Lychee Soju Cocktail Recipe

Lychee Soju Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Lychee Soju cocktail is a delightful fusion of East Asian flavors. Originating from South Korea, Soju is a clear, colorless distilled beverage, traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley. The addition of lychee, a sweet tropical fruit from China, adds a unique twist to the drink. This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks.

How Lychee Soju Tastes?

The Lychee Soju cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink. The lychee adds a distinct tropical sweetness, while the Soju provides a smooth, slightly sweet, and clean finish. It's a light cocktail that's perfect for a hot summer day.

Interesting facts about Lychee Soju

  • The Lychee Soju cocktail is a popular drink in South Korea, especially during the summer months.
  • Soju is the best-selling alcohol in the world, largely due to its popularity in South Korea.
  • The lychee fruit used in this cocktail is a symbol of romance and love in Chinese culture.

Ingredients

Soju (2 oz)

The distilled spirit soju is the backbone of this cocktail, giving it a smooth yet firm kick. It's milder than vodka, making it perfect for blending without overpowering the lychee flavor. Less soju would make a weaker drink, more would overshadow the lychee. If not a fan of soju, try substituting with a light vodka or sake for a different character.

Mary Mitkina

Lychee Juice (4 oz)

Lychee juice, the star of the show, offers a sweet and tropical essence that makes this cocktail stand out. The selected ratio provides balance without letting the soju dominate. Too much juice could make it syrupy, too little could result in a harsh drink. If you can't find lychee juice, consider using pear nectar as a substitute for a different but complementary flavor.

Alex Green

Lychee Fruit (1)

A lychee fruit garnish doubles as an eye-catcher and a tasty snack! It reinforces the lychee flavor present in the drink. Without it, the cocktail would still be good, but you'd miss out on some fun. No fresh lychee? Use a canned one or even a raspberry for a twist.

Emma Rose

Club Soda (1 oz)

The fizzy club soda adds a subtle effervescence that lightens the drink and makes it more refreshing. The recipe calls for just enough to sparkle without diluting the flavors. Too much soda, and you'll have a soju spritzer on your hands; no soda, and you lose that refreshing zing. In its place, try a dash of ginger ale for a spicier kick.

Mary Mitkina

Ice Cubes

Ice is the silent hero, chilling our concoction to perfection. It's necessary to achieve the cold temperature that makes cocktails irresistibly quenching. No ice equals a lukewarm libation that lacks the crisp edge of a well-chilled drink.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Lychee Soju Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the Soju, lychee juice, and club soda to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a lychee fruit on top.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lychee juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a more refreshing cocktail.
  • Don't shake the cocktail too hard, as it can dilute the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Sushi: The delicate flavors of sushi, especially with fish like tuna and salmon, complement the fruity notes of the Lychee Soju cocktail.
  • Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings, particularly those with a filling that includes pork or shrimp, pair nicely as the cocktail's sweetness can cut through the savory richness.
  • Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls with mint and shrimp are especially refreshing alongside this cocktail.

Main Dishes

  • Grilled Seafood: The light and crisp taste of the cocktail works well with grilled seafood, enhancing the natural sweetness of the meat.
  • Spicy Asian Dishes: Dishes with a kick, like Thai curries, can be nicely balanced by the lychee's sweetness and the soothing effect of the soju.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tarts: Desserts that aren't overly sweet, such as fruit tarts, will complement rather than overwhelm the cocktail's flavor profile.
  • Sorbet: A lemon or mango sorbet would be a refreshing follow-up to this drink, cleansing the palate in between sips. We recommend <Link href="https://amzn.to/3ujws8P" rel="nofollow">this sorbet</Link>

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What you could change in Lychee Soju

  • If you can't find Soju, you can substitute it with Vodka.
  • If you can't find lychee juice, you can use canned lychees and use the syrup as a substitute.

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Green Tea Lychee Soju

  • Replace 2 oz of lychee juice with brewed green tea (cooled)
  • Serve in a teacup for an elegant twist This version merges the floral notes of green tea with the sweetness of lychee, providing a more aromatic experience. It's a choice for those looking to add a touch of sophistication and a slight bitterness that contrasts the sweetness.

Spicy Lychee Soju

  • Muddle a few slices of fresh ginger or a small piece of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the ingredients
  • Strain into a glass with a salted rim The kick of ginger or jalapeño brings a new level of depth to the drink, making it a perfect match for those who love a spicy twist. The salted rim balances the sweet and spicy elements, ensuring each sip has a well-rounded taste.

Berry Soju Spritz

  • Substitute lychee fruit with a handful of mixed berries (like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)
  • Use sparkling wine instead of club soda A fruitier and more celebratory take on the classic, the Berry Soju Spritz is effervescent and perfect for toasting special moments. The berries add depth and a varying sweetness, while sparkling wine introduces an indulgent effervescence.

In case you forgot basics how to make Lychee Soju

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Lychee Soju

What is the origin of Soju?

Soju originates from Korea. It is a clear, colorless distilled spirit traditionally made from grains like rice, wheat or barley.

What does Soju taste like?

Soju has a neutral flavor similar to vodka, though slightly sweeter. It's also less alcohol-heavy than vodka, which makes it smoother to drink.

What is the best way to store Soju?

Soju should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. It can also be stored in the refrigerator once opened.

What can I substitute for lychees if I cannot find them?

If you can't find lychees, you could substitute them with similar fruits such as rambutans or longans.

What other cocktails can I make with Soju?

Soju is quite versatile and can be used to make a number of cocktails including Soju Lemonade, Soju Bloody Mary, Soju Martini, and a Soju Sunrise.

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