An icy cold bottle of soju never fails to hit the spot. It’s refreshing, easy to drink, and affordable for its relatively high alcohol content. You may have already tried popular soju flavours like peach and green grape, but there’s a host of other flavours to be discovered. If you’re a fan of this delicious tipple, read on for our roundup of the best soju flavours in Singapore to pair with your next K-BBQ meal!
Best soju flavours in Singapore: An overview
Flavour profile | Soju flavour |
Tangy | Grapefruit |
Green grape | |
Yuzu | |
Green apple | |
Plum | |
Yoghurt | |
Calamansi | |
Plum wine | |
Pineapple | |
Pomegranate | |
Sweet | Honeydew |
Peach | |
Lychee | |
Honey | |
Watermelon | |
Cherry | |
Mango | |
Blueberry | |
Strawberry | |
Apple | |
Kyoho grape |
Best soju flavours in Singapore to try: Tangy
1. Grapefruit
Grapefruit soju (available on Carlsberg Beer Official Store) tops the list of best soju flavours for its tangy, refreshing taste notes. It has just enough sweetness to mask the sharp alcohol taste, yet not too overpowering that it tastes like cough syrup. You’d even experience mild bitter notes in the Chorong Chorong grapefruit soju that’s reminiscent of the grapefruit peel! This balances out the flavour and makes for a pleasant drinking experience.
2. Green grape
The next contender for the best soju flavour is no doubt green grape soju (available on Shopee Supermarket). Well-loved for its refreshing and fruity taste, the Jinro green grape soju is neither too sweet nor bitter. For a close alternative with a lower alcohol percentage, the Hana Muscat grape soju (also available on Shopee Supermarket) comes in at only 8% alcohol content. It’s equally tasty, with Muscat grape flavour, a white grape variety that is commonly used to produce wines!
3. Yuzu
Yuzu is a flavour that mixes well with almost any kind of alcohol. So it goes without saying that a bottle of yuzu soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) earns a spot in this list of best soju flavours. It tastes fresh, citrusy and tart — like a blend of lime, lemon and grapefruit. If you haven’t tried yuzu soju yet, you should definitely get your hands on a bottle!
4. Green apple
Crisp and light, green apple soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) is one of the best soju flavours in Singapore that’s been highly reviewed. It has a bold flavour profile with a nice balance of sweet and tart, as well as a light hint of spice. Apple flavoured soju is an easy to drink option that also pairs well with many ingredients like beer and Yakult if you’re making a cocktail!
5. Plum
Plum soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) might sound like a hit or miss, but this one’s a pure delight. It blends the unique sweet and sour flavour of plums with smooth soju that makes it easy to drink. This is definitely one of the best soju flavours to add to your next party! Besides, this plum soju is from Jinro, one of the best soju brands in Singapore, making it the best choice for your next party!
6. Yoghurt
If you’ve tried the soju yakult recipe, you’d know how well soju goes together with cultured drinks. That’s why the yoghurt flavoured soju (available on Koryo Mart & K-Market) is one of the best soju flavours. It took inspiration from the soju Yakult recipe craze, so you won’t have to shop for the ingredients separately. Yoghurt soju has a flavour profile similar to the Lotte Milkis drink — milky, sweet and tart.
7. Calamansi
The Good Day Calamansi Soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) boasts a vibrant citrus punch. Calamansi, a small citrus fruit popular in Southeast Asia, infuses the soju with a delightful tartness that lingers pleasantly on the palate. And unlike some sour flavours, calamansi offers a touch of sweetness for a perfectly balanced taste.
8. Plum Wine
Unique because it’s crafted with real plum wine, the Chuga Jeju Series Plum Wine Soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) offers a complex taste beyond the typical fruit-flavoured soju. Made with water filtered through the volcanic bedrocks of Jeju, expect an exceptionally smooth texture that’s unlike any other type of alcohol. It’s an almost exact copy of umeshu, featuring sweetness that goes hand in hand with a slight tartness. Plus, the beautiful colour makes it a standout in any soju collection – no surprise since it’s from one of the best soju brands!
9. Pineapple
For a tropical twist, go for the Good Day Pineapple Soju (available on geonbae). And while most may expect an overwhelming sweetness with pineapple-flavoured treats, this soju will surprise you. While the initial taste offers a burst of juicy pineapple, a subtle tartness emerges on the finish, creating a well-rounded and refreshing flavour experience.
10. Pomegranate
A burst of ruby red refreshment, this pomegranate soju (available on Kingsman EXIM Wine & Spirits) has generally been described as an “acquired taste”. It has sweet undertones with a tartness that’s synonymous with pomegranate fruits. And that’s because they don’t mess around with flavours here – Good Day Pomegranate Soju uses real pomegranate juice, so it tastes more like the actual fruit. This means you get a more complex flavour than just straight-up sweetness. Plus, that tangy aftertaste is super refreshing, like a built-in palate cleanser.
Best soju flavours in Singapore to try: Sweet
11. Honeydew
A relatively new flavour in the market, the honeydew soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) has already won the hearts of many. Inspired by the Melona-ju cocktail, this honeydew soju saves you the trouble of getting extra ingredients to create the concoction. It has just the right amount of sweetness, and is also one of the best flavours to use for the soju Yakult recipe for extra tanginess.
12. Peach
There’s nothing not to love about a chilled bottle of peach soju (available on Shopee Supermarket), one of the best sweet soju flavours around. Imagine sinking your teeth into a ripe, juicy peach — its delicate taste is filled with floral sweetness and little acidity. If you want to make it more refreshing, try mixing peach soju with Sprite for some fizzy goodness.
13. Lychee
Similar to peach, lychee soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) has a sweet and slightly floral flavour profile that tops the chart for best soju flavours. It tastes like a lychee martini, but much lighter due to less alcohol content. Lychee soju is a great option to share with your girlfriends that enjoy fruity drinks for your next HTHT sesh!
14. Honey
For those who find the original flavour of soju too strong, yet not a fan of fruity flavours, honey soju (available on geonbae) is for you. It is lightly sweetened with pure honey, and has a lower alcohol content of 9.2%. If you want the honey soju to be sweeter, simply mix in more honey and ice when enjoying your drink! It’s also one of the best soju flavours to pair with Yakult, as it adds a natural hint of sweetness to the concoction. But if it’s too sweet for you, pair the honey soju with some Milkis for a more muted taste.
15. Watermelon
Have you ever tried soju served in a watermelon bowl? Subak soju, or watermelon soju, is a popular summer drink to enjoy with friends and beat the heat! On days when you’re too lazy to go through the hassle of scooping out watermelon flesh and making a soju slushie, grab a bottle of watermelon flavoured soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) instead! It’s definitely one of the best soju flavours that is sweet, light and refreshing!
16. Cherry
Cherry-flavoured beverages tend to be a hit or miss — some even taste like sickly sweet medicine. Thankfully, the cherry soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) is quite a hit with its fruity sweet, crisp notes that’s not too overwhelming. We recommend mixing cherry soju with soda and ice for a refreshing, fizzy cocktail.
17. Mango
The Oneshot Tropical Mango Soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) is one of the best soju flavours that reminds us of a breezy tropical getaway. It’s fresh and fruity and has a richer flavour than most other soju flavours. Pair it with some refreshing mango ice cream and that’ll be heavenly.
18. Blueberry
Dive into a world of sweetness with Chum Churum Blueberry Soju (available on Koryo Mart & K-Market). Bursting with juicy sweetness and a touch of tang, this soju captures the essence of berries in just one sip. The smooth, easy-drinking texture leaves a lingering and refreshing blueberry aftertaste, perfect for those who enjoy sweeter flavours.
19. Strawberry
A perennial favourite, Jinro Strawberry Soju (available on Sol Mart Official Store) will make you feel as if you’re biting into the actual fruit! The sweetness is spot-on, not too artificial, making it a real crowd-pleaser. New to soju? This is a great place to start, especially if you have a sweet tooth like us! But if you need more assistance, try using this strawberry soju as an alcoholic base in cocktails. Mix it with some 7-Up, soda water or even tonic water to transform this into a fizzy fruity drink!
20. Apple
A sweeter alternative to the Green Apple flavour (#4), the Oppa Apple Soju (available on Shopee Supermarket) delivers a clean and crisp flavour that’s super refreshing. The apple flavour is subtle, complementing the soju instead of overpowering it. It’s like having a sophisticated friend by your side, addihttps://shopee.sg/list/kyoho%20grapeng a touch of pleasant apple character without stealing the show. But don’t let that subtlety fool you. This apple soju has a slightly boozier kick than most others due to its higher alcohol content – here to give you a little extra warmth.
21. Kyoho Grape
A sweet alternative to the Plum Wine variant, the Chuga Jeju Series Kyoho Grape Soju (available on Chuga Soju Official Store) is a safe choice if you’re hosting the gathering this time round. Indulge in the taste of Kyoho grapes, a variety known for its sweetness and juicy flesh. This soju captures this essence perfectly; the epitome of a perfect marriage between the fruit’s sweetness and the slight tannin note that’s apparent in grape skins.
What does soju taste like?
Similar to vodka, soju is a distilled spirit with a neutral flavour profile as its foundation. This makes it a versatile drink, enjoyable on its own or as a base for cocktails. But the difference between these two spirits is how soju boasts a smoother and more pleasant finish, while vodka tends to have that peppery bite.
While the classic soju aims for a neutral flavour, some varieties might offer subtle hints depending on the grain used for fermentation. You might catch a fleeting note of rice, wheat, or barley, adding a touch of atas vibes to the experience. But these days, the best soju flavours in Singapore are plenty — sweet, tangy, and even interesting. We’re talking about you, Mint Choco soju!
What to pair soju with?
Soju is a popular drink to have with Korean BBQ. It is clear and smooth, which leaves a clean taste on your palate. It is also a perfect match with Korean snacks like dried squid and tteokbokki.
Tired of arguing over who should pour the next round of shots? Get your hands on the ROYCHE Automatic Soju Dispenser (available on ellia_jin.sg)! This nifty, sensor-powered tool measures out the exact amount of soju needed to fill a standard shot glass and dispenses it without you having to lift a finger. Bottoms up, baby!
Soju cocktail recipes to try
Apart from food pairings, there are many ways you can take this drink up a notch. Here are two popular soju recipes you can try your hand at!
-
Soju Yakult recipe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRNsURuoNs8
For your next boozy gathering, try this easy soju yakult recipe that makes a tangy, fizzy cocktail. You can adjust the proportions accordingly — more soju if you want a drink with a real kick, or more yakult if you prefer the drink a little sweeter!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Recipe ingredients:
- 400ml original soju
- 2 Yakult bottles
- 50ml Sprite
- Ice cubes
Recipe instructions:
- Add a generous amount of ice cubes into a jug (available on Homlly)
- Pour fresh soju, Sprite (both available on Shopee Supermarket) and yakult in and mix well with a stirrer
- Serve in cute soju cups (available on ARTBOX OFFICIAL STORE) and cheers!
-
Subak soju recipe
This subak soju recipe makes the perfect Instagrammable summer cocktail as it is served in a watermelon bowl. This will definitely be a delightful treat for your family or friends when they come over! The ratio of watermelon to soju is usually 1:1, but you can adjust it according to how much alcohol content you prefer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-8
Recipe ingredients:
- 2 small watermelons
- 4 cups soju
- 2 cups ice cube
Recipe instructions:
- Slice off the top of the watermelon (available on IWantVeggies Official Store) and scoop out the flesh
- Blend the watermelon flesh for 1 minute until smooth
- Strain the watermelon juice and scoop out the layer of foam
- Measure 4 cups of watermelon juice and add it into a pitcher with soju
- Mix well and pour the blend into the watermelon bowl
- Add ice and serve!
Kanpai to the best soju flavours in Singapore (2024)
Stocking up on the best soju flavours in Singapore from your favourite brands for an upcoming party? Remember to buy them during our 12.12 Birthday Sale to enjoy the best prices and promos. Don’t forget to get some cakes from some of the best cake delivery places in Singapore too! Enjoy them with the best Korean dramas or some steamy Netflix dating shows! But if you’re thinking of heading out, why not check out what to eat in Tanjong Pagar? Or go hit up some of the best Holland Village bars for a tipple!