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Korean-style serving of Soju

소주 · Soju

Soju

소주

What exactly is it?

Soju covers more than one kind of clear Korean spirit. Familiar green bottles are often diluted neutral-spirit products, while distilled grain soju retains more of its base aroma. Strength, sweetness and flavor vary substantially.

Main ingredients

Depending on the product, diluted neutral spirit or distilled grain liquor, water and optional additives

Ordering and serving

Read the units on the bottle: a number may indicate alcohol strength. Fruit-flavored versions are also alcoholic; choose by the labeled ABV.

Origins and changes

Traditional distilled soju and modern diluted soju have different histories. Restrictions on grain use in the 1960s helped expand diluted products; menus now often distinguish the two styles.

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Dish to compare

Soju

소주

Main ingredients
Depending on the product, diluted neutral spirit or distilled grain liquor, water and optional additives
Flavor and character
Soju covers more than one kind of clear Korean spirit. Familiar green bottles are often diluted neutral-spirit products, while distilled grain soju retains more of its base aroma. Strength, sweetness and flavor vary substantially.
How to eat it
Read the units on the bottle: a number may indicate alcohol strength. Fruit-flavored versions are also alcoholic; choose by the labeled ABV.
Read about this dish →

Andong soju

안동소주

Main ingredients
Grains, fermentation starter and water; distilled and adjusted by product
Flavor and character
Andong soju is a distilled spirit associated with Andong in North Gyeongsang. Fermented grain is distilled into a clear liquor with flavors shaped by its ingredients and method. Alcohol strength varies by product rather than being fixed by the regional name.
How to eat it
Compare bottle size and ABV when buying a gift. Start with a small pour; ask about water or ice if you prefer a gentler serving.
Read about this dish →
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