In Korea, locals enjoy soju straight out of the bottle. But soju cocktails do exist, since the drink shares similar flavor profiles with vodka, a popular cocktail base. Here we pair Korea's most popular alcohol with sweet, ripened melon and fresh cucumber, highlighting the soju's uncomplicated taste and slightly sweet undertones.
Ingredients
- ¼ ripe melon
- 1 cup Korean soju
- ½ cucumber
- 1 cup tonic water
- ½ cup crushed ice
Prepare melon: Peel and dice melon into small cubes. Add melon cubes and soju in a bowl. Let the fruit soak for 10 minutes.
Prepare cucumber: Using a mandolin or a knife, slice your cucumber into ribbons or into round disks. Set aside.
Serve: Prepare two glasses. Lay the cucumber ribbons or discs along the inside of the glass. Divide crushed ice between the two glasses. Pour the melon and soju mixture into the prepared glasses, and top off with tonic water. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately.