Experience the Refreshing Taste of Shochu Highball with Us
If you’re looking for a refreshing and unique drink to enjoy, then look no further than the Shochu Highball. This delightful cocktail is the perfect way to experience the rich aroma and flavor of shochu, a pure and expressive spirit that is popular in Japan.
Shochu is a traditional Japanese spirit that is made using a variety of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, rice, or brown sugar. Each type of shochu has a distinct flavor profile, with a general taste that is often described as nutty or earthy. With an average alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 25%, shochu is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
One of the best ways to savor the flavors of shochu is by enjoying a Shochu Highball. This simple yet flavorful cocktail is made using sparkling water, ice, and fresh fruits, such as citrus. The combination of these ingredients brings out the full aroma and taste of the shochu, creating a refreshing and enjoyable drink. Shochu Highballs are perfect for both shochu beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, as their light and bubbly nature make them ideal for any occasion.
To further enhance the shochu experience, the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) has collaborated with 10 notable bars in Los Angeles to create a pop-up event called “Spark Your Sense.” From January 20th to February 19th, these iconic establishments will be serving signature shochu highballs and craft cocktails, allowing visitors to indulge in the unique flavors of shochu.
Key Takeaways:
- The Shochu Highball is a refreshing and unique cocktail that allows you to experience the distinct taste of shochu.
- Shochu is a traditional Japanese spirit with a nutty or earthy flavor profile.
- Shochu Highballs are made using sparkling water, ice, and fresh fruits to enhance the aroma and taste of shochu.
- The Spark Your Sense event in Los Angeles features 10 bars serving signature shochu highballs and craft cocktails, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the world of shochu.
Discover the Flavors of Shochu
Shochu is a traditional Japanese spirit that is made using a variety of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, rice, or brown sugar. Each type of shochu has a distinct flavor profile, with a general taste that is often described as nutty or earthy. Some shochus have a floral or fruity aroma with a subtle sweetness.
The flavor of shochu largely depends on the base ingredient used to make it. For example, shochu made from sweet potatoes is typically light and refreshing with a slightly sweet aftertaste, while barley-based shochus are earthy and have a bold flavor. Rice shochus are typically smooth and mellow, while brown sugar shochus are often rich and full-bodied.
Shochu has a lower alcohol content than many other spirits, which allows its complex flavors to shine through. It’s often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with hot water (known as “oyuwari”). However, it can also be used in cocktails for a unique twist on classic drinks.
Whether you prefer a light and refreshing shochu or a bold and full-bodied one, there is a shochu out there for everyone to enjoy. Discover the rich flavor profile of shochu for yourself by trying a Shochu Highball, one of the best ways to savor the unique taste of shochu.
Savor the Shochu Highball
One of the best ways to savor the flavors of shochu is by enjoying a Shochu Highball. This simple yet flavorful cocktail is made using sparkling water, ice, and fresh fruits, such as citrus. The combination of these ingredients brings out the full aroma and taste of the shochu, creating a refreshing and enjoyable drink. Shochu Highballs are perfect for both shochu beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, as their light and bubbly nature make them ideal for any occasion.
If you want to make your own Shochu Highball at home, here’s a simple recipe to follow:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shochu | 1.5 oz |
| Sparkling Water | 5 oz |
| Lemon or Lime Juice | Squeezed from quarter fruit |
| Ice | To taste |
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the shochu over the ice.
3. Squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice.
4. Add sparkling water to fill the glass.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.
Optional Variations and Tips:
- For a sweeter taste, add a splash of fruit juice, such as grapefruit or orange juice.
- Try using a different citrus fruit, such as yuzu, for a unique flavor.
- Experiment with different types of shochu to find your favorite flavor.
- Use a jigger or measuring cup for precise measurements.
Now that you have the recipe, why not try making a Shochu Highball at home and experience the refreshing taste of shochu for yourself!
Spark Your Sense: A Pop-Up Event
To further enhance the shochu experience, the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) has collaborated with 10 notable bars in Los Angeles to create a pop-up event called “Spark Your Sense.” From January 20th to February 19th, these iconic establishments will be serving signature shochu highballs and craft cocktails, allowing visitors to indulge in the unique flavors of shochu.
| Participating Bars | Featured Cocktails |
|---|---|
| Bar Bohémien | Shochu Highball, East Meets West |
| Big Bar | Shochu Highball, The Koji Collins |
| Death & Co | Shochu Highball, Shiso & Lime Spritz |
| Jonah’s Kitchen+Bar | Shochu Highball, Matcha Milk Punch |
| kodō | Shochu Highball, Sanbitter Spritz |
| Redbird | Shochu Highball, The Katsura |
| The Normandie Club | Shochu Highball, Yuzu Highball |
| Thunderbolt | Shochu Highball, Thunderbolt’s Shochu Sangria |
| Wolf & Crane | Shochu Highball, Pineapple Express |
| 1212 Santa Monica | Shochu Highball, Shiso Sour |
Each bar will offer their own twist on the classic shochu highball, as well as a unique craft cocktail made with shochu. This is a great opportunity to indulge in the flavors of shochu and discover new and creative cocktails.
For those who want to further explore the world of shochu, JFOODO will be hosting a pop-up event called “Shochu Night” at Death & Co. During this event, guests can enjoy three shochu drinks for $20, including a Shochu Highball, a craft shochu cocktail, and a cocktail a la minute. It’s a great opportunity to try different shochu flavors and discover new favorites.
To add to the excitement of the event, JFOODO is also offering free special shochu stickers for anyone who tags @shochu_japan when they post pictures of the cocktails to their Instagram story. Additionally, anyone who posts directly to their feed will have a chance to win a shochu T-shirt. So not only can you indulge in delicious shochu cocktails, but you also have the chance to win some cool prizes.
If you’re interested in attending the Spark Your Sense event or learning more about shochu, you can visit the JFOODO website at https://shochu-jfoodo.jetro.go.jp/index.html. It’s a great resource for information about shochu and the various bars participating in the event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shochu Highball is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that allows you to experience the unique taste of shochu. With its simple yet sophisticated ingredients, this cocktail is perfect for both casual and special occasions. If you’re in Los Angeles, be sure to visit the participating bars during the Spark Your Sense event and indulge in the delightful flavors of shochu. Experience the refreshing taste of a Shochu Highball with us and discover the rich world of shochu.
FAQ
Q: What is a shochu highball?
A: A shochu highball is a cocktail made with shochu, sparkling water, ice, and fresh fruits. It is a refreshing and flavorful drink that allows you to experience the unique taste of shochu.
Q: How is shochu made?
A: Shochu is made using a variety of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, rice, or brown sugar. Each type of shochu has a distinct flavor profile, with a general taste that is often described as nutty or earthy.
Q: Where can I try a shochu highball?
A: The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) has collaborated with 10 notable bars in Los Angeles to create a pop-up event called “Spark Your Sense.” These bars will be serving signature shochu highballs and craft cocktails during the event.
Q: How can I learn more about shochu?
A: You can visit the JFOODO website at https://shochu-jfoodo.jetro.go.jp/index.html for more information about shochu and the various bars participating in the Spark Your Sense event.
