In Japan, many types of chu-hi are sold as an easy-to-enjoy alcoholic beverage. The word “chu-hi” is said to be a cross between shochu and highball. However, depending on the product, there may be no distinction between sour and chu-hi. In this article, we will introduce eight recommended chu-hai from Japan.
Kirin | Hyoketsu Ser
The Hyoketsu series is an alcoholic beverage that offers lemon, grapefruit, and other fruit juices and a clean, refreshing taste. It is available in multiple alcohol levels ranging from 3% to 5%. The standard lemon flavor has a fresh taste and is mainly made from lemons grown in Sicily, Italy. There is also an unsweetened series.
＜Basic Information＞
Name: Hyoketsu Serie
Sales company: Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
Suggested retail price: 169 yen (including tax)/350 ml or less
Suntory | Kodawari Sake Shop’s Lemon Sour Series
Kodawari Sake Bar’s Lemon Sour is a sake in which whole lemons are soaked and its rich flavor can be enjoyed. In addition, several types of raw liquor are blended to create a unique flavor. It is recommended for those who are looking for a sake with a full lemon flavor. The alcohol content is 7%.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Kodawari Bar’s Lemon Sour Series
Distributor: Suntory Holdings Limited
Suggested retail price: 148 yen (excluding tax)/350ml-
Takara Shuzo | Shochu Highball Series
The Shochu Highball Series is a series that pursues the taste of shochu highballs loved in popular bars. Lemon and dry are the standard flavors, and there are also limited flavors that change monthly. Some flavors are sugar-free, purine-free, and sweetener-free, making them suitable for the health-conscious. The base flavor is dry dry, which makes for a refreshing taste. The alcohol content is 7%.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Shochu Highball Series
Distributor: Takara Shuzo Co.
Suggested retail price: 169 yen (including tax)/350ml
Suntory | “Moroiyoi” series
With an alcohol content of 3%, this series is, as the name suggests, for the “tipsy” drinker. In addition to the cute packaging, it also features a wide variety of flavors. A wide range of flavors are available, including peach, grape, and other fruit flavors, as well as drinks such as iced tea and sangria. Recommended for those who are not fond of alcohol but would like to try Japanese sake.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Horoiyoi series
Sales company: Suntory Holdings Limited
Suggested retail price: 163 yen (including tax)/350 ml and up
Coca-Cola | The Graduates Lemonade Series
The Graduates Lemon Sour is a lemon sour made with not only lemon juice but also the pulp and rind of the whole lemon. The “Standard” Lemon Sour is made with a generous amount of lemon and contains 10% lemon juice and 5% alcohol by volume. You can also enjoy a variety of other lemon sours, such as Lemon Dark, Umashio, Honey, and Uchiwari Lemon mixed with soda water.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Graduates Series
Sales company: Coca-Cola Japan Co.
Suggested retail price: 176 yen (including tax)/350 ml or less
Sapporo | Otoko Ume Sour Series
The Otoko Ume Sour Series is a sour drink that is a reproduction of Otoko Ume Candy, a candy made from pickled plums. The sour and salty taste of Otoko Ume candy can be felt in Otoko Ume Sour, which is made from whole Nanko-Ume plums from Kishu except for the seeds, giving it a taste that is hard to find elsewhere. The alcohol content is 5%, and we recommend adding pickled plums to the drink.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Otoko Ume Sour Series
Distributor: Sapporo Breweries, Ltd.
Suggested retail price: 172 yen (excluding tax)/350ml-
Suntory | Midori Gin Soda
Midori Gin Soda is a drink made with three uniquely Japanese ingredients: yuzu, green tea, and ginger. In addition, spices such as coriander and cardamom are mixed in to create the unique flavor of Midori Gin Soda. It is also a perfect accompaniment to any meal, not to mention izakaya menus such as karaage and yakitori (grilled chicken). The alcohol content is 7%.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Midori Gin Soda
Sales company: Suntory Holdings Limited
Suggested retail price: 182 yen (excluding tax)/350 ml
Takara Shuzo | Yawaraka Ochawari
Yawaraka Ochawari is Takara Shuzo’s shochu, Takara Shochu, mixed with green tea. Ichiban-cha (first-grade tea) is used, giving it a clean, refreshing taste. It contains no coloring, no sugar, and no purine, so it is recommended for health-conscious people. The green tea wari is a uniquely Japanese style, so we encourage you to try it while traveling. The alcohol content is 4%.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Takara Shochu no Yawaraka Ochawari
Distributor: Takara Shuzo Co.
Suggested retail price: ¥170 (tax included)/335ml-
Summary
Japanese chu-hi drinks come in a wide variety of flavors. Please try flavors other than the standard lemon while traveling. In addition to convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores, they are also sold at discount stores. In Japan, you must be 20 years old to drink alcoholic beverages, and your age may be checked. When buying alcoholic beverages, have your passport or something that can show your age.
