If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s equal parts fruity, refreshing, and a little exotic, the Bokbunja Cocktail is just what you need. It’s a delicious blend of Korean black raspberry wine, soju, and a touch of fizz, making it the perfect drink to brighten up warm evenings or impress friends at your next gathering. I’ve made this cocktail so many times, and it’s always a hit—let me walk you through how to make it your own.
Bokbunja Cocktail
Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
- Bokbunja-ju (Korean black raspberry wine): 1.5 oz (45 ml)
- Soju (or vodka, if you prefer): 1 oz (30 ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15 ml) (or adjust to taste)
- Fresh lemon juice: 0.5 oz (15 ml)
- Sparkling water (or club soda): to top off
- Ice cubes: as needed
- Garnish: fresh berries or a lemon twist
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour in 1.5 oz of Bokbunja-ju, 1 oz of soju, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, and 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice.
- Shake it up! Give it a good, vigorous shake until everything is nicely chilled—about 15 seconds should do.
- Strain the mixture into your glass (a stemmed glass like a wine or martini glass works great, but a rocks glass is fine for a casual vibe).
- Top it off with sparkling water to your liking—just enough to give it that refreshing fizz.
- Add your garnish. A few fresh berries or a twist of lemon will make it look as good as it tastes.
Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh lemon juice—it makes a world of difference in balancing the sweet and tart flavors.
- If you like your drink less sweet, cut back on the simple syrup or swap it with honey or agave syrup for a natural touch.
- Shake with plenty of ice to get that perfect chill—no one likes a lukewarm cocktail!
Make-Ahead Notes
Want to save time during a party? Mix the Bokbunja-ju, soju, simple syrup, and lemon juice ahead of time and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just pour over ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish. Easy peasy!
Flavor and Food Pairings
This cocktail’s sweet-tart berry flavor makes it incredibly versatile. Here are some pairing ideas to elevate your experience:
- Grilled Meats: The drink’s fruity tang cuts through the richness of smoky, grilled dishes.
- Spicy Foods: Its refreshing fizz is a great way to cool your palate after something spicy—think Korean fried chicken or spicy noodles.
- Chocolate Desserts: The bold raspberry notes pair beautifully with chocolate, creating a decadent combo you’ll love.
Variations to Try
Want to mix it up? Here are some fun twists on the classic Bokbunja Cocktail:
Summer Berry Bokbunja
- What to Add: A handful of strawberries and blueberries.
- How to Make: Muddle the berries in your shaker before adding the other ingredients for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
Spicy Bokbunja Twist
- What to Add: A thin slice of fresh jalapeño.
- How to Make: Shake the jalapeño with the other ingredients to infuse a subtle heat into your drink.
Bokbunja Fizz
- What to Add: 1 egg white.
- How to Make: Do a “dry shake” (shake without ice) to froth up the egg white, then add ice and shake again before straining. It’s creamy, fizzy, and oh-so-fancy!
Non-Alcoholic Version
- Replace Bokbunja-ju with raspberry juice, skip the soju, and mix with lemon juice and sparkling water. Garnish with fresh berries for a mocktail everyone can enjoy.
Q&A
Can I use frozen berries for garnish?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work just as well, and they help keep your drink cold too.
What if I can’t find Bokbunja-ju?
You can substitute with any black raspberry or berry-flavored liqueur. Chambord works in a pinch!
How sweet is this cocktail?
It’s a balanced mix of sweet and tart, but you can easily adjust the sweetness by tweaking the simple syrup to your taste.
What’s the best time to enjoy a Bokbunja Cocktail?
It’s perfect for summer nights or anytime you’re in the mood for something fruity and refreshing.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover Bokbunja-ju, store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. The cocktail itself is best enjoyed immediately, but the pre-mixed base (without sparkling water) can be kept in the fridge for up to a day.
Closing Thoughts
The Bokbunja Cocktail is one of those drinks that always surprises and delights. Whether you’re enjoying it solo on a cozy evening or sharing it with friends, its bold berry flavor and refreshing fizz make it a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with your favorite Korean snacks or a decadent dessert, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo. Cheers!
