Spirited Virginia Q2 2022 - 34

Soju Rides the Korean Wave
Sometimes called Korean vodka, soju is
a neutral, unaged spirit. Traditionally,
it begins with a fermented rice " wine "
(sometimes using kōji in fermentation,
as does Japanese sake). The fermented
liquid is then distilled; it may be sweetened
and cut with water, diluting the alcohol
content. In fact, soju is relatively low in
alcohol, averaging around 20% ABV (40
proof), compared to vodka's typical 40%
ABV (80 proof).
Soju is said to date to the 13th centuSoju
Fruit
With its touch of sweetness, soju cuts
the acidity of fruit juice. Add a splash
of lemon-lime soda for some added
bubbly.
▷ 6 OZ. FRUIT JUICE, SUCH
AS PINEAPPLE, MANGO, OR
ORANGE
▷ 2 OZ. SOJU
▷ LEMON-LIME SODA (OPTIONAL)
Pour ingredients into a glass, stir and
add ice.
Soju pairs well with Korean
barbecue, bibimbap and other
Korean foods and its clean flavor
makes it a good accompaniment to
other cuisines.
R
emember the catchy vibes of
" Gangnam Style " ? The 2012 video
broke one billion views on YouTube-
the first video to do so-and represents
the rise of K-pop music. " Parasite "
in 2019 and " Squid Games " in 2021
explored themes that resonate with
Americans while providing intriguing
peeks into Korean lifestyle. The Oxford
English Dictionary has added 26 related
words, including K-pop, K-drama,
K-beauty, K-food, K-style and hallyu,
meaning " Korean wave. "
Korean restaurants, including fast food
chains, are similarly on the rise, and Americans
are learning the meaning of words
like kimchi and bulgogi. Korean corndogs
elevate the hot dog on a stick, stuffed with
sausage, cheese, a mix of both or other
ingredients, and wrapped in a batter made
of rice or other meal. On top of all that-
literally-the concoction may be covered
with cubed potatoes, panko breadcrumbs,
fruity crisped rice, Cheetos, sugar and
other unexpected toppings.
And anyone who appreciates liquor,
whether they're riding the hallyu or not,
can embrace Korean's spirit export: soju.
34 SPIRITED VIRGINIA
ry, when invading Mongols introduced
distilling to the Korean peninsula. The
Mongols had picked up the art of distilling
from the Persian production of arak, an
anise-based spirit.
Because of rice scarcity in Korea in the
early- to mid-1900s, government leaders
banned the use of rice in soju. Distillers
substituted other ingredients, including
sweet potatoes, wheat, barley, tapioca and
potatoes. The ban was lifted in 1999 and
soju producers began using rice once more
while keeping some of the substitutes.
Now, a mix of starches is common. As with
vodka, soju also comes in flavored versions,
like peach, strawberry, and citrus-and
even yogurt.
Whatever the base ingredient, the
result is typically a slightly sweet, very
easy-drinking spirit.
A Part of the Culture
Drinking plays an important role in mainstream
Korean culture. Alcohol is valued as a
social lubricant, making it an important part
of informal gatherings as well as business
events, of meeting new friends and bonding
with old friends. Easy-drinking, moderately
priced soju makes the perfect companion.
" Soju is as ubiquitous in Korea as iced
tea in Southern culture, " says Sarah Choi,
owner of Richmond's Kismet Studio, purveyor
of Korean spiritual goods. " It has a
very humble origin, and I think that's why
it is widely loved by Koreans. It's a connector
for Koreans of different generations,
and also a symbol of adulthood. Many
memories are built over soju. "
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