A closeup of bowls of chicken soup.
Level Up Chicken Soup With A Boozy Ingredient

NEWS

By JONATHAN KESH
A bowl of chicken soup on a counter.
Chicken soup is great when it's cold but usually tastes bland. However, you can make your soup taste better and clarify its aroma with ½ cup of a neutral spirit.
Vodka being poured into shot glasses.
Chef Taewoo Kim suggests splashing a little vodka or soju into your soup, as they both contain a neutral flavor profile that enhances chicken soup's savory, salty flavors.
A whole chicken in a pot of chicken soup.
You can add the alcohol to a marinade for your chicken or to your broth as it simmers. A gentler soju can be used as a finishing touch before serving.
Bowls of chicken soup and herbs on a counter.
The result is a dish with an added kick. Because alcohol evaporates faster than water, the molecules reach your nose faster, so you perceive the soup as smelling stronger.
A closeup of a variety of soju bottles.
Adding liquor like Shaoxing (Chinese rice wine) and soju can also dissipate the smell of chicken, broth, or stock that may linger in your kitchen.