Can Soju Make You Drunk? How to Determine Quantity?

Beyond its home country, this drink has captured the attention and taste buds of people worldwide. Whether you’re in Seoul or San Francisco, you’re likely to find Soju being served at bars, restaurants, and even enjoyed in cocktails. But can Soju make you drunk?

Soju’s reputation for being delicious and potent has left many curious about its alcohol content and potential effects. So, in this article, we’ll look closer at Soju’s alcohol by volume (ABV) and explore the fact if Soju can make you drunk or not.

If yes, how many shots of Soju to get drunk? Join us as we discover the details.

Basics of Soju

Soju is a clear and colorless distilled spirit from the Korean Peninsula. While it may resemble vodka in its appearance, Soju has a distinct flavor and history that sets it apart. Soju isn’t just a drink but an integral part of Korean culture. It’s the most popular choice in South Korea and is often seen as the spirit that brings people together in social gatherings.

Soju boasts a rich historical legacy in Korea, with its origins tracing back to the 13th century. It was originally a luxury drink only consumed by the upper class. However, during the 20th century, it became more affordable and accessible and quickly became the most popular alcoholic beverage in Korea.

Today, it is often consumed at social gatherings, such as meals, parties, and karaoke nights. It is also a popular drink among young Koreans and is often associated with Korean nightlife.

1. Ingredients and production process

Traditionally, the drink used to be made from rice, but most modern Soju is made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca, or wheat. The ingredients are first fermented and then distilled. Soju is typically distilled multiple times to produce a smooth and clean spirit.

After distillation, Soju is diluted with water and filtered. It may also be flavored with various fruits or herbs. It is then bottled and ready to drink.

2. Various packings of Soju

Soju is typically sold in glass bottles, but it can also be found in cans, pouches, and even plastic bags. Here are different types of soju packaging:

Glass bottles

These are the most common type of soju packaging. They come in various sizes: 360ml, 500ml, 700ml, 1.5L, and 3L bottles.

Glass bottles are typically recyclable, but they can be heavy and breakable.

Cans

Soju cans are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young Koreans. They are lightweight and portable, ideal for picnics, parties, and other social gatherings. Cans are also recyclable, but they are not as common as glass bottles and can be found in small 350ml and 500ml packings.

Pouches

The pouches are a relatively new type of soju packaging. They are made of flexible plastic and have a resealable cap. Pouches are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go drinking. Pouches are also recyclable and available in 200ml, 300ml, 500ml packings.

Plastic bags

These are the least common type of soju packaging. They are typically used by small-scale producers or for Soju that is sold in bulk, like packing 1L, 3L, and 5L.

3. The alcohol content in Soju

To understand can Soju make you drunk, we must understand the alcohol percentage in it. So, the alcohol by volume (ABV) in Soju percent varies from 12.9% to 53%, but most brands keep it around 20% ABV.

Some popular brands of Soju, such as Chamisul and Jinro, have an ABV of 20%.

In recent years, low-alcohol soju below 20% ABV has become more popular. This is due to several factors, including the increasing popularity of the drink among younger drinkers and the growing awareness of the health risks of excessive alcohol consumption.

ABV of popular brands of Soju are:

• Chamisul Original – 20%
• Jinro Soju – 20%
• Chum-Churum Original – 17.5%
• Hwayo 17 – 17%
• Good Day Original – 16.9%
• C1 Blue Soju – 18-19.8%
• Hallasan Original – 18.5%
• Ilpoom Andong Soju (frosted bottle) – 21%

Can Soju make you drunk?

For some individuals, consuming five to seven shots of Soju results in feeling intoxicated, while for others, it could take more or fewer shots. However, it is just a general statement, but in reality, the number of shots of Soju required to get drunk can vary widely among people due to these factors.

1. Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in Soju

The ABV of Soju can vary, but it is typically in the range of 16% to 25% ABV. The higher the ABV, the stronger the Soju, and the fewer shots it may take to get you drunk. If you’re drinking Soju with a higher ABV, you’ll likely feel the effects more quickly.

2. Individual Tolerance

Everyone’s tolerance to alcohol is different. Some people can handle more alcohol before feeling drunk due to their genetics and drinking history. Regular drinkers may develop a higher tolerance over time, meaning they need more shots to become intoxicated.

3. Body Weight

Your body weight plays a significant role in how alcohol affects you. Heavier individuals often need more alcohol to become intoxicated compared to lighter individuals. This is because alcohol is distributed throughout the body, and the more body mass you have, the more space there is for it to spread.

4. Age and Gender

Age can also impact how alcohol affects you. Younger individuals often get intoxicated more quickly than older individuals because their bodies may not develop the same level of tolerance.

Gender is another factor, with women typically becoming intoxicated more quickly than men due to differences in body composition and metabolism.

5. Metabolism

The speed at which your body metabolizes alcohol is crucial. A faster metabolism may process alcohol more quickly, allowing you to drink more before feeling drunk. Conversely, a slower metabolism can make you feel the effects of alcohol sooner.

6. Serving Size and Consumption Speed

The size of the shots you’re drinking and how quickly you consume them also matter. If you’re taking large shots and drinking them rapidly, you’ll likely become drunk more quickly than if you’re sipping smaller shots over an extended period.

7. Empty Stomach vs. Full Stomach

Whether you’ve eaten recently or are drinking on an empty stomach can significantly impact you. Drinking on an empty stomach can result in faster alcohol absorption, potentially leading to quicker intoxication.

8. Other Factor

Other factors like hydration, fatigue, and medications can also affect how Soju or any alcoholic beverage affects you.

So, can Soju make you drunk? Yes, but there is no fixed number of shots that universally make everyone drunk because it depends on your unique physiology, the strength of the Soju, and various other factors.

Effects of drinking Soju

Now you know the answer to can Soju make you drunk? So, let us figure out the effects it causes on your body. Basically, these effects can be categorized into three main categories:

1. Mild to Moderate Soju Consumption

• Relaxation: A moderate amount can lead to relaxation and stress relief. Some people enjoy the taste and social aspects of drinking Soju in moderation.
• Social Interaction: Soju is often consumed socially, and it can enhance social interactions, making you feel more friendly and outgoing.
• Appetite Stimulation: Some people may experience an increase in appetite when drinking Soju.
• Potential Health Benefits: There is evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may have certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease.

2. Signs of Intoxication

• Impaired Judgment: As you consume more Soju, your judgment and decision-making abilities can become impaired, leading to risky behaviors.
• Slurred Speech: Alcohol can affect your coordination and speech, resulting in slurred speech.
• Loss of Inhibition: You may become more talkative and lose your inhibitions, which can lead to saying or doing things you might not do when sober.
• Impaired Motor Skills: Coordination and motor skills can be negatively impacted, potentially leading to stumbling or accidents.
• Memory Issues: Alcohol can impair memory, causing blackouts or difficulty remembering what happened while intoxicated.

3. Consumption and Its Consequences

• Intoxication: Drinking too much Soju in a short time can lead to severe intoxication. This can include nausea, vomiting, and a loss of consciousness.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Excessive Soju consumption can result in alcohol poisoning, a life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like confusion, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and hypothermia.
• Hangover: The morning after consuming too much Soju, you may experience a hangover, which can include symptoms like headache, nausea, dehydration, and fatigue.
• Legal Consequences: Overconsumption can lead to legal issues if you are caught driving under the influence or engaging in other illegal activities while intoxicated.
• Health Risks: Prolonged or heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to various health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and addiction.

Soju Myths and Facts

Soju is a popular Korean distilled alcoholic beverage that is often referred to as “Korean vodka.” However, many misconceptions exist about Soju, both in Korea and abroad. Here are some of the most common myths and facts about Soju:

Myth: Soju is odorless and tasteless.

Fact: Soju does have a mild odor and taste, although it is less intense than some other types of alcohol. The aroma of Soju is often described as being slightly sweet and fruity, while the taste is often described as being slightly sweet and clean.

Myth: Soju is low in alcohol content.

Fact: Soju is typically around 20% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is slightly lower than vodka (40% ABV) but higher than beer (5% ABV).

Myth: Soju is hangover-free.

Fact: No alcoholic beverage is hangover-free. However, some people believe that Soju is less likely to cause a hangover than other types of alcohol. This may be because Soju most people consume soju neat. They drink also contains no added sugar or other ingredients.

Myth: Soju is a cheap drink for students and the working class.

Fact: Soju is available at a wide range of prices, from very affordable to quite expensive. Some brands of Soju are status symbols.

Final thoughts

So, can Soju make you drunk? Yes, Soju’s alcohol content, often around 20% ABV, can indeed make you drunk. Still, the number of shots required to achieve this varies widely among individuals due to factors like ABV, individual tolerance, body weight, age, gender, metabolism, serving size, consumption speed, food intake, and other personal factors.

This drink is a significant part of Korean culture and a popular beverage globally. Like any alcoholic beverage, it can make you drunk if consumed in excess, so it’s crucial to enjoy it responsibly and be aware of your limits.

We hope you found a detailed answer about whether can Soju make you drunk. However, if you still have more questions, please leave them in the comments.

FAQs

1. Can 1 bottle of Soju get you drunk?

One bottle of Soju can get you drunk. The exact number of shots required varies depending on factors like tolerance, body weight, and Soju’s alcohol content.

2. How many shots is 1 bottle of Soju?

The number of shots in one bottle of Soju depends on the bottle’s size and the size of the shots, but a standard bottle contains about 20 shots.

3. Is Soju strong?

Soju is strong, typically having an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 20%.

4. Does Soju make you drunk?

Soju can make you drunk, but the amount needed varies based on individual factors and the strength of the Soju.

5. Can Soju cause liver damage?

Excessive consumption of Soju or any alcoholic beverage can potentially cause liver damage.

6. What does Soju taste like?

Soju is mildly sweet, fruity, and clean.

7. How do Koreans drink Soju?

Koreans often drink Soju in social gatherings and follow customs like pouring for others and turning away while taking a shot.

8. What can I mix Soju with?

You can mix soju with fruit juices, soda, or flavored syrups.

9. Does Soju cause a bad hangover?

Overconsumption of Soju can lead to a bad hangover, as with many alcoholic beverages.