Soon Hari Citron 375ML

Soon Hari Citron 375ML is a Korean flavored soju infused with citron, bottled at 12% ABV in a convenient 375ml format. Produced by LOTTE Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd. — the world's second-largest soju manufacturer — Soonhari is widely recognized as the original flavored soju line, with "Soonhari" translating to "smooth" in Korean.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Korea  |  Style: Citron-Flavored Soju  |  Producer: LOTTE Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd.

Production & Heritage

LOTTE Chilsung Beverage holds distinction as the first soju manufacturer to use mineral-rich water in its production process. Soon Hari Citron is a clear, colorless distilled spirit produced from a base of rice, tapioca, barley, and wheat, then infused with citron flavoring. The result is a lower-proof, lower-calorie alternative to traditional spirits that prioritizes drinkability and refreshment over potency.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh Korean citron leads the nose with bright, zesty citrus aromatics. Underneath, a subtle tangy sweetness emerges, clean and inviting without any harsh alcohol burn.

Taste: The entry is light and crisp, immediately delivering smooth citrus flavors across the palate. At mid-palate, a delicate sweetness develops alongside a slightly creamy texture, though the overall impression remains refreshing and restrained rather than cloying.

Finish: The finish is cool and clean, fading quickly with lingering notes of citron zest. There is no heavy residual sweetness — just a crisp, brisk close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Soon Hari Citron

At 12% ABV, this soju drinks well chilled straight from the bottle or poured over ice, which is the most traditional Korean approach. Its light body and citrus character also make it a versatile mixer:

• Soju Sunrise: Combine with orange juice and a splash of grenadine for a low-proof brunch drink that keeps the citrus theme front and center.
• Yogurt Soju (Yakult Soju): Mix with Yakult or a similar probiotic yogurt drink — a hugely popular Korean combination where the citron adds a tangy lift.
• Citron Soju Spritz: Top with sparkling water and a lemon wheel for a simple, sessionable warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Introducing friends to Korean drinking culture and flavored soju
• Pairing with Korean barbecue or Asian street food
• Low-ABV social drinking sessions where refreshment matters more than intensity
• Stocking a home bar with versatile, easy-mixing spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Soon Hari Citron taste like? Soon Hari Citron tastes light, crisp, and subtly sweet with prominent fresh citron and citrus zest flavors. It has a smooth, slightly creamy texture and a clean, cool finish.

How does Soon Hari Citron compare to Chum Churum Citron Soju? Both are citrus-flavored Korean sojus at similar ABVs — Soon Hari sits at 12% while Chum Churum Citron is bottled at approximately 13%. Soon Hari tends to lean slightly sweeter and smoother, while Chum Churum often reads as a touch more tart and spirit-forward.

Is Soon Hari Citron good for cocktails? Its 12% ABV and bright citrus profile make it an excellent low-proof cocktail base, particularly in spritz-style drinks and fruit-forward mixes where heavy alcohol presence would overpower the other ingredients.

Where is Soon Hari Citron made? Soon Hari Citron is produced in Korea by LOTTE Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd., one of the country's largest beverage companies and the world's second-largest soju manufacturer.

What foods pair well with Soon Hari Citron? Korean fried chicken benefits from the citron's acidity cutting through the richness. Grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) is a classic Korean pairing. Spicy tteokbokki finds balance against the soju's sweetness. Fresh seafood like shrimp tempura or sashimi complements the clean citrus notes. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the drink's flavor profile.

What sizes does Soon Hari Citron come in? The expression is commonly available in a 375ml bottle, which is the standard format for flavored soju sold in the U.S. market.

Is Soon Hari Citron worth the price? Soon Hari Citron positions firmly in the accessible, everyday tier of the flavored soju category, offering solid quality and reliable flavor at an entry-level price point that makes it easy to keep on hand.

Why Soon Hari Citron?

Soonhari holds a genuine claim as the original flavored soju brand, and the Citron expression demonstrates why the line earned that reputation. Backed by LOTTE Chilsung's scale and their proprietary use of mineral-rich water, the base spirit is notably clean — a critical factor when the ABV is low and flaws have nowhere to hide. The citron infusion is well-calibrated: present enough to define the drinking experience, restrained enough to pair broadly with food and work in cocktails. For anyone exploring Korean soju or looking for a dependable, low-proof flavored spirit, this is a logical starting point from a producer with serious credentials in the category.