First kimchi, then K-pop—now, soju is the latest Korean specialty to take the world by storm. Here’s an overview of this elegant and enjoyable drink, as well as four products and a few food pairings that take them to the next level.


So what exactly is soju?
Although soju is no longer a well-kept secret, not everyone is familiar with how it’s made. This Korean eau-de-vie is traditionally distilled from rice, but sometimes also from other grains and tubers. The word itself means “burned liquor,” referring to the high heat used during the distillation process. Good Day soju sits halfway between wine and stronger spirits like vodka, with an alcohol content of around 13%.
A wide world of flavour
Sweeter and more neutral-tasting than most spirits, traditional soju stands out through its finesse and great versatility, making it an excellent alternative to the wine and spirits you usually see at cocktail or dinner parties. Good Day offers a wide variety to choose from, all delicately flavoured with every fruit imaginable. Here are four that feature the aromas of lychee, pineapple, honeydew melon and apple, adding a little depth, fruitiness and freshness. Made by Korean distillery Muhak, which was founded in 1929, Good Day soju is filtered 10 times and oxygenated for 72 hours to produce a pure, refreshing taste.
How do you drink it?
There’s a certain etiquette to follow when drinking soju, a traditional spirit that dates back to the 13th century. The glass must be held with both hands and offered first to the eldest person in the group. It can be served neat and lightly chilled, in a small glass, or in a cocktail. You could get some beer and try to replicate the famous somaek bomb—or, if you prefer something a little more unique and sophisticated, serve your guests an elegant spiced apple soju cocktail.


Spiced apple soju
2 oz Good Day Apple
1 1/2 oz brown apple juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Sparkling water (facultative)
Garnish: thin slice of apple, cinnamon stick, sprig of thyme or orange zest
In a shaker filled with ice cubes, pour the soju, apple juice and lemon juice.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice cubes.
(Optional) Top with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter version.
Garnish with a slice of apple and a small cinnamon stick.
Festive pairings to elevate your soju
As the holiday celebrations approach, Good Day soju stands out as a fruity and versatile option to accompany your gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a spread of small bites: crispy seaweed snacks, edamame, salted peanuts, tempura shrimp, fried calamari and even spicy chips that highlight its refreshing character. Its gentle sweetness also makes it a natural match for both desserts and cheese boards. In fact, the apple-flavoured version served alongside a tarte tatin creates a wonderfully comforting pairing. But no matter what you choose to enjoy it with, don’t forget to raise a toast: geonbae!
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