Jinro Soju is a clear, neutral spirit akin to vodka, with … It’s actually not a one-off thing. Accept the glass with two hands. Soju Yakult. It became super popular in the 2000s as the Hallyu Wave swept the world. The most famous brand Jinro sells nine million bottles every day. But, if you’ve ever paid attention to the way K-drama characters enjoy soju, you’ve probably noticed certain unspoken rules that get highlighted from time to time. Outside of Korean company, it’s okay to not follow the traditional drinking ritual, but it is a fun experience to do anyway! After you have filled everyone else’s glass, set the bottle down so someone can fill yours for you. Drink this Korean alcohol from small shot size glasses. The experience of drinking soju is a bit like synchronized swimming, requiring a delicate ballet that navigates the social highway. Culturally it’s unacceptable to drink alcohol without eating. “People can drink it with a meal, or with anju — snacks like nuts and dried fish.” The Korean diet is … Starch or grain aside, soju’s the go-to booze for Korean celebrations. Place 2 cups white rice in colander and rinse in cool water. Drink responsibly and never drink and drive. While soju is traditionally consumed straight, a few cocktails and mixed drinks use soju as a base spirit. Soju has become such a sensation that it has led to new fads and changes, one of which being fruit flavored versions. So, now that you’ve politely received your shot of soju, what should you do? He enjoys cultural experiences and exciting adventures and is not a stranger to travelling alone. In fact, one of the only times this doesn’t happen is right at the beginning when he’s enjoying a meal with his father. Instead, if you spot an empty glass on the table (make sure it’s empty and not half full), offer to fill it up but not your own. "It's very interactive," says Simon Kim, the owner of Cote, a new and … Strawberry Infusion Soju. The Dos and Don’ts of Eating At An Authentic Korean BBQ Restaurant. https://geoffreview.com/food/how-to-make-yakult-soju-recipe-yakult-mix-drink Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 82,743 times. When someone is pouring you a drink, soju etiquette states that you should lift and hold your cup with both hands. A hole in a wall at a Korean barbeque place, the quasi-cacophony of K-Pop, and a cute lass offering you a glass of Soju; all the commercials of this drink … This will redistribute the sediment at the bottom of the bottle if there is any. If you do this facing your elder or superior, it is seen as you turning your nose up at them. Once you’ve done this, twist off the cap and choose the oldest person in the room to pour shots, which is tradition in Korean culture. Swirling the bottle is meant to bring the sediment to the top of the bottle. Modern production of soju filters the alcohol, so sediment is no longer an issue. It’s a no-hassle drink for a lazy evening at … Somaek is the combination of soju and beer (maek-ju) both literally and physically. Because they’re restaurants. This portion of the bottle-opening ritual is meant to knock the sediment that was deposited during production out of the bottle so it doesn’t get drank. [2] X Research source You won’t need to worry about this if you are ordering drinks in a restaurant—it will be served ice-cold and ready to drink! This article has been viewed 82,743 times. “As a mixed drink, we prefer to a shot of soju mixed with a glass of local lager beer. Did you know you can read answers researched by wikiHow Staff? If the shot glass is super small, as they usually are, hold it with your left palm and use your right hand … In the midst of this elegant choreography, I managed to do a full cannon ball by picking up my drink before everyone had been served. Using both hands while drinking is a sign of respect, and turning your head away from others is to avoid flashing your teeth—which can be seen as disrespect in traditional Korean culture. Soju is an alcoholic beverage from Korea that became popular because of the Hallyu wave-this green-tinted bottle is always offered in Korean barbecue restaurants and you can see this drink in most Korean dramas, too. But doing that is against the law in the U.S.: Distilled spirits can be served only by the shot glass. You can shoot it, sip it, or sub it in cocktails. Light and crisp with a little bit of complexity, this is the perfect pairing for those who either find the taste of Korean beer to be plain or the taste of soju to be harsh. This is a very dangerous drink! Soju has a crisp texture with a slightly sweet aftertaste and leaves a subtle, warm sensation as it slides smoothly down your throat. Chill the bottle of soju in the refrigerator for a few hours if you are drinking at home. Should you straight up lift the glass to your lips and down it? This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Once you get the ritual down, try a couple traditional drinking games too. It's made by fermenting and then distilling a mixture that contains mainly rice and a blend of wheat, barley, and even sweet potatoes and is clear and mainly tasteless, much like vodka.Soju's alcohol percentage can range greatly, from 16 to 45 percent (32 to 90 proof, also similar to vodka). Most people would understand, though they may be slightly disappointed. After that though, feel free to sample the drink (and it’s many different varieties and flavours) at a leisurely pace. Editorial | Contribute your travel stories or submit It’s no wonder that soju is the drink of choice in South Korea! Drink this Korean alcohol from small shot size glasses. Traditionally you drink soju neat, usually by sipping it. And while no one will begrudge a foreigner for breaking these protocols, it’s still good to know about them to avoid any potentially awkward situations (sans getting completely drunk, because soju can do that to you!). This is where it all began. Soju is made to be paired with food, so be sure to eat while you drink to avoid becoming overly intoxicated. To up the ante, my friends and I would usually try to create a monster shot. You never pour your own soju; it’s always consumed as a communal drink. Just like the rule about receiving drinks, this rule can be ignored when drinking with close friends. For the uninitiated, soju is a traditional Korean liquor made with rice, wheat, or barley. (Remember to hold your glass with both hands while they pour.). How do you drink soju? As seen in Itaewon Class when Saeroyi (PSJ) goes drinking with his staff, he’s usually the first one to pour them a shot. Somaek. Where every time the tail is flicked, a little bit more soju (or beer) is added to a giant cup on the table. After the first round of drinks has been poured, older people may use one hand when receiving subsequent pours. The ratio preferred in Korean bars is three parts soju to seven parts lager (special glasses mark the exact pours). You might want to refresh yourself with a chocolate mojito, but I'll have the Seoul-jito … Guinness doesn’t mute the soju, making it harder to drink, or complement it in any way, making it less fun to drink. The recipe is simple: mix together 2 shots of soju with a half glass of your beer … Some say the purpose of this part also has to do with breaking up the sediment in the bottle. Dubbed the Korean vodka, soju is Korea’s most popular alcohol—and in 2017, the world’s best-selling liquor.With the average South Korean consuming 13.7 shots of alcohol weekly, the highest rate in the world, soju consistently dominates liquor sales.The brand Jinro, in particular, (you’ve probably seen the iconic green bottle) has been topping the list yearly for almost two decades. Infuse some strawberries and lemon with soju and chill it up to get a fruity … This soju cocktail is the best for a hot summer afternoon, by the pool and the perfect … Traditionally, soju is served by the bottle at the table. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. When he's not putting his travel experiences into words, he's probably sitting behind his laptop, planning his upcoming adventure. Image via Google. unlocking this staff-researched answer. However, this rule can sometimes be passed up if you’re drinking with really close friends. While “Soju Bars” are a trendy thing in the US, they simply don’t exist in Korea. Seoul-jito. Serve the soju cold and neat for the best flavor. In my mind, this is a bit of an abomination! “In a fun way, it’s kind of a dangerous … To learn how to play Soju drinking games, read on! When everyone has a shot, take them together. Darren enjoys the finer things in life and loves exploring unfamiliar places on foot, guided with nothing but instinct and a good-old fashioned map. One study surveying 1,860 people asserted that the “golden” ratio was 30% soju to 70% beer (3:7 ratio). But then again, where is the lie? Again, this rule can sometimes be voided when you’re drinking with close friends. Once you are offered a drink, you’ll be expected to pour one back. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Soju Yakult. Because of the nature of the tradition—the constant pouring of rounds to keep glasses full—it is easy to consume a lot of alcohol and become very intoxicated. It just sounds so refreshing and certainly makes ME feel like having a drink too! For the first drink, an older member of … The act of pouring your own drink is frowned upon in Korea and often considered rude. Soju shot culture is very dominated in Seoul, but for 3 years, it has been changed from young, hipsters. How to drink soju in the old way Traditionally in Korea, an older member of the family pours soju in your glass. However, if you’re unsure if you’re “close” with the person you’re drinking with, just err on the side of caution. Whenever we watch Korean dramas or movies where the characters are having a meal, is there anything more refreshing than hearing that “aaaaah” sound they make right after downing a shot of soju? It should be drunk with food and usually in company. marketing solutions across multiple channels. 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