Shochu & Umeshu

Taste the traditional Japanese shochu from RedMart

Umeshu is a traditional form of Japanese alcoholic drink that is made using ume plums steeped in alcohol and sugar. This variety of plum was brought from China to Japan 1000 years back and is loved during early spring and late winter for its beautiful pink color. It was earlier used as a medicine to deal with sore throats. People used to make this beverage at home. The popularity of this product made from shochu is due to its sour flavors of plum, sweet aroma, and low alcohol content. It is also known as plum wine, but is not a fruit drink because there is no distilling or fermenting in this. 

The recipe of this liquor contains rock sugar, ume plums, and alcohol for steeping which is kept in an airtight jar that is sterilized. Green plums that are not ripe are used usually. But ripe ones can be used for giving a complex flavor. The fruit is soaked, drained, and then mixed with sugar and alcohol. Different types of alcohol are used in this recipe, but the most common one is Shochu wine. This is a spirit of Japanese origin and is made from potatoes, barley, or rice which is less sweet and stronger as compared to rice wine, also known as Nihonshu. It is usually sweet with a subtle flavor. 

You can choose from various shochu types

Shochu is the popular Japanese low-proof spirit that is distilled. The different base ingredients used in Umeshu wine provide a unique taste to this wine, the basic one is clean shochu which is also known as Mugi. It seems like a weightless drink that has a mineral quality like spring water. The mild flavor of this drink makes it a superb palate cleanser and it can be chilled before serving. It can also be diluted with water at room temperature or consumed on the rocks like mizuwari. It is highly preferred by vodka fans and can be paired with sashimi and sushi, caviar, or smoked fish. The wine is made using Kagoshima and has a fruity and rich aroma. It is known as oyu-wari, tastes best with aged cheese and grilled beef. 

Kokuto is the fruity version of this beverage and is made using brown sugar that is cooked slowly. The product is smooth and fresh and is like a light Agricole. Make the drink on the rocks with lime or mint and serve along with yakitori skewers. Awamori is the pungent variety made using black koji and Thai rice. The flavor is strong and it has an intense earthy aroma. It can be served with mapo tofu, spicy dish, or pork belly. For a nutty flavor choose this drink flavored with vegetables or green tea. With so many varieties, there is something for everyone. So which flavor of this wine will you love to have today?