Soju — pronounced soh-joo — is a popular South Korean spirit that people enjoy neat or in cocktails. According to Instacart data*, soju’s popularity grew more than any other alcoholic spirit between 2023 and 2025. Only non-alcoholic cocktails saw greater growth.
Original soju is the clear, unflavored version, with a clean, slightly sweet taste and a higher alcohol content than its fruity counterparts. Flavored soju adds fruit or other flavorings to that base, making it sweeter, smoother and easier to sip.
With so many soju varieties available, you can find your favorite fruit flavor or select one that goes well with dinner, whether you’re enjoying seafood, spicy street food, Korean BBQ, or something else.
Here’s a look at 19 of the most common soju flavors, with tasting notes and pairing ideas to help you choose a bottle. (New to the spirit? Brush up on how to drink soju before you pour your first glass.)
1. Apple soju
If you've got a sweet tooth, you'll love apple soju. It tastes crisp and bright, with a sweet-tart flavor similar to a fresh green apple. It’s smooth enough to sip on its own over ice, and its tartness cuts through rich, spicy dishes like kimchi stew.
2. Apple mango soju
Apple mango soju has a rounded tropical sweetness, with some bottles carrying hints of apricot and honey. Savory snacks such as fried dumplings complement its fruity flavor.
3. Blueberry soju
Blueberry soju has a deep, jammy berry flavor with a light tartness that keeps it from tasting too syrupy. Mix it with lemonade or club soda for easy mixed drinks.
4. Calamansi soju
Calamansi, a small citrus fruit, gives soju a tart flavor reminiscent of lime and mandarin orange. Its citrus bite pairs well with grilled shrimp or fried fish.
5. Citron soju
Citron soju, often flavored with yuja (also known as yuzu), tastes similar to grapefruit soju but has a cleaner, crisper citrus flavor. You won't usually see it on a restaurant or bar menu, but many retailers keep the spirit stocked on their shelves.
6. Grapefruit soju
Grapefruit is another popular type of soju in Korea. It blends sour grapefruit with a hint of sweetness, placing it solidly between original soju and other fruit-flavored varieties.
7. Green grape soju
Green grape soju tastes crisp and juicy, with a sweet, fresh grape aroma that balances the alcohol without tasting like candy. Serve it ice cold on its own, or pair it with salty snacks like fried chicken or seasoned seaweed to bring out its bright fruit flavor.
8. Lemongrass ginger soju
Lemongrass ginger soju comes from Vietnam rather than Korea. KAI distills it from rice, then infuses it with lemongrass and ginger for a bright lemon aroma and a warm, peppery finish. It’s also stronger than most fruit-flavored sojus at around 24% alcohol by volume, so it holds up well over ice or in a ginger-forward cocktail.
9. Lychee soju
Lychee soju has a delicate floral aroma and a sweetness much like the lychee fruit itself. A splash of soda water softens the sweetness without covering up the floral notes.
10. Mango soju
Mango soju tastes like ripe, juicy mango, with a bold sweetness and a slight tang on the finish. For a delightful appetizer pairing, that sweetness helps cool the heat of spicy tteokbokki, chewy Korean rice cakes coated in chili sauce.
11. Original soju
Original soju skips the added fruit flavor and has a clean, slightly sweet taste. It complements the smoky meat and savory marinades of Korean BBQ.
12. Passion fruit soju
With its fragrant aroma and tangy flavor, passion fruit soju brings a tart edge to tropical cocktails. Soda water and a squeeze of lime keep the drink bright without adding sweetness.
13. Peach soju
Peach soju offers a soft, mellow sweetness that’s popular even with those who don’t enjoy the taste of alcohol. Its gentle fruit flavor complements spicy fried chicken, savory grilled pork or a cheesy corn dog.
14. Pineapple soju
Pineapple soju has a sweet fruit flavor with a tart edge that makes grilled pork a savory match. Mixing pineapple soju with a little coconut water also works well in a cocktail, adding a mild nuttiness.
15. Plum soju
Plum soju is one of the most popular types of fruit-infused soju in Korea. Best served ice cold, it has a sweet plum flavor and a refreshing taste.
16. Pomegranate soju
Pomegranate soju has a tart, slightly berry-like flavor. It goes well with rich dishes such as braised beef or roasted duck.
17. Strawberry soju
Strawberry soju is refreshing, sweet, and tastes like spring. You can drink this soju straight or try it in a cocktail. Mix it with lemon-lime soda for a more sour flavor. Or if you prefer creamy sweetness, pour it into a glass of strawberry milk.
18. Watermelon soju
Watermelon lovers will enjoy the clean, crisp flavor of watermelon soju. Delicious on its own, it is also a spectacular addition to any mixologist's collection.
19. Yogurt soju
Yogurt soju captures the sweet tang of a yogurt drink, sometimes with creamy vanilla notes. It tastes great chilled on its own, but you can also mix it with lemon-lime soda for a fizzy cocktail.
Grab it now on Instacart
FAQs
How is soju made?
Producers make traditional distilled soju by fermenting rice or other grains, then distilling the mixture. Diluted soju combines highly concentrated neutral alcohol with water and often sweeteners. Flavored versions, sometimes called cocktail soju, add fruit flavorings or other ingredients to the base spirit.
Traditional soju shares roots with other grain-based Asian spirits, such as Japanese shochu and Chinese baijiu.
Is there non-alcoholic soju?
Yes, brands such as Jun Ho make non-alcoholic soju alternatives, including fruit-flavored options. Availability varies by retailer and location.
What foods pair best with peach or green grape soju?
Peach soju’s mellow sweetness complements spicy fried chicken or savory grilled pork. Green grape soju’s bright fruit flavor makes a good match for grilled seafood or a vegetable pancake.
What cocktails can I make with soju?
Soju works well in a mojito with lime and mint or a spritz with fruit juice and soda water. For a simple soju cocktail recipe, combine peach soju with sparkling water over ice, then finish with a squeeze of lemon.
How strong is soju?
Most flavored soju sits around 12% to 13% alcohol by volume (ABV), about the same as a glass of wine. Original, unflavored soju is stronger, usually around 16% to 20% ABV. Traditional distilled soju can reach 40% or higher, closer to vodka. Since flavored soju tastes sweet and goes down easily, it can feel lighter than it really is, so sip slowly and keep food on the table.
Start experimenting with different soju flavors
A new soju flavor can inspire your next cocktail or complete a meal.
Shop available soju flavors through Instacart, along with ingredients for dinner, to bring your next pairing together.
Must be 21+ for alcohol delivery, where available. Enjoy responsibly.
*Between January 2023 - December 2025, Instacart measured how big a slice each category carved out of the Instacart basket, then compared that daily share, on a rolling seven-day basis, to the category’s own yearly average. The percentage shown is the year over year growth in Soju's share of the basket on the Instacart platform.
