Soju is a Korean liquor widely available throughout the world. It’s popularly consumed as part of an alcoholic shot.
Soju is a colorless alcohol made from distilled ethanol that tastes similar to rubbing alcohol but is milder and less harsh than vodka.
It’s sweet
Soju, also known as “burned liquor”, is a popular Korean spirit distilled at high temperatures from fermented rice. It has more alcohol content than beer (4% to 5%) or wine (13%). Soju can be enjoyed neat, mixed into cocktails, and more for its versatile nature.
Soju has been around for centuries and remains a popular beverage in Asia. You can find it at most convenience stores and liquor stores.
It can be enjoyed neat, or mixed with other alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, fruit juice, soda water or coffee. For those seeking a new spirit to explore, this makes an excellent option.
There are various varieties of soju, including those made with sweet potatoes and wheat in addition to rice. While some are more expensive than others, most remain accessible prices.
Mass-produced soju, often sold in small green bottles, is generally distilled from cheaper ingredients and has a sweet aftertaste to mask the bitter astringency caused by alcohol distillation. On the other hand, artisanal soju is more complex and made with higher-quality components.
Soju can be flavored and infused with various herbs and spices to give it a unique flavor profile. Plus, it pairs perfectly with various foods, making it an ideal option for those seeking something different in their meals.
One of the most beloved ways to enjoy soju is with a shot. This Korean tradition dates back centuries, and involves someone pouring someone else a drink and handing it them the glass; then they take two hands and shoot it!
It’s bitter
Soju is a South Korean liquor distilled from rice that has an irresistibly mild flavor often compared to vodka. Its neutral taste makes it suitable for pairing with most cuisines and should always be served chilled.
Soju can be enjoyed alone or mixed into drinks, and it pairs well with other beverages like beer. It’s especially a favorite summer beverage to serve to guests.
Low in proof, it makes for great fruit punches and is an excellent substitute for vodka.
This drink is simple to prepare and an ideal addition to many meals. It pairs perfectly with snacks like kimchi or Tteok-bokki, or you can use it as a sauce in stews and marinades.
Traditional soju is consumed as a communal drink and poured for other members of the group. Usually, the oldest member is responsible for pouring the first drink; thus, adhering to these traditions is important.
Once the initial round has been finished, the bottle is passed around the table and each person shoots their drink from it. This tradition in Korean culture can be an enjoyable way to toast to good spirits.
Another popular drinking custom is to shake or swirl the bottle of soju before opening it. This helps break up any sediment that accumulates at the bottom of the bottle.
Soju comes in a range of flavors that appeal to younger drinkers, typically featuring fruits such as apple, blueberry, cranberry and pomegranate.
It’s spicy
Soju, or “sweeter vodka” in Korean, is an alcoholic beverage with a milder flavor profile than vodka. Made from starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a buttery-like consistency and a clear appearance.
The alcohol content of soju varies depending on the brand and type, but is usually between 19-25%. While this makes it slightly stronger than beer or wine, don’t worry–it won’t get you drunk as quickly as other spirits do.
Soju comes in a range of flavors, such as grapefruit, apple, cranberry, pomegranate, citrus and pineapple. While these flavored versions tend to be sweeter than standard soju, they do offer plenty of variety and an opportunity for people to experiment with new things.
Soju can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs well with food and drinks. It helps to temper spicy dishes or bring out the umami flavor in meat-based dishes.
Shot drinks are a popular shot that’s usually mixed with water or fruit juice to create cocktails. Not only is it an entertaining way to start the party, but it can also serve as an effective hangover cure.
Soju is one of the world’s most beloved alcoholic drinks, and it’s easy to understand why. It has a neutral taste that’s smooth and unmistakable, plus you can find it in an array of flavors to suit any palate.
In the United States, it’s becoming a more and more popular drinking alternative to vodka – and for good reason. It’s an ideal near-neutral spirit that’s light on the palate and slightly sweeter than many other spirits.
It’s sour
Soju is a refreshing fruit-flavored drink popular in Korea that can be mixed with water to create various drinks. Due to its low calorie content and lack of fat content, soju contains small amounts of micronutrients as well.
Distilled using fermented rice or tapioca and yeast, along with flavourings and acidity regulators to give it its unique taste, this clear, colorless spirit smells and tastes similar to rubbing alcohol.
In Korean culture, soju is an integral part of social gatherings and typically served as a communal drink. Usually the oldest member will pour it for everyone and glasses are filled up as they pass around the table. Additionally, shooting the drink – especially if it contains high-proof alcohol – has become popularized.
This drink is incredibly sweet, with flavors ranging from malty to buttery depending on the starch used. This makes for a delicate spirit that won’t overpower you.
Aside from its distinctive flavor, gin has plenty of other advantages to offer. It can be used in cocktails and is an especially great choice for those new to alcohol since it is relatively affordable compared to other drinks and doesn’t have an unpleasant aftertaste or burn your throat like many other alcoholic drinks do.
Soju is a favorite drink at dinner parties and pairs well with many popular Korean dishes. It also makes an excellent shot drink when mixed with water or juice to create unique concoctions.
It’s dry
Soju is a widely available drink available around the world. It has a light, sweet taste similar to vodka or other clear spirits. Plus, it often gets infused with fruit for an added twist of flavor.
Typically, Soju is enjoyed neat and chilled. It has a low alcohol content which makes it an ideal accompaniment to most food items.
Soju is a widely consumed spirit in Asia, made from fermented grains such as rice or potatoes; however, other starches can also be used for its production.
Soju’s alcohol is distilled from fermented grains, then filtered to remove any impurities and boiled for a short period of time. For flavoured varieties, additional ingredients are added during the distillation process.
Soju is an extremely popular spirit made from fermented grains like Rice or potatoes; however, other starches can also be utilized.
Spirit is a widely popular and commonly consumed spirit distilled from fermented grains. After filtering to remove any impurities, it’s then boiled briefly to release its flavor. For flavored varieties, additional ingredients may be added during distillation for added appeal.
One popular way to enjoy soju is straight from a glass with snacks and food. It also goes great when combined with kimchi or Tteok-bokki, two Korean street foods that pair beautifully with this beverage.
Though popular and readily accessible in Asia, it has not become as well-known in the United States. That may be changing however, with increased interest in Korean cuisine and Asian culture growing.