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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.