Explore the Hottest Korean Liquor
With the global rise in popularity of South Korean K-Pop music, it’s no surprise that another part of the culture has taken off as well. You may not have heard of it before, but you will! What exactly is Soju?
Soju is a distilled spirit that originated in Korea. It is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in South Korea, and it has also gained popularity around the world in recent years. In fact, Jinro Soju is the best-selling spirit brand in the world! The International Wine and Spirits Research ranks the world’s largest spirits brands by volume, and according to their findings, Jinro reigns supreme as the most popular alcoholic beverage on the planet.
Below we explore everything Soju – from how it’s made to some of the most popular soju co*cktails you can make and enjoy at home!
What is Soju?
Soju is a clear, distilled alcohol that is traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley. It has a neutral flavor, which makes it a versatile ingredient in co*cktails and other mixed drinks. Soju is often compared to vodka, but it has a lower alcohol content and a slightly sweeter taste.
Soju typically has an alcohol content of around 16-25%, although some brands can be as high as 45%. This makes it a lower-alcohol alternative to other spirits like vodka, which typically contain around 40% alcohol.
What does Soju taste like?
Soju has a neutral, slightly sweet taste with a clean finish. It is often described as having a similar flavor profile to vodka or sake, but with a smoother finish. Flavored soju’s will provide additional tastes including hints of apple, grape, grapefruit, blueberry, sweet potato, and more depending on the flavoring and distillation process.
What Is Soju Made From?
Traditionally, Soju was made from rice, wheat, or barley. However, modern production methods have expanded to include other ingredients like sweet potatoes, tapioca, and even fruits like grapes and apples.
“How Is Soju Made?”
Traditional Soju is made through a process of fermentation and distillation. The exact process can vary depending on the ingredients used, but generally involves the following steps:
- Steeping the grains or other ingredients in water to create a mash
- Adding yeast to the mash to begin fermentation
- Allowing the mash to ferment for several days to a week, depending on the desired flavor and alcohol content
- Distilling the fermented mash to remove impurities and increase the alcohol content
- Diluting the distilled alcohol with water to reach the desired alcohol content
How is Soju different from Sake?
Soju and Sake are both traditional East Asian alcoholic beverages, but they have some key differences. Sake is a Japanese rice wine that is brewed through a process of fermentation, without the use of distillation. Sake also has a higher alcohol content than Soju, typically ranging from 14-20%. Soju, on the other hand, is a distilled alcohol that is traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley. It has a lower alcohol content and a neutral flavor, which makes it a popular ingredient in co*cktails and mixed drinks. So how much alcohol is in Soju? Soju alcohol percentage ranges from around 15%-50% but is about 20% on average.
What is the Nutritional Value of Soju?
A 375 Ml bottle of soju typically contains around 400 – 600 calories depending on the brand and flavoring. Soju contains no protein, no fats, and around 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving. From a caloric standpoint, Soju typically contains slightly higher calories per serving when compared to beers.
The Most Popular Soju Brands
While there are hundreds of Soju Brands out there, we’ve got a few surefire recommendations of the most popular traditional and flavored soju brands!
Jinro 24 Soju
This traditional soju is a perfect introduction into Korean Liquor.
Jinro Chamisul Classic Soju
This dry premium Soju could double as a Korean Vodka, distilled with sweet potatoes, this packs flavor and a light sweetness.
Jinro Ilpoom Premium Soju
Clear textures and gentle flavors are prominent with this South Korean premium soju.
How Should You Drink Soju?
The most common way to drink soju is neat, chilled, and from a shot glass. But Soju is such a versatile spirit that can be used in a wide range of co*cktails, from classic drinks to modern creations using unique ingredients. Here are some soju co*cktails that are sure to please your palette:
Soju Martini
This simple soju co*cktail is a twist on the classic martini, using Soju instead of gin or vodka. Combine 2 ounces of Soju with 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth and garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Ingredients
- 2 oz plain Soju
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1/2 oz olive brine (skip this ingredient if you don’t want it dirty)
- Ice
- Olives or twist of lemon to garnish
Directions
- Add ice to a co*cktail shaker followed by Soju, vermouth, and brine.
- Shake vigorously until the co*cktail is mixed and cold.
- Strain the drink into your favorite martini glass.
- Garnish as desired.
Korean Lemonade
This refreshing soju co*cktail combines Soju with fresh lemon juice, soda water, and a touch of simple syrup for sweetness. Combine 2 ounces of Soju, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a glass with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Soju
- 1 oz of fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz of simple syrup
- Soda water
Directions
- Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice
- Add the soju, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- Shake well, then strain into a glass, top with soda water, and enjoy.
Soju Caipirinha
A tasty South Korean twist on Brazil’s national co*cktail the Caipirinha. Simply replace the cachaça with Soju.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Lime (Sliced)
- 1 TSP Sugar
- 2 Oz Soju
- Crushed Ice
Directions
- Place your lime and sugar into your co*cktail shaker. With the muddler, firmly press the lime to release the lime juice.
- Then, add your soju and crushed ice into your co*cktail shaker. Finally, shake all the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Serve cold in a glass of your choosing with a garnish of lime.
These are just a few examples of the many co*cktails that can be made with Soju. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect Soju co*cktail for your taste buds.
Pairing Soju With Foods
Properly pairing soju can be difficult, but we’re here to help! Typical soju food pairings include a wide spectrum from simple foods like fried vegetable and grilled meats, to traditional Korean dishes like galbi and bulgogi.
Considering the light and sweeter nature of soju, it’s the perfect pairing for fried foods and fatty meats. Considering pairing soju with dishes like braised short ribs, brisket, crispy pork belly, and many traditional Korean BBQ dishes.
Additionally, soju pairs perfectly with fresh seafoods like grilled shellfish including clams and mussels! To top off these traditional Korean food pairings consider shredded dried squid, seafood and scallion pancakes, or other southeast asian dishes such as Char Kway Teow.
Where Can I Buy Soju?
Soju can be purchased at nearly every Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods location in Texas. You can stop by one of our 180 locations to chat with an expert, purchase online and pickup curbside, or have a bottle delivered directly to you!
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