2020 is certainly a year of retrospection and a year which we finally get started on our hobbies and DIY projects that have been left undone in the past. I know we’re all daydreaming about our next holiday abroad but looks like the idea of jetting off to someplace far isn’t the most practical at the moment. In the meantime, we could all make do with staycations, playing tourists in our own city, picking up an online course at home, and throwing picnics!
When it comes to picnic, what kind of drinks do you usually bring? Fruit punch or bottles of bubbly? How about levelling up your picnic with these 4 tasty Korean Soju Cocktail recipes that are so easy to make on the go! Don’t forget to chill the soju and mixers in an ice cooler box.
Soju is the spirit of choice in South Korea and the locals often consumed it neat. Soju pairs well with spicy and tangy Korean cuisine. For those looking for something sweet, Soju is also a versatile spirit, just like vodka, it works well as a base for cocktails!
Not a big fan of Soju because of its astringent taste? The 4 recipes below will change your impression of Soju and you might be hooked on making more drinks with it!
1. The Melona-Ju Cocktail
My favourite Soju-based cocktail because it has bubbles and ice cream! A glass of Melona-Ju is what you need to beat the heat! As its name implies, Melona-Ju is simply Soju mixed with Melona stick bar icecream.
For the uninitiated, Melona stick bar ice cream is a honeydew melon-flavoured ice cream bar that is well-loved by the Koreans as a summertime snack.
You’ll only need three key ingredients: a bottle of soju, Melona stick bar ice cream and a bottle of carbonated flavoured drink (7UP or Chilsung Cider). Melona-Ju is like an alcoholic milkshake. For those who are using a flavoured bottle of Soju, you’ll only need Melona stick bar ice cream in the mix.
Ingredients (1 Serving)
- 3 shots of Soju
- 200ml of carbonated flavoured drink (7UP or Chilsung Cider), adjust to taste
- 1 Melona stick bar ice cream (Alternatively, you can try it with WALL’s Solero Split Lime ice cream)
How to Make
- Pour the 3 shots of Soju into a glass
- Add the carbonated flavoured drink
- Stir the drink with Melona ice cream and enjoy!
2. Soju Sunrise
For a refreshing taste of summer, Soju Sunrise will not disappoint and it’s extremely easy to make with two key ingredients: a bottle of soju and pineapple juice! This is the Korean version of Tequila Sunrise!
Ingredients (1 Serving)
- 4 shots of Soju
- 200ml of pineapple juice (best served chilled)
- 1/2 cup of ice cubes
- 50ml of Grenadine or Raspberry liqueur (optional)
- Orange or Apple slices for garnish
How to Make
- Mix soju and pineapple juice together
- Pour into a glass over ice
- Slowly pour the grenadine or raspberry liqueur into the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the glass
- Top it off with orange or apple slices and there you have it in your hand, Soju Sunrise!
3. Yoghurt Soju
Another cocktail you can make in less than 5 minutes with Soju and a bottle of Yoghurt drink or Yakult. There is plenty of flavoured Soju in the market too for you to experiment with, especially for those who prefer something sweeter, you can opt for Peach or Strawberry Soju. Just a word of caution, Yoghurt Soju is so tasty to drink that you might end up getting intoxicated too soon.
Not sure which yoghurt drink to use? There’s another ready-made alternative, check out these yoghurt flavoured Soju by Chumchurum!
Ingredients (1 Serving)
- 2 shots of Soju
- Half a glass of Yakult or Yoghurt drink
- A few ice cubes
How to Make
- Mix Soju and Yakult together
- Pour over a glass of ice and enjoy!
4. Watermelon Soju Cocktail
The crowd-pleaser, Watermelon Soju cocktail is easy to prepare and easy to drink! You’ll find them on the menu in every Korean BBQ restaurant. You can turn them into slushies by blending the mixture with ice too.
Ingredients (6 Servings)
- 1 Bottle of Soju
- 1 Large Watermelon
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- A can of Sprite
How to Make
- Halve the watermelon and cut about a quarter-inch off of the bottom of your watermelon to make it flat. Use the other half of the watermelon as a refiller.
- Scoop out the watermelon flesh and remove the seeds (if any) and set aside the scooped flesh.
- Blend the scooped watermelon flesh with sprite and soju.
- Pour the blended mixture into the halved watermelon rind bowl and add ice cubes.
Don’t underestimate the alcohol content in a bottle of Soju, you might be drunk before you know it! So drink in moderation!
