Rice Makkoli Ssal is a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage made primarily from rice (“ssal” in Korean). This unfiltered rice wine has a milky, off-white appearance and offers a slightly sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor profile. Typically, it has an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 6% to 9%.

One notable example is Kooksoondang Ssal Makgeolli, which is crafted using 100% rice and undergoes an extended fermentation process to refine its taste and aroma. This results in a milky wine with a creamy texture and sweet taste.

Makgeolli is traditionally enjoyed chilled and pairs well with Korean dishes like pajeon (savory pancakes) and kimchi. Before serving, it’s customary to gently shake the bottle to mix the settled sediments, ensuring a consistent flavor throughout.

In recent years, Makgeolli has gained international recognition for its unique taste and cultural significance, leading to increased availability in markets outside of Korea.