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Soju Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to soju
Soju's roots lie in unrefined Korean rice wine, which dates back to the first century B.C. Sometime between the 10th and 14th centuries, Mongolians introduced this fermented rice liquor to Korea, and its popularity eventually spread. It's been a national favorite since the 1970s.
About soju
Soju is a spirit made primarily from rice and sometimes from other grains or starches, such as sweet potatoes. Most soju is produced in Korea, where it's considered the national beverage and is one of the liquor industry's biggest sellers worldwide.
In fact, it's often referred to as Korean vodka, even though that comparison is a little off the mark. After all, most soju has a standard alcohol concentration that falls somewhere between wine and liquor. For example, the average bottle of soju has 20% alcohol by volume (ABV). A typical bottle of vodka has 40% ABV, while a bottle of wine generally has around 12% ABV.
Types of soju
When browsing soju, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the varieties. Here are the most common types of soju:
- Andong:Â The oldest variety, Andong soju's recipe dates back to the liquor's original introduction to Korea. This is a distilled beverage.
- Light: Although some varieties have an ABV as high as 25%, low-alcohol soju options have become more common in recent years. Some are as low as 14% ABV, which is close to many bottles of wine.
- Flavored: Many soju bottles include fruit flavoring. These are typically much sweeter than standard soju and designed for sipping without mixing cocktails. Â Some of the most common fruit varieties are plum, apple, peach, and strawberry.
Soju shopping tips
Ready to fill your cart? Use these tips to make sure you choose the best soju options:
- Try a classic Korean brand. Due to national trade protection laws, a handful of Korean brands dominated the soju scene for much of the 20th century. Today, brands like Jinro and Chum Churum continue to be popular and are well worth a try.
- Treat yourself to a pricier bottle. Many soju varieties are known for being relatively affordable, but some more exclusive bottles offer a unique experience. Brands like Hwayo make premium soju varieties that are well worth a try, particularly for a special occasion.
- Sip a newer American variety. Although most soju comes from Korea, other regions can produce this liquor, too. Some American brands like Tokki have a classic rice base and use traditional production methods. Others like Yobo use more unusual starches like grapes.
Soju Near Me
Buy your favorite Soju online with Instacart. Order Soju from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about soju
There's no wrong way to enjoy soju. You can drink it straight or mix it, depending on your preferences. Here's how to get maximum enjoyment from your soju, no matter which option you choose:
- Shots: Many people opt to drink soju with groups of friends or colleagues, using small glasses or shot glasses. Although you can drink it slowly and enjoy the flavors, most people shoot their soju or drink the glass in one gulp. To follow proper soju etiquette, fill glasses for guests and elders.
- Cocktails: Because soju has a taste similar to vodka, it also works well as a cocktail ingredient. For example, you can replace vodka with soju in classic cocktails like negronis or mojitos.
You can drink soju with food, and it pairs with a variety of dishes. Try it with a spicy soup or grilled pork belly.
Compared to other alcoholic beverages, soju is relatively inexpensive. Most bottles of soju actually cost less than similarly sized bottles of beer. Because soju has a higher alcohol content (20% ABV) than beer (5% ABV), this spirit delivers even more value than the typical beer bottle. Less expensive varieties are often diluted and come with fruit flavors.
Naturally, other varieties of soju have higher price tags and cost much more than other types of alcohol. If you opt for a more expensive bottle of soju, you typically get a clean flavor with a higher ABV.
Each state has its own laws for alcohol sales. Depending on where you live, you might be able to purchase a bottle at:
- Wine and Liquor Shops: In most cases, wine and liquor shops are your best bet for buying soju, especially if you want to browse a larger selection.
- Grocery Stores: If your state allows alcohol sales in supermarkets, you can shop for soju at your local grocery store.
- Convenience Stores: Some convenience stores also sell soju, especially smaller bottles.
In most states, you can shop any of these stores online and place your order via Instacart. That way, you can save time while stocking up on soju for your next party with friends or get-together with family.