While not all that popular in the U.S., soju is the most-consumed liquor in the world. Trade publication The Spirits Business reported that Jinro Soju sold more cases than any other liquor brand in the world in 2019 at 86.3 million cases. The clear, distilled alcoholic beverage is considered the national spirit of Korea and is made from starches such as rice, barley or sweet potatoes and has about half the alcohol content of vodka. As a bonus, it’s inexpensive. But, according to Korean tradition, there are a few rules: soju must be poured by someone else; never drink from the bottle; always serve chilled; and use both hands to receive or pour a glass.
Typically served neat with food, soju also makes a good cocktail ingredient. Soju cocktails are easy to make, as they typically include just three ingredients: plain or flavored soju, Korean yogurt drink and lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite) or fruit juice. Tangy, sweet and refreshing, soju cocktails also have the benefit of aiding in digestion due to the live cultures in the yogurt. So drink up, but beware: Despite soju’s relatively low alcohol content, these cocktails taste so good you’ll have had too many before you know it.
Try these recipes from our new favorite local soju spot, Han-Mi.
“The cocktails pair well with all dishes, especially the spicier ones, as soju is typically a part of every Korean meal,” says owner David Sherrill.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / The Ruby Falls and another soju-based cocktail.Soju Cocktail