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.

The way of drink can be changed depending on what is the best for the Shochu, or simply by your preference.

1. Straight: If you want to enjoy the drink’s inherent flavour, try it straight. Serve cold or at room temperature.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

Shocu-cocktails with Kura-Junsui