Soju

Soju is a clear, distilled Korean spirit, often compared to vodka but with a smoother, slightly sweeter taste, traditionally made from rice, barley, or wheat, and now also from sweet potatoes or tapioca. It’s Korea’s national drink, typically served chilled in small glasses, neat, or mixed into cocktails like somaek (soju and beer). Its alcohol content varies widely, from around 16% to over 50% ABV, with lower-alcohol versions being most common today.