Soju is the distilled spirit most associated with Korean culture, and is most often served neat. There’s lots of people that aren’t a fan of the taste, like any spirit drunk straight up. Personally I’m a big fan of drinking it the traditional way. But if you’re not, and you want to make it taste better, there’s a world of potential variations.
1. Mix soju with Coke
This is a popular way of drinking soju in the bars of Seoul. Mix it with beer too, and you’ve made yourself the popular cocktail called cojinganmek.
There are plenty of other spirits, like vodka or whisky, that get mixed with Coke to mask the taste of the alcohol. This works exactly the same with soju.
Because you’re normally putting in way more Coca-Cola (or Pepsi, depending on the bar) than spirit in the glass, that’s mostly what you can taste.
If you want to read more, you can read our full article about soju and coke.
2. Mix soju with Yakult
Yes, this sounds weird – but hear me out. It actually tastes great.
The creaminess and sweetness of the Yakult really cuts through the soju. Add in some 7Up or Sprite for a tangy hit of citrus, and you’ve got a fantastic, refreshing fizzy cocktail.
Want to learn more? We have more recipes at our full article about soju and Yakult.
3. Make a cocktail
If Coke or Yakult don’t tickle your taste buds, soju is a great substitute for other liquors in traditional cocktails.
Here are five ideas for simple, traditional cocktails you can make with soju:
Soju Martini
Ingredients: soju; dry vermouth; orange bitters.
- Combine soju with dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters in a glass.
- Stir to combine.
- If you want to, strain into a chilled martini glass; or if you don’t have one, leaving them in the original glass will be fine.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Soju Collins
Ingredients: soju; lemon juice; simple syrup (sugar and water); club soda.
- Combine soju, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake together, then strain the mixture into a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Top it off with club soda, and optionally, garnish with a wedge of lemon.
Soju Margarita
Ingredients: soju; lime juice; triple sec; salt.
- Combine soju, lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice.
- Shake them together to mix, and strain the mixture into a glass rimmed with salt.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Soju Gimlet
Ingredients: soju; lime juice; simple syrup (sugar and water).
- Combine soju, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake, then strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a wedge of lime.
Soju Mojito
Ingredients: soju; lime juice; simple syrup (sugar and water); club soda.
- Combine soju, lime juice, mint leaves, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake then strain into a glass (ideally filled with crushed ice).
- Top it off with club soda and a mint sprig, if you have one.
I hope these suggestions help inspire you to create some delicious cocktails with soju!
4. Mix soju with beer
Mix soju and beer, and you get a cocktail popular with locals and tourists alike.
Somaek is the name for this cocktail, which is made from a blend of soju and beer. The name comes from combining the Korean words for these two types of alcohol, soju and maekju.
Mix them in the ‘golden ratio’ of three parts soju to seven parts beer, and kick back with a drink that’s more refreshing and a bit tastier than straight soju.
Want to learn more? Just follow the link to find a whole article on somaek.
But what if you don’t have any mixers available? We have a few ideas to improve the taste – or at least reduce it!
5. Try flavoured soju
With a whole wealth of different flavours, there’s almost certainly a flavoured soju out there for you!
It seems like every time I go to a store or look online, there’s a new variety available. Whilst fruit flavours (like strawberry or lychee) are the most common, there’s also yoghurt, mint chocolate, and even rose flavoured soju.
So if you don’t like the taste of Original or Fresh soju, try a few different flavours of soju, and you’re sure to find one you like.
If you want to learn more about the different types available, we have a whole list of them waiting for you right here.
6. Chill it
Looking for a quick fix to make that not-so-great tasting shot of soju a little more palatable? Try chilling it!
It’s a simple trick, but the results might surprise you. Temperature can play a big role in the way flavours are perceived. According to research from Belgium’s Leuven University, cold drinks can often taste less bitter than the same drink at room temperature.
So if the bitter flavours of your soju are a little too strong for your liking, try sticking it in the fridge to tone them down. This will definitely make straight soju taste a bit nicer.
But it’s not just about the flavours. There’s something undeniably refreshing about a cold soju on a hot day.
7. Add ice
OK, this is pretty similar to the last suggestion, I admit.
What about if you don’t have a fridge handy, though? You might be able to get hold of some ice at the same shop you’ve bought your soju from.
Try crushing the ice for a longer, smoother drink.
Sure, this won’t work if you’re drinking soju the traditional way out of a shot glass.
But if you don’t like the taste of soju anyway – why stick to tradition?
Conclusion
Soju is a drink with a unique flavour, that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With a few simple modifications, the taste of soju can be enhanced to create a truly remarkable experience.
From adding ingredients, to seeking out soju infused with flavours, to experimenting with different types of ice, there are numerous ways to make soju taste better.
Ultimately, by having an open mind and being willing to experiment, anyone can find the perfect way to enjoy this delicious and versatile drink.
With these seven tips, you should be well on your way to creating the perfect soju experience.