Soju might not be a household name for you yet, but it’s Korea’s most beloved spirit—and for good reason. With its clean, slightly sweet flavor, rich history and incredible versatility, it’s quickly gaining fans around the world.
Never heard of it? No problem. Grab a glass (or a bottle), and let’s explore what soju is, how it’s made and why it’s capturing hearts and taste buds everywhere.
Soju is a clear, smooth spirit from Korea, usually made from grains like rice, wheat, or barley, though modern versions can use sweet potatoes, tapioca or even fruit. It’s created by fermenting and distilling these ingredients, resulting in a slightly sweet drink with an alcohol content between 16% and 25%. Traditionally, soju is enjoyed straight in small shot glasses, often during social gatherings. However, it’s also great for cocktails, mixing well with fruit juices, soda, or even beer (a combo called "somaek"). When drinking soju, tradition calls for pouring and receiving with both hands as a sign of respect, especially in formal settings.
Soju has a clean, neutral taste with a slight sweetness and a silky mouthfeel, making it versatile and easy to drink. It has a lower alcohol content than most spirits, but more of a punch than beer or wine. While classic soju has a simple, slightly sweet flavor, like a milder vodka but with a softer finish, it’s recommended to enjoy soju chilled—either straight in small glasses or mixed into cocktails for something different.
2 ounces Jinro Peach Soju
1 ounce sparkling water
1 ounce Octopoda Prosecco Brut DOC
Fresh peach slice
Mint leaf
Combine soju, sparkling water and Prosecco in a glass with ice. Stir gently. Garnish with a fresh peach slice and a mint leaf.
Soju and sake might seem similar, but they’re actually quite different. Soju is a distilled spirit from Korea with a neutral, slightly sweet taste, often enjoyed straight or in a cocktail. While sake is a brewed rice wine from Japan with a lower alcohol content and a sweeter, more fermented taste, often served warm or chilled.
Soju is Korea’s most celebrated spirit and is gaining in popularity around the world for its affordable, versatile and cultural ties. It’s a go-to drink for everything from casual hangouts to traditional ceremonies. This iconic spirit dates to the 13th century, when distillation techniques were brought to Korea during the Mongol invasions. While no one knows exactly who first created soju, it quickly became a key part of Korean life. The green bottles, introduced in the 1960s as a cheap option, have become a symbol of their simplicity and wide appeal. Today, soju is enjoyed far beyond Korea, with people everywhere embracing both its classic and flavored varieties.
If you are in Florida, you can find a curated selection of soju, including both classic and flavored varieties, at your local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits or online at abcfws.com. Explore our selection below to find your perfect bottle!
