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Let’s chat about that Soju Yakult Cocktail I can’t stop making lately. (Trust me, it’s equal parts zippy and refreshing, and wildly easy.) I first fell in love with the whole soju-and-Yakult mix on a sticky summer night when, out of pure curiosity, I tried it at my favorite Korean spot here in town. You know how sometimes you just need something fizzy and a little nostalgic? This absolutely delivered. Since then, I’ve probably shared this recipe with half my neighbors and a couple old college friends — it’s the summer cocktail everyone wants a sip of, even my husband who claims not to “do” cocktails. Ha! We’ll see about that.
Why You’ll Love This
- Playful combination of creamy, citrusy Yakult and smooth, floral soju that tastes way fancier than the effort involved
- Serious nostalgia if you grew up on those little Yakult bottles (or just heard your kids raving about them for years)
- Endlessly customizable — keep it classic, or riff with fruit or herbs depending on your mood
- The ultimate Korean drink for summer patio hangs, dinner parties, or just cooling off after a hot day
- Only a handful of ingredients (and ridiculously easy to whip up — honestly, the hardest part is not drinking the Yakult straight from the bottle first)
Ingredient Notes
Soju: The star of any good soju cocktail! You’ll find soju in any decently-stocked liquor store these days. It’s a subtle Korean spirit (think: a milder, lighter vodka), so don’t stress if this is your first bottle. Classic (green bottle) soju is just fine, but honestly, you can play around with flavored ones… peach or grapefruit soju are especially dreamy with Yakult if you want to lean extra fruity.
Yakult: The childhood probiotic drink! Don’t worry if you’ve never bought this — you’ll find those tiny white bottles near the dairy or international section of most supermarkets now, or at Asian grocery stores. Don’t swap with other yogurt drinks, since the unique tart-sweet flavor makes this special.
Lemon-Lime Soda: Sprite or 7-Up are perfect here, adding zing and fizz. You can try club soda for something lighter and a tad less sweet, or swap in seltzer for a grown-up twist. (My kids prefer it classic, though!)
Ice: Honestly, I use a scandalous amount. More ice makes this Korean drink extra crisp — and diluted just right for sipping on a patio.
Optional Garnishes: A wedge of lime, a few slices of fresh citrus, or even a sprig of mint. Not required but, you know, Instagram-worthy.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Fill your glass with ice. Don’t skimp here — get that glass cold and frosty! I go for taller highball glasses, but use whatever you have. (Just make sure it’ll fit everything.)
2. Pour in soju. Classic is 2 ounces (about a standard shot glass). If it’s a weeknight and you’re feeling virtuous, use a splash less. If you want it boozier (no judgment, I’ve been there), add another ounce.
3. Add the Yakult. Pop the lid off one tiny bottle and pour it in. If you’re making this for a crowd, double up! Each bottle is about 2-3 ounces. My son once tried “spiking” his Sprite with leftover Yakult and now thinks he’s a bartender. (No soju for him, don’t worry!)
4. Top off with lemon-lime soda. About 4 ounces should do it, but eyeball it to your desired strength and sweetness. Club soda or seltzer makes it lighter, if you want to sip all afternoon — which honestly, I have.
5. Gently stir. Don’t go wild, just enough to combine. It’ll get extra fizzy and creamy! Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime for tartness (especially if I used plain soju), or toss in a berry or two for color.
6. Garnish, if you like. A lime wedge, a tiny umbrella, or even just a fun straw makes it feel festive. Sometimes I get fancy and float a thin cucumber slice on top — mostly just to feel “spa day” energy in my own backyard.
Variations and Twists
This summer cocktail is endlessly adaptable for your mood, your fridge, or whatever friends happen to show up:
- Fruit-forward: Add a splash of peach or strawberry syrup, or muddle in a handful of raspberries before you pour. (Peach soju + Yakult is everything on a humid evening.)
- Herbal: Pop a sprig of basil or mint in your glass. The herbal notes play so well with that sweet Yakult tang (and I always have a few wilted leaves kicking around, just begging to be used).
- Spicy: Stir in a super-thin slice of jalapeno or a dash of ginger syrup for a kick. (Not for everyone, but my best friend swears it’s a flavor bomb!)
- Citrusy: Swap in grapefruit or yuzu soda for the lemon-lime, or amp things up with extra lime juice for even more tartness.
- Alcohol-free: For the kiddos or anyone skipping alcohol, just Yakult and Sprite makes a cheerful little mocktail. (It’s dangerously sippable — my niece will ask for this at every family get-together!)
Storage & Reheating Tips
Okay, so, I’ll be honest: this soju Yakult cocktail doesn’t really keep. It’s best enjoyed right after you mix it — otherwise, that beautiful fizz will disappear, and the creaminess gets a little… well, sad. (I learned the hard way after softening up a big pitcher for a party, only to find it completely flat after an hour. Oops.)
If you want to prep ahead, you can absolutely chill your soju and Yakult in advance, and pre-slice any garnishes. Just assemble seconds before serving for best results — and trust me, it only takes a minute.
Let’s Chat!
So there you have it, my favorite easy Korean drink for breezy summer evenings and last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re a full-blown soju mixology enthusiast or just Yakult-curious (I see you!), I hope you’ll give this a try — and let me know how you riff on it! Did you try a wild flavor combo? Did your family fall in love too? Drop a comment below and tell me your twists, tips, or just say hi. Cheers to cozy, craveable comfort drinks — all summer long!
Soju Yakult Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Soju classic or flavored
- 1 bottle Yakult original flavor
- 4 ounces Lemon-lime soda Sprite or 7-Up
- Ice
- Optional Garnishes lime wedge, fresh citrus slices, mint
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice, ensuring it's cold and frosty.
- Add 2 ounces of soju to the glass. Adjust amount based on preference.
- Pour the contents of one Yakult bottle (2-3 ounces) into the glass.
- Add 4 ounces of lemon-lime soda to the glass. Adjust to desired strength.
- Stir the ingredients gently to combine. Add optional garnishes if desired.
- Add garnishes like a lime wedge, citrus slices, or mint for a decorative touch.
