Joanna James
Cocktails in Korea are refreshing beverages that are innovative and strike that perfect balance between spicy, savoury and sweet. Here is a list of 10 must-try cocktails, the next time you find yourself in the South Korean capital of Seoul.
A household name in Korea’s cocktail culture, the Seoul Mule combines the distinct taste of ginger with that all-too familiar Soju drink that has been drawing in locals since time immemorial. Topped off with yuzu juice, this cocktail is served with alcoholic ginger beer that sure does add a twist to its citrusy nature.
Rated as one of the most traditional means of enjoying soju, the Korean Yoghurt Soju Cocktail includes soju, ice and an Asian yoghurt drink as its main ingredients. Known for being extremely creamy, the said beverage can also be paired with a lemon lime soda that will successfully bring in an added dose of sweetness onto your palate.
If you’re yearning for a creative concoction to ease the heat after a spicy meal, then a Cucumber Soju Cooler is your answer. Blending mint and cucumber up until it reaches the correct consistency, the popular soju is then included and thereafter, finished off with a flavourful lime syrup that will excite your tastebuds.
Made with a Korean rice wine called Makgeolli, the Makgeolli Magarita or simply ‘Mageollita’ pairs the former with tequila, green plum syrup, lime juice and salt for one refreshing, mildly sweet and milky beverage that you will learn to appreciate with every slurp.
When wanting the best possible route to enjoying what soju has to offer in a cocktail, then consider ordering the Sour Seoul. As an easy to prepare drink, the Sour Seoul allows the lemon juice to elevate the sharpness of the spirit while choosing any simple syrup will successfully improve the subtle elements of soju for one refreshing take on the national drink of Korea. Given how hassle-free it is to prepare, those staying at Travelodge Dongdaemun Seoul which is among the hotels in Dongdaemun can savour this treat without ever having to spend time at local bars.
What do you get when you merge a sought-after Brazilian cocktail with soju? Soju Caipirinha! The soju takes the place of cachaca while the sugar and lime expertly balance out the heat from the soju to make for a creative, crisp and sweet concoction.
Fundamentally fruity yet delightfully delicious, the Mango Melona Soju Cocktail is crafted with the help of a mango-based version of soju alongside a Korean ice-cream bar. The latter aids the slushy consistency of the cocktail while citrus soda allows the required level of sweetness to finds its way into a beverage that is both an excellent thirst quencher and dessert variant.
Drawing inspiration from the age-old classis Gibson cocktail is Korea’s very own Kimchi Gibson Cocktail that uses the local side dish titled Kimchi as its chief ingredient. In terms of preparation, two varieties of gin are poured into a glass and then, vermouth with its herbaceous cilantro is included. At this point, a dash of white kimchi juice is sprinkled which is the final touch to making the Kimchi Gibson Cocktail.
Marrying a cocktail’s delicate and complex elements in every sense of the phrase, the Strawberry Soju Cocktail is one of the tastiest of its kind. Ginger, salt, basil and fresh strawberries add weight to the beverage’s flavours which are balanced off well as a result of the soju’s sweet taste.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
