The California State Legislature has designated September 20th as Soju Day in celebration of Korean soju. This official designation was part of a legislative resolution passed by the California State Legislature to acknowledge soju's cultural significance and encourage engagement with Korean culture.
It can be bought and sold with a standard beer and wine license!
Soju isn't just Korea's national spirit—it’s fast becoming the perfect cocktail ingredient. And, thanks to LibDib’s more flexible beer and wine licensing framework, it’s becoming more widely distributed and available.
Soju deserves a place behind the bar. Today we spotlight Han Soju, a brand that bridges tradition and innovation in the Golden State.
Why Soju Works for Cocktails in California
California’s alcohol regulations allow soju (under 25% ABV) to be sold with a standard beer and wine license—no need for a heftier distilled spirits permit. That means soju can be featured in bars and restaurants with existing licenses, expanding menu creativity—but keeping overhead low.
In cocktails, soju shines due to its clean, neutral profile (some compare it to a softer vodka) and moderate ABV, which makes it versatile and ideal for mixing. Whether infused with fruit, mixed with soda, or paired with our own wine & beer offerings, soju delivers smooth cocktails with great margins and easy execution behind the bar.
Soju’s Rich Story, From Ancient Roots to Modern Mixology
Soju’s origins trace back to the 13th-century Mongol invasions, when distillation techniques were introduced to Korea and evolved into Andong’s traditional spirits. Over time, modern soju became more affordable and ubiquitous—often made from starches like sweet potato or wheat, diluted, and lightly sweetened. Today, it's the best‑selling spirit in the world.
Craft and premium sojus are resurfacing, with smooth, artisanal expressions gaining respect in specialty bars and cocktail menus, often seen as a lighter, nuanced alternative to vodka or gin.
Spotlight on Han Soju: Tradition Meets Innovation
Han Soju brings centuries-old Korean tradition into California’s modern cocktail scene. Blending traditional distillation with contemporary production practices, Han offers premium soju that's both authentic and approachable. It also has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than many Western spirits.
Han Original is a premium grain-based distilled spirit similar in taste profile to vodka. The use of polished rice in the fermentation and distillation process makes Han Original smooth and highly appealing. It’s great on the rocks, in a martini, or as a super smooth alternative to traditional vodka.
Now available statewide via LibDib, Han Soju can easily reach retailers and on-premise venues through a full-service, online distribution platform—making it even easier for restaurateurs and bars to experiment with soju before committing to bulk.
Why This Matters for Retailers & Bars
- Low licensing hurdle: No need for a full spirits license—soju fits under beer and wine.
- Profitable cocktail base: Higher margins, creative opportunity, and smoother mixability.
- Compelling story: Soju’s centuries-old legacy and rising craft renaissance offer a differentiation point.
- Easy distribution: With LibDib carrying Han Soju, trial is just a few clicks away.
🍹 Soju, Reimagined: 5 Unique Cocktails Using Han Premium Soju
The Han Premium Soju line adds an exciting twist—infused flavors and hybrid styles like Soju-Rum or Soju-Tequila give bartenders and enthusiasts a whole new playground to explore. Here are five original cocktails that spotlight these versatile spirits.
Golden Seoul
Featuring: Han Original Premium Soju (Vodka Soju)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Han Original Soju
- 1 oz yuzu juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1)
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a twist of lemon and a shiso leaf.
✨ A clean, citrus-forward cocktail with subtle floral undertones—perfect as an aperitif.
Fire in the Orchard
Featuring: Han Fire (Cinnamon Soju)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Han Fire Soju
- 1 oz apple cider
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.25 oz brown sugar syrup
- Dash of cayenne (optional)
Shake and serve over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick.
🔥 Think fall spice meets Soju’s smooth drinkability.
Lychee Lotus Fizz
Featuring: Han Lychee Soju
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Han Lychee Soju
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- Top with soda water
Instructions:
Build in a highball glass over ice, stir gently, and garnish with a lychee fruit and mint sprig.
💧 Light, floral, and effervescent—this is summer in a glass.
Cane & Coconut Daiquiri
Featuring: Han Cane (Soju Rum)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Han Cane Soju
- 1 oz coconut water
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Instructions:
Shake and serve in a chilled coupe. Garnish with toasted coconut rim or a lime wheel.
🌴 A tropically inspired twist on the classic daiquiri with a Soju backbone.
Teq-yo Sunset
Featuring: Han Teq (Soju Tequila)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Han Teq Soju
- 1 oz blood orange juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- 0.25 oz mezcal (optional float for extra smoke)
Instructions: Shake and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Float mezcal on top if desired. Garnish with a blood orange slice.
🌅 Bright and slightly smoky—perfect for fans of tequila and creative fusion cocktails.
These cocktails showcase the versatility of the Han Soju portfolio and the creative potential of Soju on modern bar menus. Interested in adding these to your list or trying them at home? Let the experimentation begin.
