I’ve been consuming Korean-style since my soju-loving uncle slid that first glass throughout the desk. We have been elbow-deep in platters of hwe, iridescent slivers of uncooked fish shingled atop mounds of shaved radish, and numerous tiny plates of banchan. I used to be 17, simply shy of the nation’s authorized consuming age of 19, so I accepted the small shot glass with each fingers, as I had seen my older cousins do, and turned my head to drink the clear liquid. The alcohol hit me with a wallop, making my nostril burn and my eyes effectively, however the feeling dissipated as rapidly because it had arrived. It left me wanting one other.
Soju is Korea’s most iconic and consumed alcohol—apparently the typical Korean downs 53 bottles of soju a 12 months. Soju was historically a distilled liquor made with rice, water, and nuruk (a Korean fermentation starter). These days, most business soju tends to be a impartial spirit combined with sweeteners, normally clocking in between 12 to twenty% ABV.
It has a crisp however impartial taste, like an easier-to-sip vodka—maybe that’s one motive why it’s a continuing presence in each widespread Ok-drama. Soju is usually described by Koreans as tasting clear, candy, or easy. For me, it’s all of these flavors and the exact opposite on the identical time. Often, the primary shot tastes intense and bracing, like harsh rubbing alcohol, however finishes with none aftertaste. Relatively, every consecutive shot tastes milder and simpler than the final. And therein lies soju’s inherent hazard!
Soju dos and don’ts
There are some guidelines and somewhat social math in terms of pouring and consuming soju with mates. Korean consuming is all about exhibiting respect and caring for one another, even while you’re simply hanging out. So earlier than you choose up that inexperienced bottle, do some prep.
Maintain it chilly. Soju tastes greatest when it’s been refrigerated which mellows out that alcohol burn. I refrigerate it for at the least an hour earlier than consuming.
Use the correct glassware. Soju is at all times poured into glasses, normally 2-oz. soju shot glasses. In a pinch, although, any small vessel will do in my e book.
Know when to pour. If I’m consuming with mates or friends, I’d straight ask for somebody’s age if I’m uncertain—it’s not rude to ask in Korean tradition, the place age is a outstanding issue within the social hierarchy.
Don’t serve your self. I by no means pour my very own glass. As an alternative I set the bottle down or hand it to a different individual to do it for me.
Methods to drink soju
Soju is usually drunk neat, by the total or half shot. Cheers on the primary pour (we prefer to say “First shot, one shot”), then down the primary glass earlier than instantly refilling. The next pictures will be consumed at a extra leisurely tempo—you may chase bites of meals with half pictures or sip as you go. However the clinking continues; Koreans cheers all through the night time to encourage one another to drink.
