I’m Kayla, and I like simple drinks that taste clean. I also hate hangovers. (That obsession led me to experiment with supposedly “better-for-you” drinks in another test run that actually taste good.) So this week I tested soju cocktails in my small kitchen. (The full play-by-play lives here.) I used real bottles. I made a mess. I took notes on taste, cost, and how my head felt the next morning. You know what? Soju is friendlier than I expected.
I thought it would be harsh. It isn’t. Well, not if you chill it first.
What I used (yes, the real stuff)
- Soju: Jinro Chamisul Fresh, Chum Churum, and Good Day Peach
- Mixers: Yakult, Calpico, fresh lime, mint, OJ, grenadine, club soda, Chilsung Cider (Sprite also works)
- Beer for somaek: Hite and Cass
- Tools: OXO jigger, a cheap muddler, a Boston shaker, ice from a silicone tray, two tall IKEA glasses
I grabbed most of this at H Mart. The cashier laughed at my basket. Fair.
For extra inspiration, I skimmed the cocktail list at Roosterfish Bar and stole a couple flavor combos worth testing.
Turns out many of these simple mixers echo the quick “CU cocktail” culture you’ll spot in Seoul’s 24/7 marts—this deep dive explains the convenience-store craze.
Recipe 1: Yogurt Soju (Yakult-ju) — The Crowd Pleaser
I made this first because my cousin loves it. I see why.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle chilled soju (375 ml)
- 3 bottles Yakult
- 1 can Chilsung Cider or Sprite
- Ice
How I made it:
- I built it in a pitcher. Soju first, Yakult next, then soda.
- I stirred once—soft, not wild—so I kept some fizz.
What it tastes like:
- It’s creamy, a little tangy, like a grown-up orange push pop without the orange.
- Light and bright. Not heavy. The fizz keeps it fun.
What I liked:
- Easy math. Easy pour. Good for groups.
- People who “don’t drink” said yes to this.
What I didn’t:
- It’s sweet. Too sweet for me after glass two.
- If the soda gets warm, the drink feels flat and sticky.
Tip I learned the hard way:
- Use very cold Yakult. If it’s warm, it curdles a bit and looks weird.
My rating: 8/10. Party-safe. Not my “every night” drink.
Recipe 2: Soju Mojito — Fresh, Minty, A Tad Sneaky
I wanted something greener and less sweet. This did it.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz soju
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 8–10 mint leaves
- Club soda
- Crushed ice
How I made it:
- I muddled mint with syrup. Soft press, not smash. I learned that the hard way when I made a bitter batch last month.
- I added soju and lime, shook with ice, strained into a tall glass, and topped with soda.
What it tastes like:
- Clean mint. Bright lime. Soju keeps it smooth.
- Lighter than a rum mojito, in a good way. You can sip this and still talk.
What I liked:
- Fresh and crisp. Not sugary.
- My kitchen smelled like a garden.
What I didn’t:
- If you don’t strain, mint sticks to your teeth. Cute? No.
- The drink can taste thin if you skimp on lime.
Small mistake I made:
- I used old limes once. It tasted dull. Fresh limes or skip it.
My rating: 9/10 with fresh lime. 7/10 with tired produce.
Recipe 3: Soju Sunrise — Brunch Pretty, Sugar Heavy
This looks like a postcard. It drinks like one too.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz soju
- 4 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine (I used Rose’s)
- Ice
How I made it:
- I built it in a glass with ice. Soju, OJ, then a slow pour of grenadine so it sinks.
What it tastes like:
- Orange first, then candy cherry.
- It’s soft, sweet, and very brunch-y.
What I liked:
- Great color. Friends took photos.
- Easy pour, no shaker needed.
What I didn’t:
- Too sweet for me after one.
- If your OJ isn’t cold, the drink tastes flat.
My rating: 7/10 for looks. 6/10 for everyday drinking.
Quick Classic: Somaek (Soju + Beer) — Game Night Fuel
This is simple and kind of fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot soju (about 1.5 oz)
- 1 cold light beer (I used Hite and Cass)
How I made it:
- I poured beer in a tall glass, then dropped the soju shot in.
- Some folks mix 1:3 soju to beer. That ratio worked for me.
What it tastes like:
- Still beer, but richer. A tiny sweet kick from soju.
- Goes great with fried chicken. Or chips. Or both. Oops.
What I liked:
- Fast and cheap.
- No sugar bomb here.
What I didn’t:
- Foam can go wild. Pour slow.
- It sneaks up on you. Hydrate.
My rating: 8/10 during a game. 5/10 for a calm night.
Bonus: Milky Fizz (Soju + Calpico + Soda)
Soft, creamy, and light.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz soju
- 2 oz Calpico
- Top with soda water
- Ice
How I made it:
- I built it in a highball and gave it a quick stir.
What it tastes like:
- A cloud. A citrus milk cloud.
- Not too sweet if you use soda instead of Sprite.
My rating: 8.5/10. It’s gentle. It just works.
Brand notes that surprised me
- Jinro Chamisul Fresh: clean, almost neutral. Great mixer.
- Chum Churum: a touch sweeter. Fine for mojitos.
- Good Day Peach: yummy in Yakult-ju, but too sweet in a Sunrise.
- Curious about lychee? I ran three lychee cocktails through the same paces and crowned a winner in this taste test.
I thought flavor soju would help. Sometimes it does. But it can turn a drink into candy real fast. Chill your bottle and keep a plain one on hand.
What I’d change next time
- Freeze lime wedges. Cold fruit helps keep fizz.
- Use crushed ice for mojitos. It makes the drink feel fancier, even in my old IKEA glass.
- Try a salt-sugar rim on the Sunrise. It might balance the sweet.
- Keep a small seltzer bottle on the table. Flat soda ruins the party.
Also, a tiny hangover note: soju sits lighter for me than vodka. I drank water, ate ramen at midnight, and woke up fine. Your mileage may vary, obviously.
Who should make these
- New drinkers or folks who want smooth, easy cocktails.
- Hosts who need a pitcher drink that won’t scare Aunt Linda.
- People who like balance more than burn.
Who shouldn’t:
- If you hate sweet stuff, skip Yakult-ju and Sunrise.
- If you want strong, stiff drinks, you might miss the punch.
If footing the bill for all those mixers still feels steep and you’re based in Pennsylvania, you could always team up with someone who actually enjoys picking up the tab—this Allentown sugar daddy guide walks you through the best local spots, safety tips, and etiquette for meeting generous partners who appreciate good company (and great cocktails).
My final call
- Best all-around: Soju Mojito. Fresh, bright, repeatable.
- Best for groups: Yogurt Soju. It gets smiles.
- Prettiest but sweet: Soju Sunrise.
- Easiest and crisp: Somaek.
- Soft comfort: Milky Fizz.
Mixing drinks is only half the hosting game—looking sharp behind your makeshift bar instantly upgrades the vibe of the night. If you need quick style inspiration, this roundup of weird clothing hacks that make you more attractive walks through easy tweaks—from clever cuff rolls to subtle color pops—that cost almost nothing but earn instant compliments.
Would I make these again? Yup. I’m keeping a cold bottle