5 Korean Soju Cocktails For A Mix Of Tradition With Modern Flavours
In Korean culinary and drinking cultures, soju occupies a place of prominence as a liquor consumed for its clear, refreshing and simultaneously titillating notes. The spirit is made by fermenting grains like rice or even by distilling liquid obtained after fermenting sweet potatoes to produce a drink that is clean, crisp and light in taste.
Such a flavour profile makes soju a very versatile spirit that can be paired with several spicy and savoury foods. Over time, it has also become a favourite among mixologists because soju can be used as an alternative to lots of different spirits in the preparation of many signature cocktails.
As a base spirit in cocktail blends, soju triumphs because it has a flavour lighter than vodka or gin which allows it to embody the robust tastes of fruit juices, sodas and other mixers that are added to cocktail concoctions. You can craft a number of delicious Korean soju cocktails inspired by the flavours of this region for a stunning blend of classic drinking traditions with modern mixology.
Read on below to know more about the soju cocktails you can prepare the next time you are hosting a cocktail party at home:
Soju Somaek
Bring together the clear spirit with a pint of beer to prepare a drink that is a blend of Korean drinking traditions with contemporary cocktail cultures.
You would need a shot glass to enjoy this drink because a soju bomb or somaek is prepared by filling a pint glass with beer and pouring the soju in a separate shot glass. This container is then dropped into the pint glass and the drink is gulped down immediately to savour the notes of the beer with the soju.
Prepare this drink to induce a heady buzz at a Korean BBQ you plan to host.
Soju Mojito
A batch cocktail that can be prepared at the next house party you host, a soju mojito can be put together by muddling mint, sugar and lime juice in a large vessel and adding to it sumptuous splashes of soda water and soju.
The drink will acquire a light and sharp quality because of the mint and an adequately boozy touch owing to the soju that will make it a bonafide showstopper at your party.
This cocktail can also be your go to when you are hosting a slumber party and want to savour a tipsy buzz between gossip sessions.
Korean Green Tea Soju Blend
For a more elegant and sophisticated touch to your cocktail hour, bring together a refreshing green tea with soju in a rather complex blend of flavours. You can brew green tea and let it cool before filling up a glass with ice, tea and a splash of soju. Garnish the drink with a lemon wedge for a slightly sour flavour.
The blend of the earthy profile of the green tea with the crisp taste of the soju crafts a fresh combination that is the perfect fusion for your more formal cocktail evenings.
Korean Soju Mule
Mule cocktails that bring together a spirit with ginger beer are very popular for their sharp flavour components. You can prepare a soju mule simply by blending this Korean spirit with the fresh notes of ginger beer and a dash of lime juice. This blend makes for a very clean and sharp cocktail that is thoroughly delicious and inviting.
You can serve the soju mule as an accompaniment with spicy dishes like Korean BBQ chicken or hot wings for a stunning flavour explosion.
Soju Sangria
Another contemporary spin on the classic way of drinking soju is bringing this spirit together with freshly cut fruits like oranges, lemons and berries as well as citrus fruit juices and a lot of red wine to prepare a Korean-inspired rendition of the sangria.
This cocktail can be made in bulk and you can serve a delicious soju sangria comprising the clear yet potent tasting notes of this spirit when you want to host game night or a party for your more intimate group of friends and peers.
