You might have spotted us roaming Koreatown — sipping yogurt soju, sharing kimchi fried rice, and enjoying a DJ spinning classic hip hop with modern EDM. Those memories still make us smile.
Recently we’ve been inspired by our favorite LA pochas and recreated that vibe at home, which led us to revisit and refine our yogurt soju cocktail.
Yogurt Soju is a light, refreshing cocktail blending the creamy tang of a probiotic yogurt drink with smooth soju and a fizzy splash of soda for effervescence.
Enjoy it on its own or serve it alongside your favorite bar snacks (pulutan) for a fun, easy drink that pairs well with bold, savory bites.
This recipe is one of the earliest on our site and was originally called the “Soju Boy Cocktail.” Our friends Kris and Gendarme used this drink and name at their wedding — a sweet honor we still remember fondly.
Below is a quick, straightforward recipe so you can make it at home.
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Table of Contents
- What is Yogurt Soju?
- Why Drink Yogurt Soju?
- How to Make Yogurt Soju
- Ingredients
- Recipe
- Best Sojus for Yogurt Soju
- Best Yogurt Drink
- Best Sodas
- What Goes Well With It
- Final thoughts
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- References & Further Reading
What is Yogurt Soju?
Yogurt Soju is a popular Korean cocktail that combines a drinkable yogurt (probiotic) with neutral-tasting soju and a splash of soda. The result is slightly sweet, creamy, and very drinkable — which helps explain its popularity, especially among younger crowds.
Many soju brands offer a ready-made yogurt flavor, but making it at home is quick, inexpensive, and customizable.
Why Drink Yogurt Soju?
This cocktail is refreshing and simple. The yogurt drink brings a creamy tang and beneficial probiotics, while the soju keeps the alcohol light and smooth. With just three ingredients, it’s an easy choice for casual gatherings or a warm day when you want something cool and fizzy.
Yogurt Soju pairs well with bold, savory dishes — think Korean barbecued meats, spicy appetizers, or cheesy snacks that contrast nicely with the drink’s creamy sweetness.
How to Make Yogurt Soju
The cocktail takes less than a minute to prepare and needs only three ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Yakult or a drinkable yogurt (probiotic yogurt drink)
- 3 oz soju (Original or Fresh/neutral flavor)
- 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
Recipe
Simple steps:
- Pour 2 oz cold Yakult (or another yogurt drink) into a glass.
- Add 3 oz soju and stir to combine.
- Top with about 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda or ginger ale to add effervescence.
- Serve in a glass over ice or distribute into shot cups for a party. Cheers!
Best Sojus for Yogurt Soju
Choose a neutral, unflavored soju so it won’t compete with the yogurt’s taste. Look for labels that say “Original” or “Fresh.” Brands that commonly work well include Saero, Jinro, Chum Churum, and Good Day.
Best Yogurt Drink
Use a plain, drinkable yogurt (probiotic) rather than thick yogurt. Plain, unsweetened options keep the cocktail balanced and prevent it from becoming overly sweet. Popular choices include Yakult or other local probiotic yogurt drinks labeled as drinkable yogurt.
Best Sodas
The soda should be light, mildly citrusy, and fizzy. Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite, 7Up, or Starry are classic choices. We sometimes prefer ginger ale for its gentle spice, which pairs nicely with the creamy yogurt.
What Goes Well with Yogurt Soju?
This cocktail complements street food, snacks, and bold Korean flavors. The creamy, slightly sweet profile contrasts nicely with savory, spicy, or cheesy dishes — such as pork belly, karaage-style wings, or corn cheese. It’s also a pleasant standalone drink at social gatherings or on a hot day.
Final thoughts
Yogurt Soju is an easy, refreshing cocktail that highlights the creamy tang of yogurt with light alcohol and fizzy soda. If you want something stronger than beer but milder than straight spirits, this is a great option. Quick to make and easy to customize, it’s ideal for casual entertaining.
Thanks for reading! If you try this recipe, leave a rating and share your photos on Instagram — tag @itsforkandspoon so we can see your take on it.
Yogurt Soju Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Yakult or yogurt drink
- 3 oz soju (Original or Fresh flavor)
- 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
Instructions
- Pour cold Yakult and soju into a glass and stir to combine.
- Top with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale and serve over ice or as shots.
Please share this recipe with proper attribution to the original content. Fork & Spoon by Noelle Noriesta is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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References & Further Reading
Sources for background reading include articles on drinkable yogurt trends and soju brand rankings.