20 Soju Cocktail Recipes for Every Soju Fan

Soju is a distilled Korean rice liquor. Although this may be your first time hearing of it, soju is one of the most consumed liquors in the world. It comes in different fruit flavors, making it a perfect base for any cocktail. Try making some of these soju mixed drinks for any occasion. 

Begin your soju cocktail adventure

Start by seeing what you have on hand. Soju comes in a multitude of different flavors, pairs divinely with nearly any juice or mixer, and can be substituted for most liquors.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Fresh Mint (0.66 oz)

Orange Juice (64 fl oz)

Watermelon (1 lb)

SOONHARI Korean Soju Strawberry (375 ml)

Mini Cucumber (1 lb bag)

Ginger Beer ()

America's Choice Tea Bags, Green Tea (48 each)

Hitejinrousa Jinro Grapefruit (375 ml)

Creative soju cocktails

While these beverages aren’t all common in Korea, here are our favorite inventive soju cocktail recipes to kick off your soju journey.

1. Korean yogurt soju cocktail

This is the most popular way soju is consumed in Korea, second only to directly from the bottle to a glass. The recipe is 1 part soju, 1 part yogurt drink, and 1 part lemon-lime soda. Try mixing different flavors of soju and yogurt drink to find your favorite combination of this soju Korean drink.

2. Somaek

This is another traditional cocktail made with soju. The golden ratio is 3 parts soju to 7 parts beer, but it can easily be adjusted to your taste. It is best to use a light beer or a lager for this beverage.

3. Cojinganmek

Another popular way to drink soju in Korea is the cojinganmek. This is a layered drink, meaning there are 2 shot glasses inside of a beer mug. Start by putting the first shot glass in the mug and fill it halfway with cola. Place the second shot glass inside of the first and fill completely with soju. Finally, fill the mug to the top with beer. 

4. Apple-soju cocktail

Make sure you have a martini glass handy for this delicious cocktail. Mix equal parts apple juice, seltzer, and soju in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an apple slice.

5. Soju mojito

By replacing the rum in a mojito with soju, you can enjoy a few more drinks during your evening without feeling sick. Put a sliced lime, mint, and sugar in a cocktail shaker and muddle until broken down. Add 2 oz of soju and shake. Pour into a highball glass and top with sparkling water.

6. Soju sunrise

This is the perfect cocktail to enjoy on the beach. Mix 1 part soju, 1.5 parts fresh orange juice, and .25 part grenadine in a cocktail shaker and pour into a chilled tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

7. Watermelon soju

Start by taking a watermelon and cutting it in half. Remove all of the fruit and run through your blender until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any seeds or pulp. Mix equal parts juice and soju, and then pour it back into the watermelon to serve as a punch.

8. Strawberry and ginger soju

Ginger will give this cocktail a little kick, while the strawberries give it some sweetness. Muddle a 1in chunk of ginger along with a few strawberries and a pinch of salt and sugar in your mixer. Then muddle basil leaves until their aroma is palpable. Top with 2 oz of strawberry soju, shake, and serve over ice. 

9. Oi boy

“Oi” is the Korean translation of cucumber, and this drink will have you saying “Oh boy!” Simply muddle 3 slices of cucumber in your shaker, and then add in 2 oz soju, .75 oz ginger liqueur, and .75 oz lemon juice. Shake, strain, and serve into a chilled cocktail glass.

10. Soju caipirinha

The caipirinha is the national cocktail of Brazil, but here’s how to add a Korean twist to it. Place half of a sliced lime in your cocktail shaker along with sugarcane or 1tsp of sugar. Muddle the mixture and then add 2 oz of soju. Serve in a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a sugarcane stick.

11. Korean mule

If you like Moscow Mules, you’ll love the Korean mule. Just substitute soju for the vodka and top with ginger beer and lime juice. Try it with ginger or lime-flavored soju for extra flavor.

12. Melona-ju

There are only 3 ingredients in this frozen margarita-like cocktail. Blend melon flavored popsicles with soju and some lemon-lime soda, and you’re ready to drink. 

13. Iced soju green tea

Start off this summer drink by making a simple syrup with green tea bags and sugar. Add this mixture to a glass of soju on ice. Garnish the drink with a lemon wedge. 

14. Sour Seoul

Similar to a whiskey sour, this soju sour is easy to drink with great sweet and sour notes. Shake together 2 oz soju, .75 oz lemon juice, and .75 oz simple syrup. Strain and serve into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

15. Bloody soju

Soju can even be used as a hair-of-the-dog hangover recovery drink. This extra spicy Bloody Mary is filled with Korean spice blends, yuzu juice, garlic hot sauce, and soju. Finish off the spin with a garnish of kimchi.

16. Soju slushie

Get out your blender for this frozen cocktail. Throw in 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 2 oz of soju, and 1 cup of ice, and sugar to taste. Blend until the is smooth. Pour into a chilled glass with a straw and garnish with a sliced strawberry. 

17. Soju negroni

Begin this unique negroni by infusing the soju with jasmine tea leaves. The soju is then mixed with sweet vermouth, a bitter Italian aperitif liqueur, and bitters. Garnish with an orange peel.

18. Soju martini

If you are in a fancy mood, give this martini a try. Just mix 2 oz of soju, 1 oz of elderflower liqueur, and .5 oz of orange triple sec in a cocktail mixer. Shake or stir and pour into a chilled martini glass. 

19. Soju and tonic

For this riff on the classic gin and tonic, all you have to do is replace the gin with soju and add in tonic water. If you have lime-flavored soju on hand, you won’t even need a lime.

20. Grapefruit and soju

This tart treat is easy to make in batches. Combine 1 qt of fresh grapefruit juice with 1 cup of grapefruit soju, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Serve with a splash of club soda for some fizz.

How is soju traditionally enjoyed in Korea?

Soju is traditionally enjoyed as is or mixed with beer. In Korea, friends and coworkers celebrate the end of the work day by going out and playing soju drinking games at restaurants. The bottles in Korea contain exactly 7.5 shots and the person who gets the half has to buy the next bottle.

Final thoughts on soju cocktails

There are so many soju cocktail recipes to explore, try experimenting with a variety of styles, flavors, and mixed drinks. You don’t have to run to the store each time you want to try a new cocktail. With Instacart, just fill your cart and choose same-day delivery or pick up.

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