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Intrigued by the rich world of Asian spirits, but not sure where to start?? Between Korean soju, Japanese umeshu, and Chinese liqueurs, the selection can be overwhelming. Don't worry, this guide is here to help you navigate the options. Our editors have selected the must-have bottles to help you find the perfect Asian spirit to elevate your aperitifs, meals, or homemade cocktails.
To make the right choice, here are a few key points to consider.
The first question to ask is when you'll be enjoying your drink.
Asian spirits offer a very wide range of flavours and strengths.
Just like with wine, it's all about harmony. A sweet and tangy Japanese plum wine will enhance a fruit dessert or create a bold contrast with a savoury dish like lacquered pork. Soju, thanks to its neutrality, refreshes the palate and pairs perfectly with a Korean barbecue or fried foods.
Here is our selection of four gems, each offering a unique taste journey through Asia.
Choya Original is one of the most iconic Japanese plum liqueurs (umeshu). Made from sun-ripened ume plums, it offers a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. With its moderate alcohol content of 10% ABV, it is exceptionally smooth and approachable. Enjoy it chilled, on the rocks, or with sparkling water for a bubbly and thirst-quenching cocktail. It's also a very versatile base for more sophisticated creations.
Chumchurum is one of the top-selling sojus in South Korea. This distilled spirit, made from rice and barley, is known for its great purity and smoothness. At 16.5% ABV, it's smoother than vodka while maintaining a very clean profile. It is traditionally drunk ice-cold, in shots, to accompany social meals. Its neutrality also makes it a prime base for cocktails.
Makgeolli is the traditional Korean rice wine. Unfiltered, it is recognisable by its milky texture and light effervescence. This version, enriched with chestnut, reveals sweet notes and a unique hint of nuttiness. With only 6% ABV, it's an incredibly refreshing and accessible drink. Remember to shake it gently before serving chilled, traditionally in bowls.
Warning: a powerful spirit! This Chinese liqueur is an aromatic powerhouse. Mei Kuei Lu is a sorghum spirit infused with rose petals, giving it an intense and complex floral aroma. At 54% ABV, it is clearly aimed at an experienced audience. It can be enjoyed neat, in very small quantities to appreciate its full complexity, or used as a signature ingredient in a bold Asian cocktail.
This selection is just a taste of the treasures Asia has to offer. To explore a wider range of sakes, shochus, or other Asian spirits, feel free to browse our complete collection.
? Discover our complete category of popular Asian alcoholic beverages
Soju is traditionally served ice-cold in small, dedicated glasses. It's usually drunk with food, especially with grilled meats or spicy dishes. Unlike a whisky, it's not meant for sipping: you drink it in one go!
Sake is a brewed rice alcohol (obtained through fermentation), a process that makes it similar to beer. Its taste can range from very dry to sweeter. Umeshu (plum wine) is not a wine in the strict sense: it's a liqueur made by steeping ume plums in alcohol and sugar. It is therefore inherently sweet and very fruity.
It is entirely possible to buy Asian spirits online from specialised platforms like Joybuy. They offer a varied selection of products imported directly from Asia, which is ideal for discovering authentic flavours without leaving your home.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please consume in moderation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences for the child's health.