Soon Hari Yogurt Soju

Soonhari Yogurt Soju 375mL is the creamy outlier in the Soonhari lineup, built around the sweet-tart character of yogurt rather than straightforward fruit. At 12% ABV, it combines lemon, melon, peach, vanilla, and a light dairy-like tang into a soft, refreshing profile that drinks more like a chilled dessert cocktail than traditional soju.

Process & Profile

Produced in Korea by LOTTE, Soonhari Yogurt is made with water, high-fructose corn syrup, alcohol distilled from grain and tapioca, yogurt flavor, and citric acid. The current U.S. expression is bottled at 12% ABV in a 375mL bottle and is labeled gluten-free.

Soonhari uses a modern flavored-soju process in which ingredients such as rice, tapioca, barley, and wheat are fermented and distilled into a clean spirit, then diluted with activated carbon-filtered water before flavoring is added. That neutral base is particularly useful here because it allows the yogurt character to come through without a strong alcoholic edge competing with it.

On the nose, lemon, melon, and peach give the expression more fruit than its name might suggest, followed by a softer vanilla and creamy aroma.

On the palate, the profile is crisp and lightly tangy at first, before becoming rounder and creamier through the middle. Yogurt and vanilla provide the richer side of the drink, while lemon and melon keep the sweetness from becoming too heavy.

The finish is smooth, lightly sweet, and gently tart, with lingering creamy vanilla and fruit rather than noticeable alcohol heat.

Soonhari Yogurt also has an interesting place in the brand’s U.S. history. LOTTE launched the expression in the American market in 2019, where it became the fifth Soonhari flavor available after Citron, Peach, Apple, and Strawberry. The initial U.S. shipment consisted of approximately 190,000 375mL bottles, and the flavor was specifically developed as an export-focused product built around yogurt’s characteristic sweet-and-sour profile.

What makes Soonhari Yogurt distinctive is that it moves beyond conventional fruit soju. Instead of simply adding another berry or tropical flavor, it combines fruit, acidity, vanilla, and creaminess into a profile that resembles the popular yogurt-style drinks found throughout East Asia. The expression also received a Bronze Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Serve it very cold, straight from the bottle or poured into small soju glasses. Soonhari specifically recommends pairing Yogurt with tteokbokki, where its sweetness and creamy tang help soften the heat and spice of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Soonhari Yogurt Soju?
A Korean flavored soju from LOTTE combining a grain-and-tapioca-based spirit with yogurt flavor for a sweet, creamy, lightly tart profile.

What are the specs?
375mL, 12% ABV, made with water, high-fructose corn syrup, alcohol distilled from grain and tapioca, yogurt flavor, and citric acid. It is labeled gluten-free.

What does it taste like?
Expect lemon, melon, and peach alongside yogurt, vanilla, and a light creamy texture. The profile is crisp and refreshing upfront, followed by a subtle tang and smooth sweetness.

How should you enjoy it?
Serve it very cold, over ice, or use it in a creamy or fruit-forward cocktail. It pairs especially well with spicy dishes such as tteokbokki.

Why is this release notable?
Soonhari Yogurt was introduced to the U.S. in 2019 as an export-focused flavor and stands apart from the brand’s fruit expressions by combining sweetness, acidity, fruit, and creamy yogurt character. It also earned a 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Bronze Medal