Paul Kushner
The Soju Sunrise Cocktail is a light and fruity take on the classic tequila sunrise, made with smooth, easy-drinking soju. It blends orange juice and grenadine with soju for a colorful layered look and a sweet, citrusy taste. The grenadine settles at the bottom, creating that signature sunrise effect, while the soju keeps it mellow and refreshing. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something simple, not too strong, and full of flavor. Perfect for brunch, casual hangouts, or anyone new to cocktails who wants something fun and easy to enjoy.
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Tasting Notes
The Soju Sunrise Cocktail is a bright, fruit-forward drink that offers the perfect balance of sweet citrus and visual flair. Light and smooth soju replaces the traditional tequila, making this version slightly less intense and more approachable. Fresh orange juice brings juicy brightness, while grenadine adds a touch of syrupy sweetness and creates the iconic sunrise gradient. Finished with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry, this cocktail is refreshing, smooth, and ideal for slow sipping. It’s light in alcohol, big on flavor, and always a showstopper in the glass.
Equipment and Glassware
This cocktail requires minimal tools, making it perfect for quick assembly. You’ll need a jigger for measuring your soju, orange juice, and grenadine accurately. Use a bar spoon to gently stir and help create that beautiful layered effect. Serve in a highball glass or Collins glass, which allows plenty of space for the ice and visual gradient. A citrus knife or peeler is helpful for preparing your orange slice garnish, and a cocktail pick can elevate your cherry presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 oz soju
- 4 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Build the Drink: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in soju followed by orange juice.
- Add Grenadine: Slowly pour grenadine down the inside edge of the glass. Let it settle at the bottom.
- Stir Lightly: Use a bar spoon to gently stir just once or twice to create a soft gradient effect.
- Garnish: Top with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for a brighter and less sugary flavor. For the best sunrise effect, pour the grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon.
- If you want more sweetness or color, slightly increase the grenadine—but not too much or it will overpower the citrus.
- For a festive touch, rim the glass with citrus sugar or Tajín.
- Want a fizzier version? Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for added sparkle.
When to Serve
The Soju Sunrise is perfect for brunches, day drinking, or sunset gatherings. Its low ABV and light, fruity profile make it ideal for beach days, spa parties, or early evening cocktails. Serve it at Korean fusion dinners, summer barbecues, or anytime you want something colorful, easygoing, and refreshing. It’s also a great choice for introducing friends to soju in a fun, familiar format.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Go with a clean, smooth soju like Chum Churum, Jinro, or Good Day—flavored soju can also work well (try citrus or peach).
- Use fresh orange juice for the best results, or a high-quality bottled option like Natalie’s or Uncle Matt’s.
- For grenadine, Liber & Co. or Stirrings offer premium options that use real pomegranate.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a quality Luxardo cherry if you want to upgrade from the traditional maraschino.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz soju
- 4 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Build the Drink: Fill the glass with ice. Pour in soju followed by orange juice.
- Add Grenadine: Slowly pour grenadine down the inside edge of the glass. Let it settle at the bottom.
- Stir Lightly: Use a bar spoon to gently stir just once or twice to create a soft gradient effect.
- Garnish: Top with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a cleaner gradient, don’t stir—serve with a straw so the drinker mixes it themselves.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor.
- To make it extra festive, rim the glass with sugar before building the cocktail.
