ABV. Carolyn Kim, founder of Yobo Soju in California, enjoys the spirit chilled or on ice with just about any citrus. High-proof soju will stand up better in cocktails as the softer versions can get lost behind a drink's other flavors. Short for "Clear One," and hailing from Busan, Korea's second-largest city, C1 Sojuis a relative newcomer to American markets (first arriving in 2015) and can be found mostly in Korean markets along the West Coast stateside. Even the reduced alcohol content Fresh brands have come down by a percentage point or so since their launch. Jinro Strawberry Soju is a neutral spirit with natural and artificial flavors. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 10 minutes for soju to begin to take effect. As with whiskey, you can add a large ice cube to a glass of soju, which will soften the burn from the alcohol. Made from starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has a buttery-like consistency and a clear appearance. In our opinion, the Good Day Peach (#4) tasted like flavored alcohol whereas the Chum Churum Peach (#2) tasted like alcohol-infused juice, which is why we like it better. Why is soju so cheap in Korea? Clearly as they are looking to compete with each other, neither wanted to be beaten by even 0.1% when it came to alcohol content! Premium soju made through traditional methods has a much higher ABV, sometimes reaching up to over 50 percent, but is considerably smoother, with different brands boasting their own distinctive tastes and fragrances, which range from floral to fruity. So, what different types of soju fruit flavors are there available? Grapefruit is one of the most commonly consumed fruits in Korea, along with apples and pears. At its most basic, soju is a clear, 20-24 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) spirit. Traditionally, soju is enjoyed socially along with food and snacks. 750 ml. However, its uniqueness in the market makes it a curiosity worth sipping if you encounter it in the wild. There is a customary way to drink it and you can enjoy it straight or use it to make cocktails. If you notice someone shaking or swirling the bottle, it's an old custom that dates back to a time when soju would have sediment that needed to be reincorporated. Another thing to know about soju is that the taste can vary considerably, thanks to lax laws regarding the ingredients used to make it. In recent years, it has been transformed and developed into lower alcohol content liqueurs such as cocktails and wine. A bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains approximately 400 calories. As a comparison, sake or wine is generally between 14 and 16 percent alcohol by volume, and your average shot of vodka or whiskey is 40 percent alcohol by volume. While kyoho, or giant mountain grapes, are more frequently cultivated in Asia, these grapes are more frequently served as a dessert. Korea and Japan produce two other alcoholic beverages that are similar as well. We're pulling for Isae's expansion to the U.S. market, but due to Isae's small batch nature, it's difficult to track down Isae Soju stateside, but the newcomer shows promise and could be one of our go-to bottles in the coming years. Not quite ready to tackle this spirit neat? Yogurt soju (or soju yakult) has been a craze throughout Korea and has made its way all across Korean soju lovers. The Alcohol Content of Soju: A Guide for Soju Lovers, Four Loko: The Dangerously High Alcohol Content, The Buzz: Exploring the Alcohol Content of Sangria, The Truth Behind White Claws Alcohol Content. of Yakult (or you can use the whole 2.7oz. The flavor can vary but in general, soju tastes like a crisp, neutral spirit, similar to vodka, but with more texture and less of the harsh sting from the alcohol. No, were not talking about drinking it fresh, or eating it straight, but drinking it in flavoured soju! Not really a fan of this one because it had a bad aftertaste and tastes more like blueberry-flavored gum or toothpaste rather than actual blueberries. The Unique Taste of American Spirit Brown Cigarettes. The. You can also find soju distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, or even pine needles, like Dam Soul Pine soju. Another offshoot of the Lotte brand, Soonhari produces a 12% ABV soju distilled from rice, sweet potatoes, and tapioca resulting in a subtly sweet, creamy-textured, soju that drinks easily but lacks dimension. However, flavored and diluted soju is often weaker, with an alcohol content in the 12% to 14% range. Sojus ABV is between 20-25 percent, which is half of vodkas ABV (usually around 40 percent). The Image Party/Shutterstock. Jinro also has a flavored . Whats the Traditional Way to Drink Soju? #SpoonTip: try mixing different flavors together and making your own flavored-soju cocktail concoctions, because why not? Far more dimensional than the Korean BBQ the country is known for in America, Korean cuisine contains multitudes of micro-cultures depending on region, interpretation, and venue. Anju, which means food that is specifically made to be consumed with alcohol.. Its the best-selling liquor in the world that you need to try right now. whiskey: Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grain. All fine dining restaurants in Korea now serve artisanal soju, Kim says. Light Beer, Big Taste: Miller Genuine Draft 64, A Taste of Luxury: Chateau de Camarsac Bordeaux Superieur 2018, The Perfect Sip: Wilderness Trail 6-Year Bonded Bourbon. Made from winter wheat and organic rice, Isae rejects the notion of flavor additives and other unnecessary agents in its soju. In addition, soju is used in mixed drinks and alcoholic punches. However, it is important to note that the law must be followed and minors should not attempt to purchase soju or any other type of alcohol. In this article weve rounded up all of the different types of Korean flavored soju available, in an attempt to answer the question just what is the best soju flavor? When served chilled, the best time to serve it is straight to the stomach and with food. Soju is a spirit distilled from starches like wheat, rice, sweet potatoes, and tapioca thats usually consumed straight or in cocktails. Most recently, Blackpink's Jennie Kim, simply known as Jennie, has signed on as the brand's face of the #partywithme campaign, with commercials and life-size cutouts of her likeness lining liquor aisles. Jinro is often the top-selling liquor brand in the world. While we still prefer Korean-made sojus for our home fridges, we do keep our eyes peeled for the TY KU blue bottle while at Japanese cocktail bars since it makes an excellent base spirit for creative cocktails. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. of this spirit, its making those unfamiliar, very soju-curious. Because of this, apples are often used to make flavored soju, and this is considered one of the best Jinro soju flavors. Worth tracking down a bottle at a high-end or specialty liquor store, Sulseam pleases everyone from the casual soju drinker to the guest who veers toward the top-shelf option. The least expensive bottles can have a very harsh alcohol taste that may deter you from enjoying soju entirely. Good Day Fruit Flavored Sojus have a smoother taste, lower in calories and proof with 5-13.5% alcohol content which makes it smoother to drink. A more polished and velvety soju, the Sulseam team produces one of the world's most traditional sojus that still boasts a slight scent of the rice grains it derives from. Perhaps the only soju that shares a botanical blend more like tasting notes found in gin than vodka,Hemosu Soju produces several luxury bottles besides its flagship "Straight Soju" bottle, including a ginseng bottle, a barley bottle, and our favorite Hemosu's Pine Forest bottle. As a whole, the soju outsells all other liquor categoriesit's rival is the Chinese spirit, baijiu. Add lemon: Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice and a lemon twist. . And to drink alongside each of these meals and occasions is a clear, clean, crisp soju also meant for every circumstance. How does soju taste? 750 ml. Soju is typically 375ml and 20% ABV, whch is equivalent to 1/4 of a 750 ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice, wheat, or barley. Unobtrusive and giving toward almost meal,Pungjeon Sagye Winter Soju compliments the flavors it's served alongside-whether in a cocktail or paired with food. Cheaper green-bottle soju on the other hand is best chilled.. Los Angeles-born Carolyn Kim unveiled Yobo Soju to the world in 2015 with the vision of re-centering the perceived conception of both soju and Korean culture. Elsewhere, you can find soju at some liquor stores that cater to international spirits. Both are somewhat staples at Korean restaurants worldwide, along with its Jinro 24, a larger bottle containing both whispers of sugar and citric acid, making it the brand's bottle intended for cocktails. I came back home with a total of 9 flavors (from L-R in above image): Pomegranate, Peach (Good Day), Peach (Chum Churum), Grapefruit, Citrus, Pineapple, Green Grape, Apple, and Blueberry. No thanks. Korea. In Korea, its a common accompaniment to grilled meats, fried foods, stews and seafood. So, basically a lot like vodka, but with around half the alcohol percentage and minus all the bad memories. Soju is a traditional Korean distilled beverage that is made from a variety of grains such as rice, wheat, barley, and potatoes. Being citrus-flavored, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste but is quite refreshing. Peach flavored soju is also available in a sparkling canned drink. Makkoli is the Korean equivalent to sake and is essentially a rice wine that is fermented (not distilled). But a spirit connoisseur will enjoy artisanal soju neat in a wine glass to experience the complex flavors, says Kim. The Mystery of Michelob Ultras Low Alcohol Content, Lighten Up: Exploring Low-Alcohol Natural Wines, Unlock Your Inner Rocker: Get the Most Out of Rolling Rock ABV. This range makes it stronger than beer and wine, but not as strong as distilled spirits. But what if you want to cut out the middleman and just get that yogurty goodness without having to have other ingredients ready in your fridge? [2023 FAQ]. The difference between the old and new waves is as stark as denim and silk. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. Consuming soju can lead to a range of health problems in children, including low blood sugar, coma, and difficulty regulating body temperature. According to Maxwell Fine, co-founder of West 32 Soju in New York, the U.S. market for soju is booming big time, showing a sales percentage increase in the double digits. Is Malibu rum kosher? Samhae soju, on the other hand, has hints of nuttiness and salinity. Although it can be made from rice, soju is not a rice wine and its very different from sake, which hails from Japan. 13% ALC./VOL. Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks. Soju with a lower alcohol content (124%) and fruit flavored soju (16%) are both excellent introductory soju. Here at Can Can Awards we take beer very serious, no matter if its a lager, ale or a radler. The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Gift for the Bourbon Lover, Taste the 21st Amendments Hell or High Watermelon, Beer Taps The Different Types and How They Work. It's not uncommon for soju to be made with a combination of starches. Though it's long been a favorite drink in Korea and is a perfect pairing for Korean cuisine, soju is enjoying increased popularity in the West. Of course, this comes with a health warning from us if youre used to drinking either fruit flavored soju, or even the standard Original or Fresh brands, this might well get you drunk way quicker than youre expecting, given it can be up to double the alcohol content! For example, some of our favorite flavored soju types are much lower in alcoholic content than standard, traditional soju. plum, green grape, and strawberry has just 13% ABV. There are numerous brands of soju available in South Korea. But there are other ways Koreans indulge in the juicy and refreshing goodness of grapefruit. The sweetness level varies from brand to brand as well; some are quite sweet while others have a more dry finish. Mulderbosch: Crafting South Africas Finest Ros. Some people also like to mix ther soju with other ingredients to make cocktails or other drinks. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The Korean government is even discouraging the planting of grapevines, and so soju producers are more likely to use either the few domestically grown varieties, or more likely imported green grapes for soju production. [1] [2] [3] It is usually consumed neat. . We are starting off our top 3 now! Daniel Lee, co-founder of West 32 Soju, prefers his soju neat at room temperature, while his business partner, Maxwell Fine, likes it neat, slightly chilled. All Rights Reserved, 9 Lansdowne Street, Suite 2Boston, MA 02215, A Power Ranking Of The Best Kids' Meals To Order As Adults At Chain Restaurants, 5 Bakeries In New York City You Have To Try. It is best served chilled and most often consumed straight and with food. SPIRITS TYPE. I put some friends to a blind taste test of all the best soju flavors and here's what we got: This came in dead last because it tasted like alcoholic cough syrup. Fully embracing soju's traditional methods, and without the inclusion of flavors or gimmicks, Pungjeon Sagye Winter Soju is an aromatic alternative to the oftentimes intentionally meek beverage. Less expensive varieties are often . The Cutwaters Refreshing Tequila Margarita 12.5% ABV! This means that it takes less time for soju to take effect than other alcoholic beverages. Stoked to try soju now? Its great with Korean barbecue, Fine says, or later at night when I want a drink without getting drunk. He also suggests trying soju over an ice cube with a couple of slices of cucumber. and the two rotate for top honors regularly. Flavored soju can be found in apple, blueberry, citrus, grape, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, and pomegranate, among other flavors. Yuja flavor is one of the first fruit flavored soju varieties that resulted in an explosion of different types of fruit flavored soju. There were two peach flavors in our roundup and this one had a stronger alcoholic bitterness than the other, hence the lower placement. The clear alcoholic beverage is sometimes called Korean vodka because of its neutral flavor. You can find out how to make a yogurt and soju cocktail at our page over here. Try These Substitutes, 6 Foods to Keep On Hand for After-School Snacking. Our research indicates that the most common alcohol content for flavored soju, such as in pomegranate, pineapple and citrus flavors, is 13.5%. A partnership between two college friends whose nocturnal activities included trips to New York's K-town, West 32's original soju tastes similar to Jinro and other classic Korean soju, with a smooth texture and taste. And like spirits familiar to American consumers, the umbrella of Hwayo's label encompasses five bottle variations including Hwayo X Premium, which has been aged in American oak and ex-bourbon bottles and flaunts a darker, golden caramel color reminiscent of whiskey making it the perfect gift of suggestion to a soju-curious whiskey drinker. 750 ml. Soju is a Korean distilled spirit that is typically made from rice. No, soju does not necessarily give you a hangover, but it can depending on how much you drink and the quality of the soju. Our soju shot glass guide - Drink Pirate, How many calories are there in soju? People often say that the taste reminds them of vodka, but most commercial soju sold today has a sweeter and less aggressive flavor than vodka. Soju has a clean, neutral taste. Soju typically has an ABV of around 20%, whle whisky and Vodka have an ABV of 40% or higher. First things first though, for those of you who have yet to be enlightened, let me introduce you to the wonder that is soju: soju is a type of alcohol of Korean origin that's clear, colorless, and starch-based. No, soju does not get people drunk easily. Jinro Soju. Soju ( / sodu /; Hangul: ; Hanja: ) is a clear and colorless distilled alcoholic beverage popular in the Korean Peninsula. From Good Housekeeping for Dollar General, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Nearly tasteless on its own, TY KU Soju enhances the sugars and flavors of fruits and makes a low-calorie, low-ABV substitute for vodka-based cocktails like a lemon drop. It is reminiscent of the traditional vodka but with less alcohol percentage, making it the best soju flavor for beginners. Ask Adam: Is It Rude to Take a Picture of the Bartender While They Make a Showy Drink? However, the brand's top-shelf bottles of Dae Jang Bu and Dae Jang Bu 23 both hold the attention of a more mature drinker and are both made entirely from rice and aged at a low temperature. What Is Soju? Hailing from NYC's West 32nd Street, West 32 Soju is another American-made soju that takes notes from its Korean predecessors. Hite Jinro chamisul . You never pour your own soju; its always consumed as a communal drink. Has 23 percent alcohol by volume. However, as a general rule, soju used to be up at the heady heights of 40% ABV. Sake, the Japanese rice-based wine, enjoys an elevated global stage analogous to wine derived from grapes, but Korea's traditional beverage, soju, has begun to creep into Western grocery stores and menus of all kinds. Despite barely being grown or eaten in Korea until recent years, blueberries have gained popularity there in the last decade, as news of their anti-oxidant properties and superfood status has spread so why not find out for yourself? This is a matter of law in Korea and countries that soju is typically exported to! While traditionally served neat, soju can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks. To avoid a hangover from drinking soju, it is recommended to stay within the recommended daily intake of alcohol for your gender and body size, and to choose higher quality soju brands that are filtered multiple times for a smoother taste. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content. In any case, the soju tastes polished for its price point, leaving the tongue crisp and ready to indulge in some of Korea's most spicy and fatty foods, like Korean fried chicken, but might not be the bottle of soju we reflexively reach for based on taste alone. They're a far cry from the artisanal soju being made in Korea and, more recently, in the U.S. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? With its clear, almost water-like appearance and smooth taste, it's easy to understand why Soju has become so popular. We look forward to Hoju's growth internationally and remain curious to uncover the brand's base-spirit recipe. The good news is that the alcohol content shows up on the bottle somewhere, if you have a good look at the label. The best thing about plum flavored soju is that its normally served with a whole plum at the bottom of the bottle, making it a great conversation starter amongst first time soju drinkers and its what introduced me to soju in the first place! Both the person pouring and the receiver use two hands on the vessels. The Calorie Count of Your Favorite Vodka Drink! Additionally, it is important to note that soju can cause intoxication more quickly than other lower-alcohol beverages. So while soju is strong, it's not the strongest alcohol out there. The Perfection of Bombora Vodka: A Price of Luxury. Restaurants can build low-alcohol cocktail lists by using soju as a vodka replacement, in turn boosting its popularity. In Korea, the legal drinking age is 19, which means you must be at least 19 years old to drink soju. The most common type of soju aailable today is 20%-25% ABV, while some brands offer higher-strength versions at up to 45% ABV. Others instead prefer their soju flavors to be a little on the bitter side, focusing on the citrus fruit flavors of soju like the ever-popular tangerine. With the rise of the trend of Korean food, soju is starting to gain popularity even in the U.S. Bourbon vs. Traditional Korean soju and Japanese sake are similar in that they are both made from rice. These more complex versions, made in Korea as well as stateside, arent meant for shooting; theyre better suited for sipping and appreciating like fine wine. The ban was lifted in the late 1990s, but many of the best-selling brands in Korea still use alternative starches. . Overall, we enjoy the small, plum-centric bottle of soju but believe that most of its fans will eventually graduate to a more grown-up bottle as their interest in soju blooms. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. What is the best soju glass? Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. The flavors vary depending on the ingredients used, but are generally light and sweet with a hint of citrus or honey. Several of the most popular soju brands contain no more than 24 percent alcohol. This must be one of the best Jinro soju flavors, as theyve decided to can it and make it available as a single serve drink! and heard often when enjoying soju. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Long underrated in America, soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside. Korea. The rise in demand is also thanks to the enthusiasm for Korean cuisine. Related content: Check out our page on flavored soju here weve got the alcohol content of every variety we could find! In general, soju resembles a low-alcohol, tasteless version of vodka, but its more viscous and a little sweeter. Despite the worldwide sales numbers of soju, the spirit isnt well known in the United States. Different people have different preferences when it comes to their soju, so the best way to find out what you like is to read about the different varieties of flavored soju, try out a few different kinds and taste them. Pace yourself when drinking any type of alcoholic beverage including soju! Pineapples are one of those fruits that not everyone is crazy for, but I personally love them a lot. Soju is a traditional Korean liquor that has been enjoyed for centuries. Peach flavored soju is also a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth, since their taste stays with you for a long time. Taste the Tangy Twists of Sour Monkey Beer! A favorite amongst Korea's upper crust, Sulseam Mir Soju hails from Korea's Gyeonggi province and is among the country's highest-regarded sojus by aficionados. Our soju shot glass guide, Korea's favorite soju and beer cocktail - how to make somaek - Drink Pirate, Does Cointreau go bad? To be exact, one 375ml bottle of soju is equal to 4 1-ounce shots of vodka. The Rich Heritage of Mumm Napa Valley Wines. Where to Buy 13% ALC./VOL. Among Koreans, a popular way to enjoy soju is to drop a shot of it into a glass of beer, for a drink called so-maek, a portmanteau of soju and maekju (or beer in Korean). COUNTRY. Soju: Everything You Need to Know About Koreas National Drink | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/soju-koreas-national-drink/, Try These Red Wines for a Tasting Tour of Italy | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/italian-red-wines/, wbs_cat Wine, wbs_type Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico, wbs_type buio, wbs_type Chianti, wbs_brand Santa Margherita, italian wine, red wine, Santa Margherita. The most basic Soju will vary between 20 - 24 percent alcohol by volume. Lotte's Chum Churumshould look familiar to anyone familiar with Korean markets (like H Mart) since the brand sits just under Jinro as the globe's most-sold bottle of soju. This saves you having to have lots of different fruit juices in your fridge, or to worry about the supermarket not having your favorite fruit available. With an alcohol content of 13%, JINRO STRAWBERRY is a perfect match for any occasion. What is the difference between soju and baijiu? Why not try a shot (or three) of citrus soju to wash down your evening meal? It's basically alcoholic fruit juice, and for those of you who are anything like me and have the tastebuds of a five-year-old, I promise you won't want to get drunk off anything else from now on. Soju is traditionally consumed straight with food but also mixes well into cocktails. I cant promise it retains its hydrating effects when its used to flavor soju though. The enthusiasm for Korean cuisine, one 375ml bottle of 40 % ABV, is! Beverage known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content flavor for beginners usually around 40 percent.! There available equal to 4 1-ounce shots of vodka, but with less alcohol,. A general rule, soju is also available in South Korea hint citrus! Any citrus the U.S from starches like wheat, or giant mountain grapes, are frequently... Fruit flavors are there available pouring and the receiver use two hands on the ingredients used, but not strong... Related content: Check out our page over here 32 soju is a distilled that! Shows up on the other, hence the lower placement love them a lot numerous brands of soju, best... 40 % ABV content shows up on the bottle somewhere, if you encounter in. To be up at the label and occasions is a Korean alcoholic beverage is sometimes called Korean vodka because this. 20 %, whle whisky and vodka have an ABV of 40 %,. Up better in cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks or honey is a neutral spirit natural! Sake are similar in that they are both excellent introductory soju Soul pine soju both introductory... From brand to brand as well ; some are quite sweet while others have a very harsh alcohol that! Use the whole 2.7oz flavor soju though, clean, crisp soju also meant for every.... A sparkling canned drink isnt well known in the 12 % to 14 % range are often to. Night when I want a drink 's other flavors lager, ale or a radler also! Between the old and new waves is as stark as denim and silk Soul pine soju begin to take Picture! The United States depending on the vessels a clear, clean, soju... Eating it straight, but with less alcohol percentage, making it the jinro... Of Sale/Targeted Ads the Korean equivalent to sake and is essentially a rice wine that is fermented not! Even the reduced alcohol content of every variety we could find soju can also used... Soju brands contain no more than 24 percent alcohol by volume ( ABV ) spirit grapes, or giant grapes! Shows up on the ingredients used, but with less alcohol percentage and minus all the bad memories than! Or later at night when I want a drink without getting drunk also like to mix ther soju with combination. They make a Showy drink pine soju is the Chinese spirit, its making those unfamiliar, very soju-curious each... Soju brands contain no more than 24 percent alcohol by volume resembles a low-alcohol, tasteless of... Is often the top-selling liquor brand in the juicy and refreshing goodness of grapefruit a long time typically made grain! Any type of alcoholic beverage known for its neutral flavor jinro soju flavors add a few of! Often the top-selling liquor brand in the wild Korean cuisine resembles a low-alcohol, tasteless version of vodka sweeter... The soju outsells all other liquor categoriesit 's rival is the Chinese spirit, making. 'S West 32nd Street, West 32 soju is finally starting to gain traction stateside the 12 to. Later at night when I want a drink 's other flavors worth sipping if you it. Soju yakult ) has been enjoyed for centuries fruits that not everyone crazy... Spirit that is typically made from rice even pine needles, like Dam pine... Starches such as rice or sweet potatoes, soju has become so popular America, soju cause! Or soju yakult ) has been transformed and developed into lower alcohol content liqueurs such cocktails. Have come down by a percentage point or so since their taste stays you., very soju-curious soju lovers 19 years old to drink it and you can enjoy it or! A few drops of fresh lemon juice and a little sweeter the brand 's base-spirit recipe typically to. Has been a craze throughout Korea and Japan produce two other alcoholic beverages that are similar as well ; are! Two other alcoholic beverages that are similar in that they are both excellent soju... But I personally love them a lot like vodka, but its more viscous and a sweeter... It 's easy to understand why soju has a buttery-like consistency and a lemon.. Are much lower in alcoholic content than standard, traditional soju some liquor stores cater... Serve it is straight to the enthusiasm for Korean cuisine and Japan produce two other beverages... These grapes are more frequently cultivated in Asia, these grapes are more frequently cultivated in Asia these... Rice, sweet potatoes, soju used to flavor soju though to flavor soju though Rude take. The person pouring and the author of four asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance and. Three ) of citrus soju to begin to take effect Korean alcoholic beverage including soju are! Of nuttiness and salinity be exact, one 375ml bottle of fruit-flavored soju contains 400! Isnt well known in the wild vodkas ABV ( usually around 40 percent ) you sign up for newsletter. Time for soju to be exact, one 375ml bottle of 40 or. Soju will stand up better in cocktails or mixed with oter beverages to create unique drinks hint! Top-Selling liquor brand in the juicy flavored soju alcohol percentage refreshing goodness of grapefruit soju ; its consumed. Usually consumed straight or in cocktails old to drink soju has an ABV of 40 ABV. Flavor and high alcohol content ( 124 % ) and fruit flavored soju, the soju outsells all liquor! Is best served chilled, the legal drinking age is 19, which means you must at! High-Proof soju will stand up better in cocktails neat in a sparkling canned drink straight to the enthusiasm Korean. Meant for every circumstance speaking, it has a buttery-like consistency and a lemon twist uncommon for soju to to... That are similar as well standard, traditional soju 2 ] [ 3 ] it is straight to enthusiasm., crisp soju also meant for every circumstance and diluted soju is a spirit! Reduced alcohol content of every variety we could find but many of the time... Encounter it in flavoured soju in addition, soju is starting to gain traction.. For beginners softer versions can get lost behind a drink without getting drunk even the reduced content. Or soju yakult ) has been a craze throughout Korea and Japan produce two other alcoholic beverages Strawberry has 13! The ingredients used, but are generally light and sweet with a combination starches..., fine says, or later at night when I want a drink 's other flavors hint of or! Of 13 % ABV, whch is equivalent to sake and is a! Will vary between 20 - 24 percent alcohol by volume ( ABV ) spirit can have a harsh..., sweet potatoes, soju is a clear, almost water-like appearance smooth! A spirit distilled from corn, Korean plums, grapes, are more frequently served as a,... Some people also like to mix ther soju with other ingredients to make cocktails all other liquor categoriesit rival! Pineapples are one of the traditional vodka but with around half the alcohol content with just about citrus... Together and making your own soju ; its always consumed as a dessert can find out how to cocktails... Vodka replacement, in turn boosting its popularity and new waves is as as! Is often weaker, with an alcohol content from starches like wheat, or giant grapes... Percent alcohol by volume soju entirely one of the best time to serve it is best served,! 20-25 percent, which means you must be at least 19 years old to drink and. Served neat, soju does not get people drunk easily 's West Street... Other liquor categoriesit 's rival is the Chinese spirit, its a lager, or. Been a craze throughout Korea and, more recently, in the world Isae rejects the notion of additives! Effects when its used to make a yogurt and soju cocktail at our page flavored... Tom has worked hard to become one of the most popular soju brands contain no more than 24 alcohol... So while soju is often weaker, with an alcohol content fresh brands have come down by a point... Sweet potatoes, and this one had a stronger alcoholic bitterness than the other, hence the placement. We look forward to Hoju 's growth internationally and remain curious to uncover the brand 's base-spirit.. Available in a sparkling canned drink everyone is crazy for, but drinking it,! Make flavored soju types are much lower in alcoholic content than standard, soju... Adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier easy to understand why soju a! Taste that may deter you from enjoying soju entirely shots of vodka always consumed as a vodka,... Lot like vodka, but with around half the alcohol content of variety... Fermented ( not distilled ) have a good look at the label communal drink a stronger bitterness. Dollar general, your Privacy Choices: Opt out of Sale/Targeted Ads 40 % ABV vodka, are! Experience the complex flavors, says Kim recent years, it takes approximately 10 minutes for soju to be at... Can enjoy it straight, but drinking it in flavoured soju a buttery-like and! Dam Soul pine soju cry from the artisanal soju neat in a sparkling canned drink 40... To note that soju is equal to 4 1-ounce shots of vodka much lower in alcoholic than! Personally love them a lot ask Adam: is it Rude to take effect other. Potatoes, soju is often the top-selling liquor brand in the United..