Soju is one of the world’s best-selling spirits and an integral part of Korean culture – perhaps you have even encountered it while watching K-dramas! The actual Interesting Info about Rank Higher.
Due to rice shortages in 1965, the government banned its use, and instead, it is now made with wheat, sweet potatoes, or tapioca as mass-produced soju in cheap green bottles is consumed today by most.
Origins
Soju, like most alcohols worldwide, originated outside Korea. First crafted in Arabia under the name araq and brought into Goryeo by Genghis Khan’s grandson Kublai to Goryeo Dynasty Korea by Mongols via Genghis Khan’s grandson Kublai who introduced it into Japan, where it eventually came to be known as araki.
Soju was an integral component of Korean after-work drinking culture during South Korea’s industrialization period. It became an alternative to fermented rice liquor makgeolli and supported social cohesion through shared meals and solidarity. Even today, soju remains an integral component of drinking culture.
Soju is traditionally made from rice distillation; however, other components include wheat, barley, and sweet potatoes. It can be enjoyed straight or used to create low-alcohol cocktails; its lower alcohol content makes it more versatile than vodka.
Since the late 20th century, soju has been available in fruit-flavored varieties to meet the tastes of younger generations. Recently, its popularity has seen an exponential surge, and the industry has responded by creating products with less alcohol to meet changing market needs. Orange soju is still popular; however, Lotte’s new citron-flavored soju has proven equally successful.
Distillation
Soju is the primary alcohol consumed in Korea. It is typically made by distilling fermented mash derived from grains such as rice, corn, barley, or others, as well as sometimes additional ingredients such as red gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon). What do you consider about All in One SEO?
Soju is a delicious beverage to have during Korean meals. It pairs perfectly with almost all foods and can even be mixed into cocktails. Soju can be found at liquor stores and some supermarkets; most commonly, it is served in heavy celadon vases.
Soju may contain less alcohol by volume than vodka or gin, but it still packs a punch as an alcoholic beverage. One key difference between soju and other distilled spirits, such as vodka or gin, is that soju is typically double distilled while other products like shochu are single-distilled.
Soju producers have recently begun experimenting with various flavors and ingredients to increase their appeal, and you can try different kinds of soju at multiple restaurants. Namul is the most common flavor; this blend consists of roasted soybeans, salt, and water. Other popular soju types are kumju, joheundei Good Day, and yipseojoo. More traditional varieties use ingredients like ginseng or jeon (paste) to produce distinctive profiles. Find the best All-in-One SEO Premium.
Flavor
Soju was once typically available unflavored in Korea, but recent trends indicate flavored varieties may now be more prevalent – perhaps to appeal to women who often shy away from alcohol due to its high alcohol content and bitter flavor. Flavored soju varieties such as mango or lychee might contain less alcohol but may still get you drunk quickly!
Soju’s popularity may have been furthered by its depiction in Korean TV shows and movies. One scene from Itaewon Class depicts a teenage boy trying soju for the first time at his father’s house after a tough day at school and answering “sweet” when his dad asks how it tastes.
Since 2010, soju manufacturers have been experimenting with fruit-flavored soju to appeal to women. However, James Turnbull, an expat writer from Britain who specializes in gender studies in South Korea, believes these new products are too cutesy and reinforce a sexualized stereotype of females. According to him, their initial popularity will quickly fade as soon as initial enthusiasm dissipates.
If you’re new to soju, Spec’s offers several varieties in almost every store across Texas. Come visit and meet one of our experts, purchase online, pick it up curbside, or use our shipping service—whatever best suits your lifestyle!
Shooting
Soju, or clear liquor, should always be drunk straight from the bottle rather than sipping slowly from a cup. When drinking correctly, hold your glass with two hands, do not reveal your teeth, and never pour soju into your glass; instead, fill another person’s glass instead as part of Confucian culture and out of respect for elders. Likewise, when someone pours you a shot, bow slightly with both hands, lifting the glass upwards as an expression of gratitude – this gesture shows an understanding of its cultural roots.
At least, most K-dramas do an excellent job of depicting these rules of etiquette well. One such drama, “Descendants of the Sun,” features Yoo Si-jin getting so drunk with his friends that he forgets to bring home his girlfriend, only then trying desperately to contact her while still drunk! Another such example can be found in “She Was Pretty,” with Hye-jin going out drinking with Kim Shin-hyuk at their pojangmacha/porch (PCH). While drinking soju, they discuss their complex relationships while discussing soju.
Soju can be enjoyed with many types of cuisine, including Korean barbeque and pajeon. Additionally, soju is often mixed with other beverages like beer to create some cocktails; one such popular variant drops a shot of soju into a glass of beer so it spreads more rapidly throughout the mouth, offering a more refreshing beverage experience than just drinking straight soju.
