Jinro soju in Nairobi: your guide to the world's best-selling spirit and every flavour worth trying

If your social media feed has started filling up with green glass bottles, soju-adjacent cocktails and Kenyans arguing passionately about which flavour is superior — you are not imagining things. Jinro soju has arrived in Nairobi, and it has arrived quickly.

What makes this interesting is not just the drink itself. It is the fact that Jinro has been the world's best-selling spirit brand since 2002 — outselling Johnnie Walker, Hennessy and Bacardi combined in global volume — and Kenya is only now discovering it. HiteJinro sold 96.8 million cases globally in 2024 alone, securing its position as the world's top-selling spirit. That is not a niche Korean drink finding a moment. That is the world's most popular spirit finally reaching Nairobi's shelves.

Here is everything you need to know before you order your first bottle.

What is soju, and why is everyone drinking it

Jinro Soju traces its roots back to 1924, evolving over the decades into a cultural staple in Korea. Traditionally distilled from rice, the spirit has a clean, neutral base that makes it extraordinarily versatile — smooth enough to drink chilled and straight, light enough to mix without overpowering other flavours.

Jinro Soju is a clear, neutral spirit with about half the alcohol content of vodka, best served chilled and commonly consumed alone and with food. At 13–16% ABV for the flavoured range, it sits comfortably between a strong wine and a light spirit — which is a large part of why it has crossed over so successfully with younger audiences and first-time spirit drinkers. 

The other part of the story is cultural. In recent years, flavoured sojus have surged in popularity, driven by K-dramas and social media trends. If you have watched any Korean drama in the past three years, you have watched characters drink soju — and that visibility has done more for the brand's global expansion than any advertising campaign could. 

The Jinro flavours available in Nairobi right now

All flavoured variants are 360ml bottles at 13% ABV, available through Oaks & Corks with delivery across Nairobi.

Green Grape — the gateway flavour

Jinro Green Grape Soju blends traditional distilling methods with contemporary flavour innovation. Whether you are a seasoned soju lover or a newcomer exploring K-culture favourites, the green grape variant is a delicious place to start. It is light, slightly tart and refreshing in a way that makes the bottle disappear faster than expected. Best served straight from the fridge or over ice. The most popular Jinro flavour globally and a strong contender for the most approachable in Kenya.

Strawberry — the crowd pleaser

Widely praised by lifestyle critics and K-culture influencers for its balance of flavour and drinkability. The strawberry variant is sweeter than the green grape and has a natural fruit character that makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser at any social gathering. It is bottled in the signature green glass and best enjoyed chilled or over ice. Mix it with lemonade for a simple, effective cocktail that requires almost no effort. 

Peach — the date night choice

Infused with the sweet aroma and flavour of ripe peaches, Jinro Peach Soju offers a smooth and refreshing taste. Its appearance is clear and pristine, the aroma a fragrant bouquet of fresh peaches, with a light-bodied palate and a smooth, refreshing finish leaving a lingering hint of peach. This is the most elegant of the flavoured range — subtle enough to feel sophisticated, approachable enough to introduce to anyone who thinks they do not like spirits. Pairs beautifully with sparkling water and a slice of fresh peach.

Classic (Chamisul) — for the purist

For those who want to understand what soju actually is at its core, the Classic Chamisul is the reference point. Chamisul Fresh is a top choice for consumers due to its clean, neutral flavour and smooth finish — and it is the version that Koreans themselves drink most often. Slightly higher in ABV than the flavoured range, it is best consumed the traditional way: chilled, in a small glass, alongside food. If you have ever had it at a Korean restaurant and wondered why it tasted so right with the meal, that pairing is intentional and deeply cultural.

How to drink it: three easy serves for Nairobi

Straight and chilled — The most authentic and the most honest way to understand the drink. Put the bottle in the fridge for at least two hours, pour into a small glass and drink in one or two sips the way Koreans do. It is a ritual as much as a drink.

Soju soda — One part Jinro Green Grape or Strawberry over ice, topped with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime. Lighter than a gin and tonic, more interesting than a cider.

The Nairobi mule — Jinro Classic with ginger beer, a squeeze of lime and fresh mint. A riff on the Moscow Mule that works surprisingly well and travels well to rooftop settings.

Where to buy in Nairobi

Jinro soju is currently available through Oaks & Corks (oaks.delivery) with same-day delivery across Nairobi and next-day countrywide delivery. Payment options include M-Pesa Express, VISA and cash on delivery.

Drink responsibly.