Smooth & Subtle Soju

Apart from K-pop, soju may be one of Korea’s most important — and certainly most delicious — contributions to popular culture. The clear, distilled liquor was traditionally made from rice and a fermentation starter, but now it can be made from other ingredients like barley and sweet potatoes. Drink it chilled and neat from a traditional soju cup or mix it into light cocktails (see below for an easy Food & Drink recipe) and even beer for a “Somaek” — a word that represents the blend of “soju” and “maekju,” which is Korean for “beer.” Soju’s superpower is its versatility. With a range of alcohol content available (from 13 per cent to 45 per cent) and tasty fruit flavours like hibiscus, watermelon and apricot, cold soju is perfect as a leisurely summertime sipper.