Soju, native to Korea, is a distilled spirit usually derived from rice and most often sold at lower alcohol levels than most — frequently around 20 percent ABV. This, along with a sweetness from added sugar and occasional other flavors, makes it an easy quaff. It's the choice for South Koreans out for a sociable night on the town.
And, just like in the U.S., it means that producers are mucking with the formula to produce more varieties that can catch market share. Ty-Ku Liqueur is one of those. The difference is that Ty-Ku is also pushing the product here in the U.S. Get it in people's mouths and it might not be a hard sell.
The liqueur's appearance may be both a selling point and a distraction. The graceful, triangular bottle is filled with the translucent green liquid. Push a little button on the bottom of the bottle and its interior lights up with an eerie, warm glow. The "world's only illuminated bottle," acording to Ty-Ku.
Although the smell — laden with herbacious notes from the ginger, numerous superfruits and other botanicals infused into the spirit — is a tad medicinal, the taste is surprisingly easy and refreshing. There's a big blast of citrusy lime, smooth melon and a teeny burst of ginger in the mouth, with just enough alcohol to remind you that you're drinking more than just a wine cooler.
With all the ubiquitous restaurant cocktail lists pimping "unique" concoctions, Ty-Ku Liqueur is an easy cheat that tastes better than most bartenders' creations. Pour some over ice, shake well and strain into a martini glass and you have a refreshing, zippy drink that's interesting enough for choosy drinkers and sweet enough for novices, without the hassle of mixing.
The low calories (72 per serving) and dubious effects of the "superfruits" are also good selling points for upscale bars. And, at least in my home, that glowing green bottle is almost worth the $30 price tag.
This article appears in Mar 11-17, 2009.