Subak Soju Cocktail Recipe

Subak Soju Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:14%

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 Subak Soju cocktail is a refreshing and fruity concoction that originated in South Korea. It combines the national spirit, Soju, with fresh watermelon to create a delightful summer drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing beverages, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growing global interest in Korean culture and cuisine.

  • Origin: South Korea
  • Popularity: Fruity and refreshing summer drink
  • Cultural significance: Combines national spirit (Soju) with a popular summer fruit (watermelon)

How Subak Soju Tastes?

The Subak Soju cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and refreshing flavors. The watermelon adds a natural sweetness, while the Soju provides a subtle kick and a slightly tangy taste. The overall flavor profile is light, crisp, and perfect for a hot summer day.

Interesting facts about Subak Soju

  • Soju is the national spirit of South Korea and is typically made from rice, wheat, or barley.
  • Watermelon is a popular summer fruit in Korea and is often enjoyed as a refreshing snack during the hot months.
  • The Subak Soju cocktail has gained popularity outside of Korea due to the growing global interest in Korean culture and cuisine.

Ingredients

  • Soju: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Watermelon: 1cup
  • Ice: 1cup
  • Lime: 0.5
  • Sugar(optional): 1tsp
  • Mint leaves: 3
  • Soda water: 1 oz(30ml)

Soju

The soju is the backbone of this cocktail, giving it a smooth and clean alcoholic base without overpowering the other flavors. Using 2oz strikes the right balance between strength and subtlety. If you go less, you lose the kick; more, and you might overshadow the delicate watermelon.

Mary Mitkina

Watermelon

1 cup of fresh watermelon grants this cocktail its signature summery sweetness and a beautiful, blush color. Too little and the drink becomes bland, too much and it's a slushie. If you're out of watermelon, try cantaloupe for a twist!

Alex Green

Ice

A solid cup levels the temperature down and gives the drink its refreshing chill. Ditch the ice, and you might as well be drinking warm fruit juice with a dash of soju!

Emma Rose

Lime

Half a lime infuses a citrusy zing that gracefully cuts through the sweetness, providing balance. No lime means no bright notes; and watch out—too much can turn the drink into a sour pucker-fest.

Mary Mitkina

Sugar (optional)

This is your sweetness dial. One tsp should suffice for those with a sweeter tooth, but it's perfectly okay to forgo if the melons are sweet enough or if you prefer a more 'grown-up' flavor.

Alex Green

Mint Leaves

A trio of mint leaves aren't just a pretty garnish; they add a cool, aromatic freshness that whispers 'summer'. Without them, something simply feels missing. It's like a day at the beach without a gentle breeze.

Emma Rose

Soda Water

This final 1oz tops off our drink with a little fizz, giving it a lively effervescence. Without soda water, you just have a still, albeit tasty, watermelon soju concoction.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Subak Soju Drink

  1. Prepare the watermelon:
    • Remove the rind and seeds from the watermelon.
    • Cut the watermelon into small cubes.
  2. In a blender, combine the watermelon cubes, Soju, ice, juice from half a lime, and sugar (if desired).
  3. Blend the mixture until smooth.
  4. Pour the mixture into a glass, leaving some space at the top.
  5. Top off the cocktail with soda water and gently stir.
  6. Garnish with mint leaves and a slice of lime.

Pro Tips

  • For a more intense watermelon flavor, you can freeze the watermelon cubes before blending.
  • If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can omit the sugar or adjust the amount according to your taste.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Korean BBQ: The sweetness of the watermelon and the zest from the lime cuts through the fattiness of the meat.
  • Spicy Dishes: Provides a refreshing contrast to spicy Korean chicken or fiery tacos.
  • Light Salads: Complements fresh greens, especially those with feta or goat cheese.
  • Fruit Platters: Amplifies the flavors of other fruits served alongside.

Drink Pairings

  • Green Tea: Offers a palate-cleansing after-note when alternated with sips of the cocktail.
  • Light Beers: For those who might want to alternate their drinks; the beer's carbonation pairs nicely with the cocktail's soda water.

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What you could change in Subak Soju

  • Soju: You can substitute Soju with vodka or sake if it's not available.
  • Watermelon: If watermelon is not in season, you can use other fruits like cantaloupe or honeydew melon.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Berry Soju Splash

Swap out the watermelon for a cup of mixed berries and a sprig of thyme instead of mint for a berrylicious twist that's both tart and herbaceous.

Sparkling Honeydew Soju

In place of watermelon, use honeydew melon and add a dash of elderflower liqueur. Top with sparkling wine instead of soda water for a bubbly, floral note that'll tickle your fancy.

Tropical Soju Sunrise

Combine watermelon with a few slices of ripe mango and a splash of coconut water. Skip the soda and go straight for a float of Grenadine, creating a tropical gradient that's as beautiful as a beach sunrise.

In case you forgot basics how to make Subak Soju

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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 Subak Soju

What is the traditional format of serving Subak Soju in South Korea?

Traditionally in South Korea, Subak Soju is served in a hollowed-out mini watermelon, rather than glass. It's not only beautiful but also adds to the flavor.

Do I have to use a blender for this recipe?

Using a blender is suggested to get the smooth consistency of a cocktail. However, if you don't have one, you could try muddling the watermelon and other ingredients until they are fully incorporated.

What type of soju should I use for a traditional Subak Soju?

For a traditional approach, using a Korean brand Soju, preferably of plain flavor, is suggested. However, the modern mixology allows exploration with flavored Sojus as well.

Is Subak Soju typically a strong cocktail?

While Soju itself is a potent spirit, the watermelon juice and other ingredients add a refreshing sweetness that balances the booze, making Subak Soju a light and refreshing cocktail, perfect for summer sipping.

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