📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Soju
Alcohol 12%
Calories 180 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 2 minutes
When you sip a Saenggang Soju cocktail, you’re tasting a story in a glass. This drink is a zesty dance of ginger’s warmth with soju’s smooth spirit, dressed up with the sparkle of soda. Let’s unravel the essence of this delightful concoction together and discover how to make your own at home. ⬇️
History
The Saenggang Soju cocktail is a modern twist on traditional Korean flavors. It has roots in South Korea, where soju and ginger are staples. This drink celebrates the fusion of old and new, marrying historical ingredients with contemporary cocktail culture.
- The name ‘Saenggang Soju’ combines ‘Saenggang,’ meaning ginger in Korean, with ‘Soju,’ Korea’s beloved spirit.
- Soju has been enjoyed in Korea for centuries, and adding ginger to it is a twist that highlights Korean culinary innovation.
- It’s a popular choice in trendy bars in Seoul, where mixologists are respected for their creative approaches to traditional drinks.
The taste of a Saenggang Soju?
A Saenggang Soju cocktail has a refreshing taste with a ginger kick. The soju provides a clean, crisp base, allowing the spicy–sweet ginger to shine through.
I personally love drinking Saenggang Soju cocktails because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Interesting facts about Saenggang Soju
- Soju used in the cocktail is often distilled from rice, giving it a neutral flavor that’s perfect for mixing.
- Ginger, the star ingredient, has been used in Asia for its medicinal properties for over 5000 years.
- In Korea, it’s common to sip soju with friends and family, and the Saenggang Soju cocktail is a modern extension of this social tradition.
Ingredients 📃
- Soju: 2 oz (60ml)
- Fresh ginger juice: 1 oz (30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Club soda: to top up
- Garnish: Fresh ginger slice and mint leaves
Highball glass is the best choice for serving a Saenggang Soju cocktail. Its tall and narrow shape maintains the fizzy texture of the club soda, enhancing the overall experience. An alternative could be a Collins glass, which is similar in shape and size.
Recipe. How to make Saenggang Soju 🍹
- Pour 2 oz of soju into a shaker.
- Add 1 oz of fresh ginger juice and 0.5 oz of simple syrup.
- Shake the mixture well and strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
- Top up with club soda and garnish with a fresh ginger slice and mint leaves.
Saenggang Soju can be sweet and contains calories from the sugar in simple syrup. To make it healthier, use natural sweeteners like honey or reduce the syrup amount. Plus, ginger in the drink can aid digestion!
Food Pairings
Some foods have a magical way of elevating the Saenggang Soju’s flavors. Here are some pairings that sing in harmony with this cocktail’s spicy and sweet notes.
Korean BBQ
The smoky and savory flavors of Korean BBQ are cut beautifully by the Saenggang Soju’s crispness, making each bite and sip a delightful contrast.
Fresh Sushi
The subtle taste of fresh sushi complements the ginger’s spice in the Saenggang Soju, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Spicy Kimchi
Kimchi’s bold and spicy flavors are balanced by the refreshing and slightly sweet elements of the Saenggang Soju, creating a harmonious palate.
I really enjoy the taste of Saenggang Sojus—the cool mint and zesty lime make it a perfect drink for relaxing after a long week.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh ginger juice for a vibrant kick of flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand to ensure the cocktail stays crisp and refreshing.
- Experiment with the sweetness by adjusting the simple syrup to your liking.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Saenggang Soju, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Saenggang Soju
- Soju: Can be replaced with vodka for a different kind of kick.
- Simple syrup: Use honey or agave for a natural sweetener alternative.
- Ginger juice: Add more or less to play with the spiciness of the drink.
Saenggang Soju Variations
Spicy Saenggang Soju
- Ingredients: Add a dash of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño.
- Recipe: Shake the extra spicy elements with the standard ingredients for a fiery twist.
Herbal Saenggang Soju
- Ingredients: Infuse soju with herbs like rosemary or thyme for 24 hours.
- Recipe: Use the herbal infused soju in the same recipe for an aromatic twist.
Fruity Saenggang Soju
- Ingredients: Include fresh fruit juices like apple or pear.
- Recipe: Combine fruit juice with soju and ginger, then shake and serve.
To enjoy a non-alcoholic version, mix fresh ginger juice with honey and top with sparkling water. Garnish with ginger and mint for a refreshing Virgin Saenggang Soju.
Q&A
What’s the best soju brand for a Saenggang Soju?
Any smooth, high-quality soju will do, but brands like Chamisul or Chum-Churum are popular choices for their clean flavor.
Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh ginger juice?
Fresh ginger juice is recommended for its vibrant taste, but in a pinch, you can use a small amount of powdered ginger dissolved in water.
How can I make the Saenggang Soju less sweet?
Simply reduce the simple syrup or substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener to taste. Balance is key, so adjust according to your preference!
What’s the ideal food to serve with Saenggang Soju at a party?
Finger foods like mini Korean BBQ sliders or sushi rolls pair excellently with the cocktail’s flavors. They’re easy to eat while mingling!
Can I make Saenggang Soju in batches for a large group?
Absolutely! Mix a large batch without the soda, then top each glass with soda right before serving to keep the fizz alive.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for soju in this cocktail?
Yes, you can use a non-alcoholic spirit or even a simple syrup flavored with traditional soju spices to mimic the taste.
