Spirits: The Refreshing Chuhai

Spirits: The Refreshing Chuhai

As the sun shines brighter and the air warms, our cocktail cravings shift from the deep and dark to the light and lively. Yet, let's not settle for overly sugary or mundane fruit concoctions; they tarnish the reputation of fruit-based cocktails worldwide. That's simply unacceptable—in America, in Japan, or anywhere else. Speaking of Japan, let me introduce you to a gem from the Land of the Rising Sun: Chuhai!

Ingredients

  • Shochu (recommended: iichiko Kurobin or your preferred brand)
  • Fruit juice of your choice (common options include lemon, lime, grapefruit, yuzu, etc.)
  • Soda water or club soda
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: fresh fruit slices or twists for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a highball glass or Collins glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of shochu into the glass, depending on your preference for alcohol strength.
  3. Add 2 to 3 ounces of fruit juice into the glass. Lemon juice is a classic choice that pairs well with shochu.
  4. Top the mixture with soda water or club soda, leaving some space at the top of the glass for stirring.
  5. Gently stir the ingredients in the glass to mix them together.
  6. Taste the Chuhai and adjust the flavor by adding more fruit juice or soda water if desired.
  7. Optionally, garnish the drink with a slice or twist of fresh fruit for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Chuhai cocktail!

Our Discovery

During a recent trip to Japan with our friends (whose fluency in the language was a godsend), we made it a mission to explore the local izakayas. As seasoned travelers, we believe in imbibing as the locals do (and indulging in their cuisine as well, but that's a different story altogether).

At the izakayas, I proudly showcased my limited Japanese skills by ordering "nama biru," accompanied by my trademark smile and charm, ensuring I received my preferred draft beer. Beyond that linguistic feat, I wisely left the rest to our travel mates.

Our travel companions, being fluent in Japanese, took charge of our food orders (a wise choice considering the delightful array of okonomiyaki and takoyaki options). She also delved into the Chuhai selections available at each establishment.

For the uninitiated, Chuhai is a delightful blend of fruit juice, shochu, and soda water—simple yet incredibly refreshing. The name? A clever fusion of "shochu" and "highball," aptly dubbed Chu-Hai by the inventive Japanese.

Wildly Refreshing

As for fruit juice options, the sky's the limit! However, I highly recommend starting with the timeless lemon—it beautifully complements the shochu. Speaking of which, when it comes to shochu, choose wisely. We were fortunate to have iichiko's Kurobin on hand, a true winner in our Chuhai adventures. Finish it off with soda water or club soda for that perfect effervescence.

The result? A lightly fruity, revitalizing, and downright delicious springtime sipper. Cheers to Chuhai—now, let's dive into this delightful drink!

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My love for spirits isn't just about enjoying a drink; it's about delving into the rich history, cultural significance, and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.