Lychee Soju Drink is a refreshing cocktail that combines the floral sweetness of lychee with the smooth, crisp taste of Korean soju. It’s the perfect drink to serve at parties, summer gatherings, or even cozy nights at home.
Previously, I shared the Nobu Lychee Martini, a more elegant and strong-spirited version of lychee-based drinks. This time, we’re going light and fruity with this Korean-inspired lychee cocktail.
What is Lychee Soju Drink?
Lychee Soju Drink is a fruity alcoholic beverage made with Korean soju, lychee puree (or canned lychee), fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Its beautiful pale pink color and sweet, tropical flavor make it both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty.
Soju is a clear Korean alcohol that has a clean and mild flavor, making it a great base for cocktails. According to Korea Food Research Institute, soju has become increasingly popular worldwide due to its versatility and smoothness, especially in mixology.
Why You Should Try This Lychee Cocktail
- Fresh and sweet: Lychee adds a floral, fruity twist.
- Visually appealing: The pinkish hue looks gorgeous in cocktail glasses.
- Perfect for summer: Light, cold, and thirst-quenching.
- Simple ingredients: Easily made at home with basic tools.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a girls’ night, or simply want to enjoy a homemade drink, this recipe is both simple and rewarding.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lychee puree (or canned lychee, drained)
- 1 cup chilled soju
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: whole lychee fruit or mint leaves
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups
- Cocktail glasses
How to Make Lychee Soju Drink
Step 1: Blend the Lychee
Peel fresh lychee and remove the seeds. Blend until smooth. If using canned lychee, drain and blend until no chunks remain.
Tip: Use a strainer to filter out pulp for a smoother texture.
Step 2: Shake the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine lychee puree, lime juice, soju, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with whole lychee or mint leaves. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use fresh lychee when available for a more aromatic flavor.
- Adjust sweetness with the syrup based on your taste preference.
- Chill your glasses beforehand for an extra refreshing effect.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake before serving again as the layers may separate.
What to Pair with Lychee Soju Drink?
This light cocktail pairs well with:
- Pistachio trifle
- Cream cheese cake
- Macarons
- Lychee mochi
Sweet, creamy desserts enhance the tropical flavor profile of the drink.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This Lychee Soju Drink not only delights the taste buds but also offers a refreshing nutritional profile. Here’s a general breakdown for one serving (based on standard ingredients):
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22-25g
- Sugars: 18-20g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Vitamin C: 25% of the daily value (from fresh lychee and lime juice)
- Alcohol: 1.5 oz (standard shot of soju)
Key Nutrients:
- Lychee is rich in vitamin C, providing a healthy immune boost (National Institutes of Health, NIH).
- Soju offers a smooth, low-calorie alcoholic base, with minimal sugar content.
While this drink is not a significant source of fat or protein, it provides a delicious burst of natural sugars, making it a great occasional treat. For a lower-sugar alternative, you can adjust the amount of simple syrup or use a sugar-free option.
Check out more:
- Looking for a natural way to induce labor? Discover the benefits of Midwives Brew, a powerful drink to help prepare your body for delivery. [Link to Midwives Brew article]
- Interested in a unique way to kickstart your weight loss journey? Check out the Snake Juice Recipe and learn how it can support the Snake Diet for effective results. [Link to Snake Juice article]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned lychee?
Yes. Just drain the syrup and blend until smooth. The result is slightly sweeter than fresh lychee.
What if I don’t have soju?
You can substitute with vodka or white rum, but the taste will differ. Soju gives a milder profile.
Is this drink very sweet?
You control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of simple syrup.
✅ Expert Note
According to registered dietitian nutritionist Kelly Jones, MS, RD, lychee is rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, making it a flavorful and antioxidant-rich addition to beverages — though moderation is key when alcohol is involved. (Source: NIH on Lychee)
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on typical ingredient measurements and may vary depending on the specific brands or variations of ingredients used. For the most accurate information, please refer to the nutritional labels of the products you use.
Please note that the Lychee Soju Drink recipe contains alcohol (soju) and is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Enjoy responsibly. If you have any dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming alcoholic beverages or making any changes to your diet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lychee puree, can be replaced with one canned lychee
- 1 cup chilled soju
- 1/4 cup simple syrup, you can adjust it to your taste.
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices and lychee fruit as ingredients for decoration
Some equipment you need:
- Cocktail shakers
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups
- Cocktail glasses
- Fine mesh strainer
Instructions
- Peel the fresh lychee and remove the seeds. Then, place the lychee flesh in a blender and puree until smooth. If you're using canned lychee, simply drain it and blend until smooth. For the best flavor, it's recommended to use fresh lychee rather than canned, as the fresh aroma is more pronounced.
- Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then add the lychee puree, lime juice, chilled soju, and simple syrup. These ingredients are key to making the Lychee Soju Drink delicious. Shake the mixture vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Prepare your glasses by filling them with ice, then garnish each glass with a whole lychee. If you prefer, you can skip the garnish and enjoy the drink immediately after everything is well mixed.
Notes
It's best to use fresh lime juice and fresh lychee fruit for tastier results.
