20 Soju Cocktails to Master at Home

Get ready to beat the heat with a dazzling array of soju cocktails! 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 cocktails 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 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.  

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 favorite soju cocktail recipes to try at home:  

1. Mango Melona Soju Cocktail

Many popular cocktails with soju tend to lean into the tropical end of the flavor spectrum, and we love it. For those of you who don’t know, a melon bar is a creamy fruit-flavored Korean popsicle. To make this morish mango cocktail, mix equal parts mango soju and fizzy lemonade in a glass with ice. Then take the Melona bar out of the freezer, remove the wrapping, and gently stir the ice pop into the drink. Tasty, fun, and something completely different for your summer pool parties.  

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 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 cocktails with summery eats like Korean BBQ.  

3. Soju Mojito

Of course, soju cocktail recipes can also be tailored to be lean and green, like the always-classy Mojito. Muddle 6-8 fresh mint leaves, 1 oz of sugar, and the juice of 1 lime in a glass. Add ice, 2 oz 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 1 oz of green tea and 1 oz of soju over the ice. Stir gently, and garnish with a lemon slice (optional).  

This easy cocktail is a refreshing fusion of cool green tea and smooth soju, resulting in a harmonious blend of earthy and crisp flavors complemented by a subtle touch of citrus when garnished with a lemon slice. 

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. 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 2 oz 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 2 oz of soju, 1 oz of cranberry juice, 1/2 oz of lime juice, and 1/2 oz 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 Cocktail

The Yogurt Soju cocktail, also known as a Soju Yakult cocktail, 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 2 oz of soju over it. Top it up with 4 oz 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 Cocktails: Why They’re Growing in Popularity 

8. Subak Soju (Watermelon Soju)

A watermelon-based cocktail is a thing of beauty on a hot summer day. To make Subak Soju, cut a watermelon into cubes and remove the seeds. Blend the watermelon until smooth. In a glass, add 2 oz 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 2 oz of soju. Slowly pour in 4 oz of orange juice, allowing it to settle at the bottom. Gently pour 1 oz 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 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Add ice and 2 oz of soju. Stir gently, and garnish with a few more raspberries. 

11. Soju Lemonade

Love a Lemon Drop Martini? Then this is the soju cocktail for you. In a glass, combine 2 oz of soju, 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 oz 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 on the table on either side of the beer glass and watch the shot of soju drop into your drink. Enjoy!  

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 classics. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz of soju, 1 oz 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, 2 oz of soju, 1 oz 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 cocktail or a peach soju cocktail – simply switch out the fruit.  

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. In a shaker, muddle a few cucumber slices with 1 oz of simple syrup. Add ice, 2 oz 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 cocktails are having a moment, and the East Asian version is giving major zesty energy. In a copper mug filled with ice, add 2 oz of soju, 1/2 oz of lime juice, and 4 oz 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 2 oz of soju, 1 oz of pineapple juice, 1/2 oz of orange juice, and 1/2 oz of coconut cream. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry. 

18. Soju Sour

You’ve gotta love a silky, frothy, sour cocktail! In a shaker, combine 2 oz of soju, 1 oz of lemon juice, 3/4 oz 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 Cocktail

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 2 oz of soju, 1 oz of orange juice, 1 oz of grapefruit juice, and 1/2 oz 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 Cocktails 

20. Soju Jello Shot

Jello shots are a universal party starter. Dissolve 1 package of flavored jello 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!