The Best Soju Cocktails to Shake Up Your Drink Game
Jump to:
- What is soju and why is it so popular?
- Essential ingredients for soju cocktails
- 1. Mango Melona Soju Cocktail
- 2. Strawberry Soju Cocktail
- 3. Soju Mojito
- 4. Korean Iced Green Tea with Soju
- 5. Soju Caipirinha
- 6. Soju Cosmo
- 7. Yogurt Soju Cocktail
- 8. Subak Soju (Watermelon Soju)
- 9. Soju Sunrise
- 10. Raspberry Soju
- 11. Soju Lemonade
- 12. Poktanju (Soju Bomb)
- 13. Soju Martini
- 14. Pineapple Soju
- 15. Cucumber-Soju Coolers
- 16. The Seoul Mule
- 17. Soju Royal Hawaiian
- 18. Soju Sour
- 19. Soju Citrus Cocktail
- 20. Soju Jello Shot
- 21. Apple Soju Cocktail
- 22. Grapefruit & Blood Orange Soju Cocktail
- 23. Cojinganmek
- 24. Soju & Tonic
- Tips for making the best soju cocktails
Light, smooth, and endlessly versatile, soju is a beloved Korean distilled spirit that’s quickly making waves in the cocktail world. With its mild flavour and lower ABV, it blends effortlessly into a variety of drinks, from crisp highballs to fruit-forward spritzers. Once a staple of Korean drinking culture, soju cocktails are now gaining global popularity, popping up in trendy bars and at-home mixology sessions alike. Ready to shake things up? Let’s explore the best soju cocktails to mix and enjoy at home.
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 cocktails.
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 cocktails. It has a neutral profile that serves as a perfect canvas for incorporating fruits, herbs, and other exciting ingredients, resulting in unique mixed drinks.
Pro tip! If you plan on serving soju cocktails at a party, but want to be prepared to offer less-adventurous clinkers an alternative base spirit, keep a bottle of SKYY Vodka handy. Vodka and soju both have a clear, well-balanced flavour, so it is easy to swap one for the other. You could also push out the boat by offering a flavoured vodka like SKYY Infusions Blood Orange if you want to lean into a more zesty vibe.
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.
Essential ingredients for soju cocktails
Wondering what to mix with soju? The good news is that the spirit’s smooth, mild profile makes it an incredibly adaptable base for all sorts of sensational sips. While classic plain soju is always a solid choice, flavoured soju, like grapefruit or peach, adds an extra dimension to fruit-forward drinks. For a richer texture, Yakult or coconut milk can bring a creamy contrast, while green tea or herbal infusions offer a more delicate, earthy balance.
When it comes to flavour pairings, soju shines alongside citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange, which brighten up its subtle character. Tropical ingredients such as mango, pineapple, and watermelon add a lush, sun-kissed sweetness, while fresh berries (especially strawberry and raspberry) enhance its natural crispness. If you prefer a more sophisticated twist, soju also blends wonderfully with floral and herbal elements like mint, cucumber, and green tea.
For serving, the right glassware and garnishes can elevate any soju cocktail. Highballs and Collins glasses are great for long, fizzy drinks, while coupes and martini glasses suit elegant, stirred creations. Mules, served in copper mugs, bring an extra chill factor, and traditional shot glasses are essential for Korean-style soju bombs.
Garnish options range from lime wedges and citrus twists to fresh herbs, fruit slices, and even fun elements like popsicles for a playful, eye-catching finish.
Also see: The Best Shochu Cocktails & Guide to the Famous Japanese Spirit
1. Mango Melona Soju Cocktail
The Mango Melona Soju Cocktail is tropical, creamy, and fun; a Korean-inspired serve that’s part drink, part dessert, and totally pool-party ready. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 120 ml Mango soju
- 120 ml Sprite or 7-Up
- 1 Mango Melona ice cream bar
- Ice
Method
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add the mango soju and Sprite
- Unwrap the Melona bar and place it in the glass
- Stir gently with the ice cream bar until the drink is chilled and creamy
More mango magic! 8 Deliciously Fresh Mango Cocktails You Must Try
2. Strawberry Soju Cocktail
This Strawberry Soju cocktail is as easy to sip as it is to whip up in the blender. Bright, fruity, and a little tangy, it’s a perfect match for laid-back summer vibes, and it pairs like a dream with Korean BBQ.
Ingredients
- 220 g Fresh strawberries
- 60 ml Lemon juice
- 60 ml Sugar syrup
- 60 ml Soju
- Ice
- Strawberry slice, to garnish
Method
- Add the strawberries, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soju to a blender with ice
- Blend until smooth
- Divide between two glasses
- Garnish with a strawberry slice
3. Soju Mojito
Of course, soju cocktail recipes can also be tailored to be lean and green, like the always-classy Mojito. Fresh mint, lime, and a splash of soda water keep it crisp, while soju adds a smooth twist to the Cuban classic.
Ingredients
- 6–8 Fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz Sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 oz Soju
- Splash of soda water
- Ice
- Mint sprig and lime wedge, to garnish
Method
- Muddle the mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice in a glass
- Fill the glass with ice
- Add the soju and a splash of soda water
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge
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4. Korean Iced Green Tea with Soju
This easy cocktail is a captivating 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
Ingredients
- 30 ml Green tea, cooled
- 30 ml Soju
- Ice
- Lemon slice, optional garnish
Method
- Fill a glass with ice
- Pour the green tea and soju over the ice
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a lemon slice if desired
Tea-riffic! Easy Tea Cocktails for Chilled Celebrations
5. Soju Caipirinha
The classic Caipirinha has been a staple on cocktail menus around the globe for ages. This Korean-inspired version swaps in soju for a lighter twist while keeping the lime-and-sugar combo that makes the drink a legend.
Ingredients
- 2 Lime wedges
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 60 ml Soju
- Ice
- Lime wedge, to garnish
Method
- Muddle the lime wedges and sugar in a glass
- Fill the glass with ice
- Add the soju
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Read next: Asian Cocktail Ingredients to Inspire Your Next Drink
6. Soju Cosmo
Naturally, we had to give the classy Cosmo the soju treatment as well. This version brings together soju, cranberry, lime, and a splash of Grand Marnier for a cocktail that’s tangy, zesty, rich, and invigorating all at once.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 30 ml Cranberry juice
- 15 ml Lime juice
- 15 ml Grand Marnier
- Ice
- Lime twist or cranberry skewer to garnish
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add the soju, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Grand Marnier
- Shake well
- Strain into a Martini glass
- Garnish with a lime twist or cranberry skewer
7. Yogurt Soju Cocktail
Also known as the Soju Yakult Cocktail, this fun serve mixes the kick of soju with Yakult (the creamy yogurt drink many Koreans grew up with), for a nostalgic twist that’s fizzy, tangy, and smooth all at once.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 120 ml Yakult
- Splash of lemon-lime soda (Sprite or similar)
- Ice
- Lemon slice, to garnish
Method
- Fill a glass with ice
- Pour in the soju
- Add the Yakult and a splash of lemon-lime soda
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a lemon slice
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8. Subak Soju (Watermelon Soju)
A watermelon-based cocktail is a thing of beauty on a hot summer day, and Subak Soju delivers exactly that: juicy, vibrant, and made for sipping outdoors.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- A cup of fresh watermelon, cubed and blended
- Ice
- Watermelon slice, to garnish
Method
- Cut the watermelon into cubes and remove the seeds
- Blend the watermelon until smooth
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add the soju and pour the blended watermelon over it
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a watermelon slice
Learn more: 30 Seasonal Cocktails to Make the Most of Fruit and Vegetables
9. Soju Sunrise
If you love the sweet zest of an Italian Sunrise or Tequila Sunrise, you’re going to adore the Soju Sunrise — a bright, layered cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 120 ml Orange juice
- 30 ml Grenadine syrup
- Ice
- Orange slice, to garnish
Method
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add the soju
- Slowly pour in the orange juice and let it settle
- Gently pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon to create layers
- Garnish with an orange slice
10. Raspberry Soju
Following in the slipstream of dainty drinks like the Raspberry Martini, the Raspberry Soju is a simple yet elegant way to let this picture-perfect fruit shine.
Ingredients
- 15 ml Sugar syrup
- Fresh Raspberries (a few for muddling, plus extra to garnish)
- 60 ml Soju
- Ice
Method
- Muddle the raspberries with the simple syrup in a glass
- Fill the glass with ice
- Add the soju
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a few fresh raspberries
Learn more: Navigating the Rich Tapestry of Korean Drinking Culture
11. Soju Lemonade
Love a Lemon Drop Martini? Then this is the soju cocktail for you—zesty, smooth, and as easy as Sunday morning.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 30 ml Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 30 ml Sugar syrup
- Ice
- Lemon slice, to garnish
Method
- Combine the soju, lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a glass
- Fill the glass with ice
- Stir well
- Garnish with a lemon slice
12. Poktanju (Soju Bomb)
This drink is a complete Korean pub classic—part cocktail, part drinking game, and all fun.
Ingredients
- 1 Shot soju
- Half a glass of chilled beer
Method
- Fill a glass halfway with chilled beer
- Place two chopsticks across the top of the glass
- Pour the soju into a shot glass and balance it on top of the chopsticks
- Slam your hands on the table beside the glass so the shot drops in
- Enjoy immediately
Read next: 10 Beer Cocktails for the Win
13. Soju Martini
Let’s venture off the beaten path to put an East Asian spin on the 007 classic: smooth soju, crisp vermouth, and a hint of orange bitters make this Martini both familiar and fresh.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 30 ml Cinzano Vermouth Bianco
- Dash of orange bitters
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olive, to garnish
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add the soju, vermouth, and orange bitters
- Shake well
- 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! This fruity blend of pineapple, coconut, and soju is smooth, sunny, and perfect for summer sipping, and it’s easy to swap in lychee or peach for a tasty twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks, fresh
- 60 ml Soju
- 30 ml Coconut milk
- Handful of Ice
- Pineapple wedge, to garnish
Method
- Add the pineapple, soju, coconut milk, and ice to a blender
- Blend until smooth
- Pour into a glass
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge
Island-style! 15 Totally Tropical Pineapple Juice Cocktails
15. Cucumber-Soju Coolers
If a Cucumber Martini hits all the right notes, it’s time to whip up a Cucumber-Soju Cooler, bestie. Fresh cucumber, tangy lime, and smooth soju make this one crisp, cool, and totally sippable.
Ingredients
- Cucumber slices (a few for muddling, plus extra to garnish)
- 30 ml Sugar syrup
- 60 ml Soju
- Juice of half a lime
- Ice
Method
- Muddle the cucumber slices with the sugar syrup in a shaker
- Add the soju, lime juice, and ice
- Shake well
- Strain into a glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a cucumber slice
16. The Seoul Mule
Mule cocktails are having a moment, and the East Asian version is giving major zesty energy. Smooth soju, fiery ginger beer, and fresh lime make this one completely delicious.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 15 ml Lime juice
- 120 ml Ginger beer
- Ice
- Lime wheel, to garnish
Method
- Fill a copper mug with ice
- Add the soju, lime juice, and ginger beer
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a lime wheel
17. Soju Royal Hawaiian
Imagine the Blue Hawaiian, but with a touch of regal swagger. The Soju Royal Hawaiian blends tropical pineapple, orange, and coconut with smooth soju for a drink that’s lush and lively.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 30 ml Pineapple juice
- 15 ml Orange juice
- 15 ml Coconut cream
- Ice
- Pineapple slice and cherry, to garnish
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add the soju, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream
- Shake well
- Strain into a glass
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry
18. Soju Sour
You’ve gotta love a silky, frothy sour cocktail, and this Soju Sour delivers just that with bright lemon, smooth soju, and the option of an egg white for that velvety finish.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 30 ml Lemon juice
- 20 ml Sugar syrup
- 1 Egg white (optional)
- Ice
- Lemon slice, to garnish
Method
- Add the soju, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker
- Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white
- Add ice and shake again
- Strain into a glass
- Garnish with a lemon slice
19. Soju Citrus Cocktail
Keen to clink a drink that tastes like a walk in an orange orchard first thing in the dew-dappled morning? The Soju Citrus layers orange, grapefruit, and lemon for a bright, zesty sip.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 30 ml Orange juice
- 30 ml Grapefruit juice
- 15 ml Lemon juice
- Ice
- Citrus slice, to garnish
Method
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add the soju, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a citrus slice
Learn more: Amp Up the Acidity by Adding Citric Acids to Your Cocktails
20. Soju Jello Shot
Jelly shots are a universal party starter, and swapping in soju gives them a fun Korean twist that’s fruity, boozy, and seriously easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 packet flavoured jelly mix (strawberry, lime, or your choice)
- 1 cup Boiling water
- 1 cup Soju
Method
- Dissolve the jelly mix in the boiling water and stir until fully dissolved
- Stir in the soju
- Pour the mixture into small shot cups
- Refrigerate until set
- Serve chilled
21. Apple Soju Cocktail
If you love a crisp apple cocktail, this Apple Soju Cocktail will be right up your alley. Smooth soju, clear apple juice, and fizzy soda water make it clean, bright, and super easy to sip, especially alongside sweet-and-sour pork noodles.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 60 ml Apple juice, clear
- 60 ml Soda water
- Ice
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add the soju and apple juice
- Shake well and strain into a Martini glass
- Top with soda water
- Enjoy immediately
Read next: 11 Fruity Martini Recipes to Add Some Colour to Your Next Party
22. Grapefruit & Blood Orange Soju Cocktail
Why yes, flavoured soju is a thing, and we’re here for it. Grapefruit soju pairs beautifully with blood orange juice in this easy sipper that’s made for hot days and golden-hour hangs.
Ingredients
- 45 ml Grapefruit soju
- 60 ml Blood orange juice, pulp-free
- Splash of tonic water
- Ice
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add the grapefruit soju and blood orange juice
- Shake to combine
- Strain into a coupe glass
- Top with a splash of tonic water
- Enjoy immediately
Also see: 12 Easy Grapefruit Cocktails Recipe to Try
23. Cojinganmek
Another popular way to drink soju in Korea is the pub classic called Cojinganmek. This layered serve stacks cola, soju, and beer in one epic glass for a bold, boozy combo that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Cola
- 45 ml Soju
- 180 ml Beer (lager or light beer works best)
Method
- Place one shot glass in a beer mug and fill it halfway with cola (about 60 ml)
- Place a second shot glass inside the first and fill it completely with soju (about 45 ml)
- Fill the rest of the beer mug with beer (about 180 ml)
- Serve immediately
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24. Soju & Tonic
If you love a classic Gin & Tonic, you need to try the Soju & Tonic. Simple yet amazing, this Korean twist keeps it crisp, bubbly, and ridiculously easy to pour.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Soju
- 120 ml Tonic water
- Ice
- Lemon or lime slices, to garnish
Method
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Add the soju and tonic water
- Stir gently
- Garnish with lemon or lime slices
Tips for making the best soju cocktails
Soju’s light, smooth profile makes it ideal for mixing, but achieving the perfect balance can elevate your cocktails to new heights. Here’s how to fine-tune the flavours for the perfect sip:
Too sweet? Add a splash of freshly squeezed lime or grapefruit juice to cut through the sweetness. A few dashes of bitters—like orange or aromatic—can also tone things down without making the drink too tart.
Too flat? A splash of soda water or tonic can liven things up with a bit of effervescence. If the flavours feel muted, a pinch of sea salt or a citrus zest garnish can help sharpen the drink’s profile.
Need a little body? A drizzle of honey, Yakult, or coconut milk can add richness, while muddled berries or melon bring texture and depth. If you want a silkier mouthfeel, shake the cocktail well to incorporate air and create a smoother sip.
Serving suggestions and food pairings
Soju cocktails make an excellent companion for various tasty dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a bright, fruity cocktail or a creamy, indulgent mix, here’s how to pair it perfectly:
Canapés: Soju cocktails pair very well with Korean fried chicken, tempura, and crispy spring rolls; the light flavours cut through rich, crunchy textures. For a more delicate start, fresh sushi, sashimi, or summer rolls bring out soju’s subtle smoothness.
Mains: Bold, flavourful mains like Korean BBQ, grilled seafood, and spicy noodle dishes match well with fruity or citrus-based soju cocktails, balancing heat with sweetness. If you prefer something heartier, try pairing creamy soju drinks with ramen or bibimbap, where the richness plays well against umami flavours.
Desserts: For a sweet finish, fruity soju cocktails shine alongside mochi, fruit tarts, or shaved ice desserts like bingsu. Creamier, yogurt-based soju mixed drinks can be served with cheesecake, panna cotta, or coconut-based treats, for a smooth, indulgent contrast.
There you have it — 25 amazing soju cocktails to try at home. Which one will you try first? Remember to tag us when you share pictures of your DIY cocktails on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to get the freshest drinkspiration delivered straight to your inbox. In the meantime, visit the Campari and Aperol websites for some more far-flung cocktail inspo.