Korean alcoholic drink that is neutral in taste compared to harsh spirits like vodka, some simply don’t like the taste of Soju. The good news is that because Soju has a mellow taste, it is perfect for making cocktails. But what are the best soju cocktails? We at SEOULSPACE decided to try all the best soju cocktails to see which offer the best flavor and something you can make at home without having to buy a lot of ingredients. Most of these soju cocktail recipes can be made with any type of Korean soju brand.
Soju Watermelon Cocktail
Watermelon in Korean is “Subak”, and Subak Soju is one of the best soju cocktails. It is the perfect soju cocktail for those hot Korean summer months. The ideal time to buy watermelon in South Korea is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, watermelons are in season and are widely available in markets and supermarkets throughout the country.
Directions:
- Scoop the watermelon (seedless) into a blender and fill it to the top.
- Blend the watermelon until the chunks become slush.
- Use a colander to capture the watermelon liquid.
- The cocktail should be equal parts soju and equal parts watermelon liquid.
- Add ice and serve!
Yakult Soju Cocktail
Yakult is a very popular and loved drink in Korea. It is especially popular with kids as it has a lovely taste. It is a sweetened probiotic milk beverage fermented with a strain of bacteria unique to Yakult. Yakult is sold in any Korean market. It typically comes in a pack of five, and each container holds around 2-3 fl oz of Yakult.
In addition, Yakult is known for its health benefits, as it contains millions of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain) that can help support digestive health and overall well-being. In a country like South Korea, where health and wellness are highly valued, Yakult has become a popular choice for those looking to improve their gut health.
Directions:
- Mix equal parts of Soju and Sprite into a container.
- Add two small containers of Yakult.
- Mix it.
- Add ice and serve!
Lemon Soju Cocktail
Lemon Soju is great for those that love lemonade. It takes a lot like a lemon drop; the best part is that you can adjust the level of sweetness based on your taste. The best time to buy lemons in South Korea is typically from late spring to early autumn, from May to September. When buying lemons in South Korea, it’s important to choose fruit that is heavy for its size, with a smooth and symmetrical shape, and a thin, yellow skin. Ripe lemons will also produce a strong aroma when gently squeezed.
Directions:
- Add one bottle of Soju, 1 cup of water, 2 cups of Sprite, and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add two tablespoons of white sugar (add more or less based on how sweet you want the cocktail to be).
- Mix it.
- Add ice and serve!
Soju Mojito
Those that love Mojito will love Soju Mojito as it is not as strong as regular Mojitos. Two Soju Mojito cocktails have the same alcohol content as one regular Mojito. Most major supermarkets in South Korea carry fresh mint leaves, which are typically sold in small bunches or in packages.
Directions:
- Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of Sprite, three tablespoons of sugar, one bottle of soju, and ten fresh mint leaves.
- Add one tablespoon of lime juice and the leftover lime.
- Mix it all.
- Add ice and serve!
Apple Soju Cocktail
Apple soju cocktail is very easy to make, and you don’t have to buy apples to make it. Depending on the apple juice, you can make it as sweet or fresh as you like. South Korean apples are known for their high quality, juicy texture, and sweet flavor and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Directions:
- Add 1 cup of apple juice, 1 cup of Soju, and 1 cup of sparkling water (Or Sprite).
- Mix it. Add Lemon wedge (optional).
- Add ice and serve!
Pear Soju Cocktail
Pear Soju will be one of the more difficult soju cocktails to make because to make it, you will need to get Korean pear. Korean pears are typically sold in all Korean markets. If you can’t find a Korean pear, don’t use a normal pear, as it will not taste as good. Korean pears tend to have a sweeter, juicier flavor compared to American pears. They are often described as having a honey-like flavor and are sometimes referred to as “Asian pears.” American pears tend to be less sweet, with a slightly gritty texture and are often used in cooking and baking.
In addition, Korean pears have a crisp, crunchy texture, similar to an apple, while American pears have a softer, buttery texture. This difference in texture is due to the starch content of the fruit. Korean pears tend to have a rounder, more rounded shape, while American pears are typically more elongated and narrow. If you can’t find a Korean pear, skip this recipe altogether.
Directions:
- Mix one bottle of Soju, 1 cup of minced Korean pear, and 2 cups of Sprite.
- Mix it.
- Add ice and serve!
Milkis Soju Cocktail
Milkis is a Korean carbonated beverage with milk that creates a creamy taste. It is available in many flavors, such as strawberry, peach, apple, etc. However, the best flavor remains the original. However, this cocktail can be used with any flavored Milkis to give that added fruit flavor. A can or bottle of Milkis can cost anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 South Korean Won (approximately 1 to 3 US dollars) in a grocery store or convenience store.
Directions:
- Add one can of Milkis (8 oz) and two shots of soju.
- Mix it.
- Add ice and serve!
Strawberry Soju Cocktail
Those that are fans of strawberries will love this soju cocktail. It is very easy to make, and many variations can be done for those looking to add that extra flavor. The best time to buy strawberries in South Korea is typically from May to July. This is when strawberries are in season and are grown locally in South Korea, which means that they are fresher and often more affordable than strawberries imported from other countries.
Directions:
- Blend 6 strawberries, 2 cups of water, 1 cup of Sprite, and 1 cup of soju into a blender.
- Blend and add one container of Yakult (optional).
- Mix.
- Add ice and serve!
Screwdriver Soju Cocktail
The Screwdriver is a classic drink in the United States. But in Korea, it is not as popular; however, it is the perfect cocktail for Soju as you can replace the Vodka with a less harsh and smoother Soju. Korea is home to the sweet and sour hallabong, a type of tangerine mainly produced on Jeju Island. It has a higher sugar content than typical oranges and is very juicy. Hallabong oranges are easily recognizable by their distinct, round shape and deep orange color. They are also often slightly larger than other types of oranges, which makes them stand out on the shelf.
Directions:
- Add 2 cups of orange juice (hallabong if possible) and four shots of Soju.
- Mix it.
- Add ice and serve.
Hot Six (Red Bull) Soju
Hot Six is the Red Bull of Korea, but you can also use Monster or any other type of energy drink. It is also a secret hangover drink for those recovering from a long soju night. Hot Six may be more widely available and more affordable than Red Bull in South Korea, which could make it a more appealing option.
Directions:
- Add two cups of Soju, 1 cup of energy drink, and 1 cup of Sprite.
- Mix it.
- Add a splash of lime (optional)
- Add ice and serve!