Soon Hari Citron Soju

Soonhari Citron Soju 375mL is the citrus expression that sits closest to the beginning of Korea’s modern flavored-soju boom. Bright, lightly sweet, and bottled at just 12% ABV, it trades traditional soju’s sharper alcohol edge for citron, lemon, and floral notes built to be served ice-cold and shared.

Process & Profile

Produced by LOTTE Chilsung Beverage, Soonhari is a South Korean flavored-soju line built around a relatively neutral distilled base and fruit flavoring. The current U.S. Citron expression contains water, alcohol distilled from grain and tapioca, citric acid, citron flavor, actual citron juice, and artificial sweeteners. It is bottled at 12% ABV in a 375mL bottle and is labeled gluten-free.

Citron has particular importance within the Soonhari lineup. When the original citron-flavored Soonhari debuted in Korea in March 2015, it helped trigger the country’s flavored-soju wave: the original release used yuja/citron and sold roughly 1.3 million bottles in its first month and 10 million within two months. That first version was 14% ABV; today’s U.S. Soonhari Citron has been dialed down to 12%, making the current bottle even lighter and easier-drinking.

On the nose, orange, lemon, and floral notes lead, with a softer lemon-curd character underneath.

On the palate, it is light and clean, with bright citrus upfront followed by lemon curd and a touch of lemon crème. The sweetness rounds off the acidity without turning the drink into a heavy liqueur, while the low proof keeps the texture soft and approachable.

The finish is short, clean, and citrus-driven, leaving a gentle sweetness and fresh lemon character rather than noticeable alcohol heat.

What makes Soonhari Citron notable is that it is not simply another flavor added to an established range. Citron was the flavor at the center of Soonhari’s original 2015 breakthrough, helping establish the fruit-soju style that would quickly spread across the Korean spirits market. The modern 12% bottling keeps that original idea intact while pushing it further toward refreshing, casual drinking.

Serve it well chilled, straight from the refrigerator, over ice, or lengthened with a splash of club soda. Soonhari specifically recommends Citron alongside sushi, while retailers also suggest spring rolls and citrus desserts — foods that work naturally with its light sweetness and acidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Soonhari Citron Soju?
A South Korean flavored soju from LOTTE Chilsung Beverage, combining a grain-and-tapioca-based spirit with citron juice and flavor for a light, sweet citrus profile.

What are the specs?
375mL, 12% ABV, made with alcohol distilled from grain and tapioca, citron juice and flavor, citric acid, and sweeteners. The current U.S. expression is also labeled gluten-free.

What does it taste like?
Orange, lemon, and floral aromas followed by citrus, lemon curd, and a lightly creamy lemon sweetness. The overall profile is clean, refreshing, and considerably softer than traditional higher-proof soju.

How should you enjoy it?
Serve it very cold, over ice, or with a splash of club soda. It pairs especially well with sushi and other light or citrus-driven dishes.

Why is this release notable?
Citron was the original Soonhari flavor launched in Korea in 2015, and its rapid success helped ignite the modern flavored-soju category. The current U.S. version preserves that citrus-led identity at an approachable 12% ABV.