Soon Hari Lychee 375ML is a fruit-flavored Korean soju bottled at 12% ABV in a 375ml format by Lotte Chilsung Beverage. This lychee expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a significant achievement that places it among the most recognized flavored sojus available internationally. Quick Facts: ABV: 12% | Origin: South Korea | Flavored Soju | Producer: Lotte Chilsung Beverage Production & Heritage Lotte Chilsung Beverage, one of South Korea's largest beverage conglomerates, launched the Soonhari line in 2015 as part of the flavored soju (sometimes called "mixju") movement that swept Korea. The base spirit is distilled from grain and tapioca, then blended with water, lychee flavoring, and a touch of high fructose corn syrup and citric acid to achieve its signature sweet-tart profile. Soonhari was among the pioneering brands in the Korean fruit soju category, and the Lychee variant remains one of its most popular expressions, distinguished by its delicate tropical aromatics and lower alcohol content compared to traditional unflavored soju. Tasting Notes Aroma: Floral lychee lifts immediately from the glass, followed by subtle notes of tropical fruit and ripe pear. A gentle sweetness carries through without becoming cloying. Taste: The entry is soft and silky, with lychee flavor arriving cleanly at the front of the palate. The mid-palate broadens into a light tropical sweetness balanced by mild citric acidity, keeping the overall impression crisp rather than syrupy. At 12% ABV, the alcohol is barely perceptible, allowing the fruit character to remain the focal point. Finish: Clean and gently sweet with a brief floral echo. The finish is light and refreshing, disappearing quickly enough to invite another sip. How to Drink Soon Hari Lychee Serve chilled straight from the bottle, as is traditional with Korean soju — the cold temperature highlights the crisp lychee flavor and suppresses any residual sweetness. It also works well over ice for a more leisurely pour. Lychee Soju Spritzer: Top with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a low-ABV highball that keeps the fruit flavor front and center. Soju Martini (Sojtini): Shake with a splash of elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon — the lychee base adds body without excessive sweetness. Yakult Soju (Soju Yogurt Cocktail): Combine with Yakult probiotic drink and a splash of lemon-lime soda for a classic Korean bar staple that pairs naturally with lychee's tropical sweetness. Best For Korean BBQ dinners where a light, fruity accompaniment balances rich grilled meats Introducing friends to the soju category with an approachable, low-ABV option Building a home bar for low-proof cocktails and spritzes Casual summer gatherings where easy-drinking refreshment is the priority Frequently Asked Questions What does Soon Hari Lychee taste like? It delivers a clean, floral lychee flavor with a soft sweetness balanced by light citric acidity, finishing crisp and refreshing at a gentle 12% ABV. How does Soon Hari Lychee compare to Jinro Chamisul? Jinro Chamisul is an unflavored soju typically bottled at 16.5–17.8% ABV with a neutral, clean grain spirit profile, while Soon Hari Lychee sits at a lower 12% ABV with pronounced fruit sweetness and floral aromatics. Consumers choosing between the two are generally deciding between a traditional, versatile soju and a fruit-forward, ready-to-drink style. Is Soon Hari Lychee good for beginners? Yes — its low 12% ABV, familiar tropical fruit flavor, and mild sweetness make it one of the most accessible entry points into the soju category. Where is Soon Hari Lychee made? Soon Hari Lychee is produced in South Korea by Lotte Chilsung Beverage, a major Korean beverage company that launched the Soonhari flavored soju line in 2015. What foods pair well with Soon Hari Lychee? Korean fried chicken benefits from the lychee sweetness cutting through the crispy, savory coating. Spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes) pairs well as the fruit flavor tempers the chili heat. Fresh shrimp tempura matches the light, clean body. Mango sticky rice creates a dessert pairing where tropical flavors complement each other. Pork belly lettuce wraps (ssam) work naturally, as soju is the traditional accompaniment to Korean grilled meats. What sizes does Soon Hari Lychee come in? Soon Hari Lychee is commonly available in the 375ml bottle, which is the standard format for flavored soju sold in the United States. Is Soon Hari Lychee worth the price? Soon Hari Lychee positions as a budget-friendly flavored soju, and its 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggests quality well above its modest price tier — strong value for a fruit soju with international critical recognition. Why Soon Hari Lychee? The 2025 Double Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the clearest signal that this is not just another flavored soju filling shelf space — it earned one of the competition's highest possible distinctions. Lotte Chilsung helped pioneer the fruit soju movement in Korea beginning in 2015, and the Lychee expression represents one of the line's most refined offerings, balancing aromatic tropical character against a clean, low-proof base. At 12% ABV, it occupies a practical sweet spot between wine and spirits, making it genuinely versatile across casual sipping, food pairing, and cocktail use. For anyone exploring flavored soju or looking for a credible lychee spirit at approachable strength, this bottle has both the pedigree and the flavor to justify a place in the rotation.
