Korean Yogurt Soju Cocktail

Korean yogurt soju

The Spruce 

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

A yogurt cocktail might sound crazy if you're new to soju, but yogurt soju is popular in Korea and all over Asia. The best part is it can be made with only three ingredients. 

You'll find it in private homes and prominently displayed on bar menus. This Korean yogurt cocktail recipe is made with soju (a clear distilled liquor made from rice that many people liken to vodka), fruit-flavored or plain Asian yogurt drink (similar to kefir or lassi), and a fizzy soda.

Sprite or 7Up works fine, but some recipes call for fruit juice instead of, or in addition to, the soda (grapefruit juice is popular for its tart flavor). Soju itself also comes flavored (peach, blueberry, and pomegranate flavors are popular), and they can be used as an alternative to unflavored Soju.

Don't be afraid to experiment to see what combinations you like best, as it's difficult to make a bad one. Korean yogurt soju cocktails are delicious, refreshing, sweet, and tangy. Both yogurt and soju go well with the fiery aspects of Korean cuisine, so it makes sense that they'd be mixed together. But be careful—the most common complaint about yogurt soju is that it's so easy to drink that you're drunk before you know it.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces soju

  • 3 ounces Asian yogurt drink, plain or flavored, thawed if frozen

  • 3 ounces lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite or 7Up

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for Korean yogurt soju
    The Spruce 
  2. Into a stainless steel cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the soju and yogurt drink.

    Ice in shaker and soju ingredients in small glasses
    The Spruce  
  3. Shake until ingredients are thoroughly chilled.

  4. Add the soda and stir. Strain into a glass and enjoy.

    Soju cocktail and an ice shaker
    The Spruce  

Recipe Variation

  • This recipe uses an Asian-style yogurt drink that is a milk-based drink. It is watery compared to American yogurt, somewhat similar to kefir or lassi. You can try an American yogurt drink if you don't have access to the Korean yogurt, as long as it's not too thick. You can use the plain (regular) flavor, but people do use peach, strawberry, orange, melon, lychee, mango, and other fruit varieties as well. Any of these flavors can be used to make your yogurt soju cocktail. In fact, there are numerous variations on the basic recipe, some of which include fruit-based garnishes.

How Strong Is a Yogurt Soju Cocktail?

Soju is a common, highly potent alcoholic beverage in Korea. It's made by fermenting and then distilling a mixture that contains mainly rice and a blend of wheat, barley, and even sweet potatoes and is clear and mainly tasteless, much like vodka. Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). Assuming the cocktail is mixed using a 60 proof soju, it clocks in at a relatively light 10 percent or 20 proof, similar to a glass of white wine.

What Mixes Well With Soju?

Soju is often compared to vodka because of its mild taste and clear color. It can be used in similar cocktails and mixed with fruit juices, sodas, and more. Try soju with orange juice for a different take on the screwdriver, with cranberry juice for a Korean Cape Cod, with apple juice and tonic water for an appletini-style drink, and more.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
204 Calories
1g Fat
16g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 204
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 71mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Calcium 159mg 12%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 201mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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