There are childhood favorites, like Strawberry Jam, or post-adolescent necessities luxuries, like sweet and juicy fruit-infused booze. After working days on end, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a well-deserved day off than to sit outdoors, basking in the infinite and inescapable sunlight with a dripping watermelon wedge in one hand and a nice, cold glass of watermelon soju in the other. Along with the cozy smell of yeast and flour that makes bread, the warmth and softness of freshly washed-and-dried laundry against my face, and the sight of my dog, Chino. making feeble (and more often, not-so-feeble) attempts at “rolling over” in hopes of getting a tummy rub, my heart flutters when the sun is beaming, forcing me to wrinkle my nose and squint my eyes. It also swells with glee when watermelons are in season. They’re my absolute favorite fruit.

They’re mouth-watering and bursting with brightness, flavor, and juice, undeniably singing “summer is here!” And paired with some soju, I can’t help but to think (with all 22 whopping years of me): life just can’t get much better than this.

Watermelon Soju

Makes one pitcher or large carafe

Ingredients:

4-6 cups seedless watermelon, large dices (Personally, 4 cups was a perfect amount, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences)
1 bottle soju, like chum churum (처음처럼) or cham eesul (참이슬)*
2 cups lemon-lime soda, like sprite or 7-up
1 cup ice
juice of 1/2 a lemon
lemon wedges, for garnish

Preparation:

Blend the watermelon chunks until liquified and add ice cubes until blended smooth.

Strain the juice using a strainer to eliminate any large and unwanted bits.

Combine soju, soda, and lemon juice with the watermelon juice. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

Adjust soda as needed, to preference.

Skim and discard top layer of foam.

Serve in glasses, with or without ice, with lemon wedges.

*Soju can be found in most Asian grocery stores. Fruit-infused soju cocktails are common and wildly popular in Korea and can be found at most Korean bars/K-Towns all over the world. Common flavors include: yogurt, lemon, strawberry, melon, peach, etc.

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