South Korea’s national drink shows up to a barbeque with as much spirit as an elegant party. A pop culture sensation since the Hallyu wave swept the world — its versatility leaves much room for experimentation. However, if you ask Koreans — there’s a clear process to enjoying it all, from how it’s poured to the direction you look at while taking a sip. Here’s how you’re supposed to drink soju, complete with a set of fun iterations.
Tune into a K-drama and chances are you’ll stumble upon a scene with the characters knocking back a shot (or two) of a clear distilled liquor. Easily recognised by its unassuming green bottle — soju has been the stuff of drunken love confessions, hilarious break-ups, and heartwarming bonding sessions in pop culture. Not to mention, the perfect accompaniment to heartbreak.
An intrinsic part of the country’s culture, the libation is a go-to for most celebrations, occasions, and seasons — its subtly sweet flavour translating to a host of fusion possibilities. However, a close peek at the set-up in a show or a restaurant in Seoul will reveal a couple of simple steps — each ensuring a respectful yet fun experience. Whether you’d like to be more ‘cultured’ or enjoy learning about different practices — here’s how to drink soju the South Korean way.
Where does soju come from?
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Soju traces its origins back to the 13th century. The story goes that the invading Mongols brought with them the secrets and techniques of distillation that they had picked up in the Middle East. Rice wine was used to craft what’s now known as soju and the liquor contained 40-50 per cent alcohol. Recipes of the same were passed down generations until crop shortages in 1965 forced the South Korean government to outlaw rice from being used.
Producers of soju innovated by diluting the spirit and using substitutes like sweet potatoes, barley, and tapioca to keep the prices low — in the process changing the way the spirit is made and consumed. Even when the ban was lifted, this new version of soju continued to grow in popularity. Today, every bottle comes in at about 20 per cent alcohol. It’s the perfect accompaniment to most South Korean meals but is considered an absolute must-have alongside Korean fried chicken.
They come in a range of flavours — blueberry to watermelon — with bartenders across the world experimenting with the spirit since the advent of Korean culture across the globe. In India, options are limited to more luxurious liquor stores and authentic restaurants — however, if you’ve managed to get your hands on the bottle, it’s worth doing the experience right.
How to pour and drink soju? Know the right etiquette
Respect underlines Korean culture and this seeps into the drinking etiquette of the country as well. Traditionally, the first pour is taken as a shot — with the glass being accepted with both hands. While cheers-ing, it’s important to avoid eye contact and look away. Younger individuals often cover their mouths with their other hands as well. After this, the glass is set down and immediately refilled with both hands, ideally with the bottle label being hidden from sight. After the first shot, soju is meant to be sipped and savoured. A glass should always be full — a half-full one indicating that there’s no need for a refill. In addition to this, pouring into your cup is looked down upon.
Another common practice is to swirl the bottle to form a ‘tornado.’ In the olden days, this was used to dislodge sediment, which was often deposited in a bottle. And although this is no longer the case in modern times, the tradition continues. To follow it, shake the bottle in three directions: 12, 6, and 9 o’clock. Slap the bottom with one hand while holding the neck with the other, remove the cap and jab the neck of the bottle with your index and middle fingers (to force a splash that gets rid of the sediment). It’s important to serve food with soju — meat to seafood, cheese to chocolate, dumplings to Korean fried chicken.
The different experimentations
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The classic way to have soju is neat, chilled, and from a 60 ml shot glass. However, Koreans enjoy mixing it up ever so often and here’s how:
Somaek
A portmanteau for soju and maekju (beer) — this combination involves fusing a few shots of soju with a light beer. While the ratio is considered 3 parts soju to 7 parts beer, it can be adjusted according to preference. A spoon is then used to mix.
A popular iteration of this is the ‘soju bomb’ which involves filling a glass halfway through with beer and dropping a shot (glass and all) of soju it. This one’s meant to be chugged immediately. To kick things up a notch try the ‘Seoul train’ by lining up a row of half-filled beer glasses and balancing shots of soju on the rim in between. Tip the shot on the edge in and the rest will drop in.
You could also try a ‘cappuccino shot’ which involves adding soju to a regular glass, cracking open a beer and placing a thumb over the opening before shaking it well to make it all bubbly and pouring into the glass. Or, pour beer in a glass, balance a shot of soju between two chopsticks and hit the table to drop the shot in to do a ‘taekwondo shot’.
One of the more popular drinking games around this is ‘Titanic.’ It involves filling up a glass about 70 per cent with beer. Place a shot glass inside the drink and take turns filling it with soju. Whoever causes it to sink has to chug it all.
Somaekcol
This is a cocktail of sorts, featuring soju, Maekju (beer), and cola. To make it, fill a shot with 30 per cent cola and place it in a cup. Stack a second shot glass filled with 50 per cent soju and stack it on top of the first. Top the cup with a light beer.
Soju-yoghurt-fizzy lime
For something sweeter, Koreans like combining two shots (or more, your mileage may vary) of soju with a bottle of Yakult (the Korean yoghurt drink) and a splash of lemon-lime flavoured fizzy drink like Sprite.
The flavourful options
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In India, popular soju brands include Chum Churum, Good Day, and Jinro. Of these, Jinro and Good Day have flavour options. With the former, the green grape, grapefruit, and plum are quite popular. With the latter, the blueberry and strawberry flavours are a must-try. Prices range from INR 800-1000 for each 360 ml bottle.
Soju’s smooth flavour makes it easy to overdo. As always, drink responsibly.
Geonbae!
Hero and feature images: Courtesy journey601/Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The first shot of soju is received with both hands and consumed while looking away. Glasses are never left empty and never refilled by and for oneself.
The classic way to have soju is neat, chilled, and from a 60 ml shot glass.
Soju works well with beer, yoghurt drinks, fizzy lemon beverages, and fruit juices.
At about 20 percent ABV, soju is milder than vodka — which comes in at 40 percent ABV.
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Written by
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
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