Enjoying Shochu!
How to drink?
Shochu has a high percentage of alcohol—as much as 25%—and there are many ways to enjoy it, from straight up to mixed cocktails. There is no rule to enjoy it!
Here are a few of our suggestions for enjoying shochu, ranging from the traditional to the innovative.
Straight: If you want to enjoy the drink’s inherent flavour, try it straight. Serve cold or at room temperature.
With hot water (Oyuwari): For Kagoshima locals this is the traditional way to drink sweet potato shochu—it releases the aroma and increases one’s appetite. Mix 6 parts of shochu with 4 parts of warm water (about body temperature). Pour the warm water in a cup first, then add the shochu.
On the Rocks: For a smooth flavour that brings out the sweetness, pour shochu in a whisky glass with a large ice cube. We highly recommend using mineral water for the ice in order to enhance its flavour. Enjoy how different it tastes as the ice melts.
With cold water: You can adjust the strongness of taste and flavour of shochu by diluting with water. It is very popular way to drink Shochu all over Japan.
With soda / Cocktails: Shochu is remarkably versatile, making it perfect for mixed drinks. You can try it many different ways: we like it mixed with club soda, lemon, milk, green tea, or fruit. Make up your own!
