How To Drink Soju?

How To Drink Soju

If you’re unfamiliar with soju then you should know it is a traditional alcoholic beverage drunk in Korea. The liquor itself is clear in color and contains approximately 20% alcohol. Typically soju is drunk neat, however, it can be mixed and added to other beverages, too.

It is an extremely popular drink in Korea, especially among young adults. It is easy to find and affordable, making it the ideal beverage for parties and drinking games.

If you’re new to the word of soju, then simply start by pouring yourself a small glass, and taking small sips to get accustomed to the flavor. From here, you can try mixing it with soda, beer, or fruit juice to enhance the taste.

That being said, you should always drink responsibly and know your limits, even with soju! The drink can be deceptively strong and lead to a nasty hangover if abused.

However, since its origin – in the mid-12000s – to the modern day, the drink has gained worldwide popularity. Not only has it charmed millions but is the base for many of the best cocktails in the world.

The drink typically comes in an iconic green bottle and offers those who drink it a neutral flavor that makes it perfect for, well, pretty much everything!

With all this in mind, in this article, we will explore everything you need to know about soju and how to drink it.

What Is Soju?

Historically, soju is made in Korea and consists of a rice-based spirit.  Nearly all the soju available on market is packaged in the iconic green bottle. This is commonly served at Korean barbeque restaurants, both inside and outside Korea.

Composed of starches and grains, including sweet potatoes, barley, and tapioca, green-bottled soju is typically served alongside makgeolli – a Korean rice wine – or beer.

The popularity of soju is highlighted in the 1950s whereby making the drink with rice was banned for a period of time in an effort to feed people during the Korean war.

As such, companies turned to tapioca which was imported from Southeast Asia and brought the invention of green-bottle soju.

However, by the 1990s, soju was once again made with rice and produced for the masses.

While craft soju made from rice remains popular – thanks to its slightly sweeter tones – soju made from wheat or barley is at the top of the table for many.

How To Drink Soju?

When it comes to drinking soju, many common methods include drinking it neat, chilled, or from a shot glass. Moreover, maekju (beer in Korean) and Somaek (a portmanteau for soju) are also popular methods to enjoy the drink.

Somaek is a popular drink made by mixing soju and better (the classic beers to choose from here are Cass and Hite).

Moreover, soju can also be added to your cocktails, too – these tend to be the lighter varieties.

Plus, premium soju – which typically contains a higher ABV (approximately 40%), can be combined with stronger drinks or added to soda water to create a spritz.

Regardless of how creative or simple you’re getting with your soju creations, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.

Whether you mix it with juices, including pears, apples, and persimmons, or even infuse it with botanicals, including jasmine or juniper, the possibilities are endless for this simple drink – making it the perfect base for a variety of drinks.

What Is Traditional Soju Etiquette?

In Korea, the hierarchy of age is a deeply rooted concept, especially when it comes to dining out.

Here, the youngest member of the party is responsible for pouring and refilling the glasses of everyone at the table – this is typically achieved using two hands as a sign of respect.

It is a common notion that the soju glass should always remain full – never empty. That being said, if you’re done drinking for a moment, then keeping some soju at the bottom indicates that you don’t want a refill.

In Korea, you’ll never find someone refilling their own glass. Plus, when saying cheers, you always want to avoid eye contact.

Serving Soju The Right Way

There is a certain art when it comes to serving a bottle of soju the right way.

Firstly, you’ll want to serve it cold and neat – keeping the bottles chilled in the refrigerator beforehand.

Although you never want to add ice to the drink – it is a drink most enjoyed ice-cold in a glass after pouring.

Soju Drinking Games

As previously mentioned, soju makes for a popular drinking game, this is one of the most popular ways to drink soju.

Titanic

As the name suggests, this game involves a sinking shot glass. Here, you’ll want to grab a drinking glass and fill it halfway with beer.

Then, place the shot glass into the beer and each player has to take turns pouring the soju into the shot glass without sinking it.

Whoever sinks the glass has to drink the mixture. However, don’t worry, this is a commonly known drink called somek.

Flick The Cap

Across Korea, Flick the Cap is among the most widely known drinking games. Start by opening up a new bottle of soju. Here, you should notice a seal connected to the cap – you’ll want to give this a twist to make it stiff.

Then test your skills one by one by taking turns trying to flick the end piece off using your finger. The first one to achieve this wins, and all the others have to drink!

Final Thoughts

Soju is a widely popular drink across Korea, however, it is quickly becoming a worldwide phenomenon with many people appreciating the alcoholic beverage.

If you’re new to soju, you may be wondering how to drink it. Hopefully, this guide has informed you on how to drink soju.

Share this article:
Previous Post: Does Triple Sec Go Bad?

January 16, 2023 - In Liquor

Next Post: Is Brandy Whiskey?

January 16, 2023 - In Brandy

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.