Soju Cocktails

Soju-rita

• 2 oz. Soju
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. triple sec
• 1/2 oz. agave syrup
• 1/2 oz. orange juice
• Tajín seasoning
• Ice

Directions: Rim a glass with Tajín seasoning. Fill the glass with ice. In a shaker, combine the Soju, lime juice, triple sec, agave syrup, and orange juice. Shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Soju-tini

• 2 oz. Soju
• 1 oz. elderflower liqueur
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. honey syrup
• Edible flower for garnish
• Ice

Directions: Fill a shaker with ice. Add the Soju, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an edible flower.

Soju Sunrise

• 2 oz. Soju
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 1 oz. grenadine syrup
• Ice

Directions: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the Soju, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. Stir gently until the ingredients are mixed well. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Soju Mojito

• 2 oz. Soju
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Ice

Directions: Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the Soju, lime juice, and simple syrup. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Soju Martini

• 2 oz. Soju
• 1 oz. dry vermouth
• Ice

Directions: Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in the Soju and dry vermouth. Shake well until the ingredients are mixed and chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an olive or a twist of lemon.

Soju Screwdriver

• 2 oz. Soju
• 4 oz. orange juice
• Ice

Directions: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the Soju and orange juice. Stir gently until the ingredients are mixed well. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Soju Sour

• 2 oz. Soju
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• Ice

Directions: Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in the Soju, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well until the ingredients are mixed and chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Soju Paloma

• 1 1/2 oz. Soju
• 3 oz. grapefruit soda
• 1 oz. lime juice
• Salt
• Ice

Directions: Rim a glass with salt. Fill the glass with ice. Add the Soju, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. Stir gently and serve.

Soju Sangria

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/2 cup Soju
• 1/4 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• Sliced fruit (apples, oranges, strawberries, etc.)
• Ice

Directions: In a pitcher, combine the wine, Soju, triple sec, simple syrup, and sliced fruit. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with additional fruit.

Soju Spritz

• 2 oz. Soju
• 2 oz. Aperol
• 2 oz. sparkling water
• Orange twist
• Ice

Directions: Fill a glass with ice. Add the Soju, Aperol, and sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist.

Soju Moscow Mule

• 2 oz. Soju
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. ginger beer
• Lime wedge
• Ice

Directions: Fill a copper mug with ice. Add the Soju, lime juice, and simple syrup. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Soju Sparkler

• 2 oz. Soju
• 1 oz. pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz. rose syrup
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• Sparkling water
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish
• Ice

Directions: Fill a glass with ice. Add the Soju, pomegranate juice, rose syrup, and lemon juice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

About Soju

Origin: Soju has its origins in Korea and is believed to have been first produced during the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. It was initially made from grains like rice, wheat, and barley, and was used as a medicine before it became a popular alcoholic beverage.

Ingredients: The main ingredients used in the production of Soju are rice, wheat, or barley. Other ingredients such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tapioca can also be used. In addition, water and yeast are added to the mixture to facilitate fermentation. The ingredients used in the production of Soju can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of Soju being produced.

Flavor and Proof: Soju has a relatively mild and clean taste compared to other spirits like vodka or whiskey. It is typically colorless and has a mild aroma with a slight sweetness. Soju can have varying proof levels, but typically ranges from 16% to 25% ABV.

Usage and Serving: Soju can be enjoyed neat, chilled, or mixed with other beverages, such as fruit juices or sodas. It is a popular drink for social gatherings and is often served with Korean barbeque or other types of Korean cuisine. Soju can also be used as a base spirit for cocktails.

Production and Manufacturers: Soju is traditionally produced through the process of distillation, but some modern Soju manufacturers use other methods like diluting ethanol with water. Major Soju manufacturers include Jinro, Lotte, and HiteJinro.

Variations: There are different types of Soju, including traditional Soju, which is made from rice, wheat, or barley, and fruit-flavored Soju, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some fruit-flavored Soju variations include grapefruit, peach, and green grape. There are also premium Soju variations that are made from higher quality ingredients and have a smoother taste.

Soju can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create different flavor combinations. Here are some options for what Soju can be mixed with:

1. Citrus juices: Soju pairs well with citrus juices such as lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. These juices add acidity and bright flavors to cocktails.
2. Fruits: Soju can be mixed with various fruits like watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, and lychee. These fruits add sweetness and fruity notes to cocktails.
3. Herbal liqueurs: Mixing Soju with herbal liqueurs such as Chartreuse or Campari can add complexity and depth of flavor to cocktails.
4. Bitters: Adding a few drops of bitters to a Soju cocktail can add a new layer of flavor and complexity.
5. Tea: Soju can be mixed with tea, either hot or iced. Green tea, jasmine tea, and matcha tea are great options for creating unique and refreshing Soju cocktails.
6. Soda water: For a lighter and more refreshing drink, mix Soju with soda water or sparkling water. This is a great option for those who prefer a less sweet cocktail.