Soju cocktails are cocktails that feature any flavor of soju, Korea’s national drink. This drink is historically and traditionally crafted from fermented rice, though other grains like sweet potato and cassava have become more popular in recent times.
There are many different flavors of soju, with the majority of flavors being lightly sweet and fruity, and this drink is typically consumed as shots or alongside beer during a night out with friends.
Soju cocktails are cocktails that utilize soju as the main ingredient and then add a number of other Western or East Asian-inspired ingredients to craft a unique cocktail beverage. Our article will give you more details about soju, including this liquor’s flavor profile, and what you should know about the incredibly popular soju cocktails.
Soju: What You Should Know
Soju is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is typically crafted from fermented rice. It dates back to the 13th century on the Korean Peninsula, and distilleries quickly sprung up throughout the country. The rice wine that soju is created from is traditionally fermented for about 15 days before being boiled and distilled.
While rice is traditional and the most common grain, some varieties of soju utilize other fermented grains to create the alcohol, such as cassava. This is typically done during historical periods of rice shortages or to create a specific flavor in the liquor.
Soju is clear and colorless, and the original unflavored version of this liquor is not sweet. It also doesn’t have much of a smell. This liquor is South Korea’s national drink, and it is beloved throughout the country. Soju is seen as a must-have at dinners, during Korean BBQ, and as an essential drink for going out with friends.
In recent years, soju’s popularity has spread to the United States, and this liquor is becoming more easily found for purchase and in cocktail creations at bars across the country.
What Is Soju’s Flavor Profile?
The traditional unflavored version of soju is the strongest, alcohol-wise, and it has a pure, crisp taste. It is similar to vodka, except soju is more neutral tasting and much easier to sip on or take as a quick shot. Generally, soju is served chilled to enhance the refreshing and clean flavors of this liquor.
There are several different flavor varieties of soju, with fruit flavors being the most popular. While South Korea has a larger selection of flavors and different soju varieties, the flavors typically available in the United States include green grape, grapefruit, peach, strawberry, and apple.
Each of these flavors will be very similar to the fruit itself, except not as sweet. The taste of flavored soju is also crisp and refreshing, and fruit flavors are ideal for blending into soju cocktails.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Soju?
Plain soju has the highest alcoholic content, with fruit-flavored soju being lower. Additionally, the manufacturer of the soju you are drinking can determine the exact alcoholic content. In general, soju will have an alcoholic content of between 12 and 20 percent ABV.
What Goes Well With Soju?
Soju is one of those drinks that is everywhere in Korea, and it can go well with most situations and dining options. In general, soju is enjoyed along Korean BBQ, as the crips and refreshing flavors of the liquor are an ideal match to the flavors of cooked meats.
A popular method of drinking soju is to mix a shot into beer, a combination called Somaek, which is a combination of the words soju and maekju (beer in Korean). Soju is typically consumed straight as a shot, though it can be mixed with soda water, lemon-lime soda, fruit juices, and even Korean yogurt drinks.
The Best Soju Cocktails
Soju cocktails are growing in popularity around the United States as more people discover the versatility and crisp, clean flavors of soju. Below, we give you several of our favorite soju cocktail recipes.
Soju Mojito
A twist on the classic mojito, the mint and lime flavors of this drink enhance the cool, crisp taste of plain soju. For this recipe, you will need:
- 6 to 8 mint leaves
- 1 oz of sugar
- 1 oz of lime juice
- 2 oz of plain soju
- Splash of soda water
Muddle your mint leaves in a glass, and then add your sugar and lime juice. Add ice, then pour in your soju. Give everything a stir, and then add a splash of soda water. Stir your drink again gently before garnishing with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
Strawberry Soju Cocktail
Refreshing and sweet, you can use plain soju or strawberry-flavored soju to complete this cocktail. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 2 oz of lemon juice
- 2 oz of simple syrup
- 2 oz of plain or strawberry soju
- Ice
Blend your strawberries with ice until smooth, and then add in your lemon juice, simple syrup, and soju. Blend until combined. Split your drink between two glasses and garnish with a slice of strawberry.
Soju Yogurt Cocktail
Soju yogurt cocktails are ever popular, and these drinks are made with an Asian yogurt drink, such as Yakult. For this recipe, you will need:
- 3 oz soju, plain or flavored
- 3 oz of Yakult, or another Asian yogurt drink
- 3 oz lemon-lime soda
Add soju and Yakult to a cocktail shaker with ice, shaking until combined. Pour into a glass filled with ice, and then top off the drink with your lemon-lime soda.
Soju Cosmo
The soju Cosmo is a twist on the original cosmopolitan cocktail that features vodka. Soju makes a great replacement due to its neutral and crisp taste. For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 oz of plain soju
- 1 oz of cranberry juice
- .5 oz of lime juice
- .5 oz of Grand Marnier, or another orange liqueur
Pour your soju, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Grand Mariner into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake your ingredients well until they are combined, and then strain your drink into a chilled martini glass. You can then garnish your drink with either a lime twist or a cranberry skewer.
Soju Mule
The soju mule is a refreshing twist on the mule, a drink typically made with vodka. You can use plain soju or a flavored soju to give your mule a hint of fruity freshness. For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 oz of plain or flavored soju
- .5 oz of lime juice
- 4 oz of ginger beer
You can use a copper mug, or you may want to just use a lowball glass for this drink. Fill your glass of choice with ice, and then add soju, lime juice, and ginger beer. Stir the drink gently to combine, and then garnish with a lime wheel or lime wedge and serve.
How to Serve a Soju Cocktail
Soju cocktails are typically served chilled, as keeping soju cold or serving it on ice is the best way to enhance the flavors of this liquor. In general, you will need a cocktail shaker, a cocktail glass or lowball glass, and ice for any soju cocktail you create. You may also need a long spoon for soju cocktails where the ingredients need to be gently served.
When serving your soju cocktail, you can serve the drinks alone or alongside either hot or cold food. These drinks are fruity and fairly versatile, so they are perfect for a warm summer’s day outside. They are a good addition to a Korean-inspired dinner, including at-home Korean BBQ dinners.
Some people may prefer to enjoy their soju cocktail after dinner, or as a pre-game drink before going out with friends.
Sipping Soju Cocktails
Soju cocktails are becoming increasingly popular around the United States, and these cocktails are a creative spin on the original soju liquor. Soju itself is very versatile and offers both clean and fruity flavors, and there is no limit to the creations you can craft with a bottle of soju.
Make sure you serve your soju cocktails chilled or on ice and enjoy them alongside your favorite Korean food to complete your soju cocktail experience.
