What You Should Know About Soju

The most popular spirit in Korea, soju is becoming more widespread worldwide. This rice-based spirit is like vodka but has a less intense flavor and smaller alcohol content. Soju is commonly served on its own in a shot glass, but some varieties are used for making cocktails. Joe Canal’s provides a large selection of spirits, and here explains more about soju.

What Is Soju?

Soju is traditionally a rice-based spirit made in Korea. In the 1950s during the Korean War, Korean companies were prohibited from making soju from rice because the nation needed rice to feed citizens. This led to green-bottle soju, which is more popular today. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Korean restaurants and companies could use rice-based soju again.

Green-bottle soju is crafted with grains and starches, such as barley, sweet potatoes, and tapioca. It’s more balanced than soju made only with rice, which tends to be sweeter. Outside of Korea, people are most likely to encounter green-bottle soju at Korean barbecue restaurants, although more liquor stores are offering it now. Soju is one the of top-selling spirits in the world, making it a must for any spirits enthusiast.

What Does Soju Taste Like?

Soju has a similar flavor profile to Russian vodka, but it doesn’t come with the burning sensation that some experience. The traditional, rice-based soju features a crisp flavor with traces of apple and sometimes a hint of burnt rice. It’s mild and smooth and has more texture than similar spirits. It also makes a great option for those looking for something less strong. Soju alcohol content ranges from 12 to 25% ABV. There are many flavored varieties of soju as well, such as apple, blueberry, grapefruit, peach, strawberry, watermelon, and yogurt.

How to Drink Soju

People typically drink soju neat and chilled out of a shot glass. Another common way is to mix it into a light beer, which Koreans call somaek (a combination of soju and maekju, the Korean word for beer).

Some soju varieties may be used in cocktails. For example, premium soju, usually with a higher ABV, works well for strong, stirred drinks or with soda water. Mixing soju with certain fruit juices, like apples and pears, can enhance the taste, but others, such as kiwi, will overpower the drink. Soju’s subtle profile makes it more susceptible to being overpowered by stronger elements. So, if you plan to use it for a cocktail, keep it light.

Soju Food Pairings

The Korean language has a word for cuisine consumed with alcohol — anju. As soju is the country’s most popular drink, it’s only natural there are several soju food pairings. Given soju’s light, refreshing flavor profile, it’s best consumed with heavier foods like brisket, short ribs, and pork belly. This is why soju is so common in Korean barbecue restaurants.

Soju vs. Sake: What’s the Difference?

Since soju and sake are often grouped in liquor stores, people in the U.S. may think sake is just another name for soju, or vice versa. However, sake is a separate drink with a different country of origin and composition. Sake is a Japanese alcohol made from fermented rice, water, and a cultivated mold called koji. Koji is what enables the starches in rice to become fermentable sugars. Additionally, koji gives sake an umami (savory) flavor profile. Sake typically also has a lower ABV than soju, ranging between 5 to 20%.

Another similar Japanese beverage is shochu. Both soju and shochu are distilled beverages, but shochu is distilled only once while soju is distilled several times. While both can be made from rice, sweet potato, and barley, soju might also incorporate tapioca and shochu, sugar cane. Shochu also has a wide ABV range from 17 to 45%.

Find Soju in Lawrenceville, NJ

Already popular throughout the world, soju will likely feature prominently in more bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in the coming years. You’ll also likely see it as part of more cocktails. If you like trying new spirits or are exploring different bases for mixing, consider soju. At Joe Canal’s, you can find a variety of flavored soju, as well as a large selection of other spirits, wines, and beer. Located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, we ship to customers throughout the state. Contact us today to explore our inventory of soju.