Soju Sunrise
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.
Subak Soju Cocktail Recipe
Jump to 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: January 7, 2024
Contents
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
- Prepare the watermelon:
- Remove the rind and seeds from the watermelon.
- Cut the watermelon into small cubes.
- In a blender, combine the watermelon cubes, Soju, ice, juice from half a lime, and sugar (if desired).
- Blend the mixture until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a glass, leaving some space at the top.
- Top off the cocktail with soda water and gently stir.
- 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.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
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 stirGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
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.
More similar recipes to Subak Soju!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
koreanPin It
Soju Bomb
The Soju Bomb has a unique taste that is a combination of the crisp, refreshing flavor of beer and the smooth, slightly sweet taste of soju. It is light, fizzy, and easy to drink, making it a popular choice for social gatherings and parties.
Makgeolli Mimosa
The Makgeolli Mimosa has a slightly sweet, tangy, and fruity taste with a hint of creaminess from the Makgeolli. The orange juice adds a bright citrus flavor, while the Makgeolli provides a subtle earthiness and unique depth.
Watermelon
The Watermelon Cocktail has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. The natural sweetness of the watermelon is balanced by the tartness of the lime and the slight bitterness of the mint. The overall flavor is light and fruity, making it a perfect thirst-quencher.
Watermelon Margarita
The Watermelon Margarita has a sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy taste. The watermelon adds a refreshing and juicy flavor, while the lime juice provides a hint of tartness. The tequila gives it a subtle kick, making it a well-balanced and delightful cocktail.
Watermelon Mocktail
The Watermelon Mocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The natural sweetness of the watermelon is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lime juice, while the mint adds a cooling and invigorating touch.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.