The Best Soju Cocktail Recipes

A refreshing spin on a classic, the Soju Mojito offers a delightful variation on the beloved cocktail. By infusing Soju’s smooth character with the invigorating freshness of mint and lime, bartenders can craft a drink that appeals to a wide range of palates. Perfect for warm weather or as a year-round favorite, this cocktail presents a refreshing option that will keep customers coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz soju
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Soda water
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by placing the fresh mint leaves and lime juice in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.
2. Gently muddle the mint leaves to release their aromatic oils, being careful not to over-muddle and extract bitterness.
3. Add the Soju and simple syrup to the shaker, followed by a handful of ice cubes.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously for fifteen to twenty seconds to chill the ingredients and properly incorporate the flavors.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into a highball glass filled with ice cubes, ensuring that the mint leaves are evenly distributed.
6. To add effervescence, top the glass with soda water and dilute the cocktail to your desired strength.
7. Give the cocktail a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
8. Garnish the Soju Mojito with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of this Soju-infused twist on a classic cocktail.

The Soju Martini offers a refined take on the classic cocktail, infusing it with the smooth and subtly sweet notes of Korean soju. This cocktail is perfect for patrons seeking an elegant, sophisticated drinking experience with a unique twist. By substituting traditional spirits with soju, bartenders can elevate the martini to new heights of sophistication.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz soju
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by chilling a martini glass in the freezer for at least ten minutes before preparing the cocktail. A chilled glass helps maintain the drink’s temperature and enhances its presentation.
2. Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
3. Measure two ounces of Soju and pour it into the mixing glass.
4. Add 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth to the Soju in the mixing glass.
5. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. Stirring helps to dilute and chill the cocktail while maintaining its clarity properly.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled Martini glass, using a Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer to catch any ice shards.
7. Garnish the Soju Martini with a twist of lemon peel or an olive, depending on personal preference. To create a lemon twist, use a vegetable peeler or knife to peel a thin strip of lemon zest, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
8. Express the oils from the lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by gently squeezing it over the glass, then drop it in as a garnish. Alternatively, skewer an olive and place it on the rim of the glass.
9. Serve the Soju Martini immediately while it’s still cold, allowing patrons to savor its smooth and sophisticated flavors with every sip.

The Soju Sangria combines the best of both worlds by infusing the classic Spanish beverage with the smooth and versatile flavor of Korean soju. This cocktail variation is perfect for gatherings and celebrations. By combining soju with red wine and a medley of fresh fruits, bartenders can create a soju-infused sangria that will appeal to those happy hour groups or birthday celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine (such as Rioja or Tempranillo)
• 1/2 cup Soju
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
• 1-2 cups soda water or lemon-lime soda, chilled
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine the red wine, Soju, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed orange juice, and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2. Add the sliced oranges, lemons, limes, apples, and mixed berries to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the fruits are evenly distributed.
3. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the fruits to infuse the sangria.
4. Add the chilled soda water or lemon-lime soda to the pitcher before serving and stir gently to combine. The soda adds effervescence and lightens the sangria, making it more refreshing.
5. Fill glasses with ice cubes and ladle the Soju Sangria into each glass, including plenty of fruit slices in each serving.
6. If desired, garnish each glass with a slice of orange or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
7. Serve the Soju Sangria immediately, allowing guests to enjoy its fruity and refreshing flavors with every sip.

The Soju Smash combines soju with the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, fruits, and other premium ingredients. This muddled masterpiece offers establishments an opportunity to showcase their mixology expertise while creating a drink that’s as flavorful as visually appealing.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Soju
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4-6 fresh mint leaves
• 2-3 slices of fresh cucumber
• 2-3 slices of fresh lime
• Ice cubes
• Club soda or sparkling water
• Fresh mint sprig and cucumber slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by placing the fresh mint leaves, cucumber, and lime slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.
2. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle the ingredients to release their aromatic oils and flavors. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can result in bitterness.
3. Add the Soju, simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker, followed by a handful of ice cubes.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously for fifteen to twenty seconds to chill the ingredients and properly incorporate the flavors.
5. Strain the shaker contents into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes, using a fine mesh strainer to catch any small herb or fruit particles.
6. Top the glass with club soda or sparkling water to add effervescence and lighten the cocktail.
7. Give the cocktail a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
8. Garnish the Soju Smash with a fresh mint sprig and a cucumber slice for extra flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve the Soju Smash immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of this muddled masterpiece.

Crafting different soju cocktails will help your bar or restaurant embrace the versatility of this Korean spirit, differentiate itself in a competitive market, and foster a loyal following of patrons eager to explore new and exciting cocktail offerings.