Soju Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

Soju Sunrise Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:20g

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 Soju Sunrise is a popular Korean cocktail that combines the national spirit of Soju with the refreshing flavors of orange juice and grenadine. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks, and it is often enjoyed during warm summer evenings or at lively social gatherings.

  • Originated in South Korea
  • Inspired by the classic Tequila Sunrise
  • Popular among young adults and tourists

How Soju Sunrise Tastes?

The Soju Sunrise is a fruity, sweet, and slightly tangy cocktail with a hint of tartness from the grenadine. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser between heavier drinks.

Interesting facts about Soju Sunrise

  • Soju is the most popular alcoholic beverage in South Korea
  • The cocktail's name is a play on the famous Tequila Sunrise
  • The red color of the grenadine represents the sunrise, while the orange juice symbolizes the sun

Ingredients

  • Soju: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Orange juice: 4 oz(120ml)
  • Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Ice: As needed
  • Orange slice: 1
  • Maraschino cherry: 1

Soju

The key player here is Soju at 2oz; this Korean spirit gives the drink its character and a smooth kick. Go with less, and you'll be missing the Soju's whisper in the symphony of flavors. More, and the Soju might just be too loud. If you swap it with vodka, you'll have a sturdier backbone but lose that distinctive Soju charm.

Alex Green

Orange Juice

At 4oz, the orange juice adds both volume and a sweet, citrusy zing. Too much could turn your cocktail into a breakfast beverage; too little, and the sunrise wouldn't be as vibrant. Feel free to fresh squeeze it – because the fresher, the better!

Emma Rose

Grenadine

Grenadine, that sweet little 0.5oz, gives our Soju Sunrise its iconic sunrise effect and a touch of sweetness. Pour too much, and you're in syrup city; not enough, and your sunrise fails to rise. A tad of raspberry syrup could be a fun swap, bringing in a berry twist.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Ice, ice baby! As needed, because without it we'd be sipping on lukewarm sadness. Ice is the silent hero that chills our drink to perfection.

Alex Green

Orange Slice and Maraschino Cherry

The orange slice and maraschino cherry are more than just pretty faces; they add a visual pop that says, 'Drink me, I'm delicious!' Skip them, and you've saved a few calories, but at what cost? A lonely, undressed drink, that's what.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Soju Sunrise Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice
  2. Pour 2oz of Soju over the ice
  3. Add 4oz of orange juice
  4. Slowly pour 0.5oz of grenadine down the side of the glass, allowing it to sink to the bottom
  5. Gently stir the cocktail to create a gradient effect
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality Soju for the best flavor
  • Pour the grenadine slowly to create a beautiful sunrise effect
  • Chill the orange juice beforehand for a more refreshing cocktail

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Shrimp tempura or other light fried foods complement the crispness of the Soju and the sweetness of the orange juice.
  • A platter of fresh fruit such as pineapple, melon, and strawberries would echo the fruity notes of the cocktail.

Main Dishes

  • Grilled white fish with a citrus-based sauce can harmonize well with the Soju Sunrise's bright flavors.
  • Korean BBQ, particularly dishes like bulgogi or galbi, can pair nicely due to the sweetness of the marinades with the cocktail's balance of sweet and tart.

Dessert

  • Lemon sorbet or an orange-flavored crème brûlée would carry on the citrus theme for a refreshing end to the meal.

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What you could change in Soju Sunrise

  • Soju can be replaced with vodka or gin for a similar taste
  • Pineapple juice can be used instead of orange juice for a tropical twist
  • If grenadine is unavailable, use a small amount of raspberry or pomegranate syrup

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Green Tea Soju Sunrise

Infuse the Soju with green tea by allowing tea leaves to steep in it for a few hours. The drink will acquire an earthy depth that plays against the sweetness of the other ingredients, giving a more nuanced sunrise.

Sparkling Soju Sunrise

Add some fizzy fun by topping the drink off with a splash of club soda or sparkling wine. This effervescence will lighten the texture and bring a bubbly twist to the Soju Sunrise that’s perfect for festive occasions.

Spicy Soju Sunrise

Muddle in a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce before adding the Soju. This adds a fiery kick to your sunrise, making for a bold and warming cocktail that can ignite the night (or morning)!

In case you forgot basics how to make Soju Sunrise

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 Soju Sunrise

Does Soju Sunrise contain high levels of alcohol?

No, it is considered a relatively low-alcohol cocktail. However, the alcohol content may vary slightly depending on the alcohol content of the soju used.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Soju Sunrise?

Yes, you absolutely can! Just replace the soju with soda water or tonic water. The result will still be a fruity and refreshing drink!

Is there any specific type of glass I need to serve Soju Sunrise in?

Traditionally it is served in a tall, highball glass. However, if you don't have one, any glass would work as long as it can hold all the ingredients.

Can I prepare a Soju Sunrise in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the soju and orange juice mixture in advance. Just remember to add the grenadine just before serving for the best sunrise effect.

Where can I find Soju if it's not available in the liquor store near me?

You may be able to find Soju at a local Asian market. In addition, certain online stores may carry and deliver it.

Is Soju Sunrise suitable for vegan or vegetarian diet?

Yes, the Soju Sunrise cocktail is naturally vegan and vegetarian friendly. Just be sure to check your specific brands of soju and grenadine to make sure they are compatible with your dietary needs.

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