Japan has a wide variety of alcoholic beverages- from liquors to wine to beers. Many social events, business exchanges, and traditions involved alcoholic beverages. Here are five alcoholic beverages found in Japan and commonly drunk.
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Nihonshu
Nihonshu, also known as Japanese sake, is brewed from rice fermentation rather than distilling as sake is. Nihonshu can come in camy different flavors, smells, and prices. Some can come in fun flavors like apples, bananas, and other fruits. Most described nihonshu as having a nutty-fruity taste naturally as well! Unlike sake, it is suggested you sip slowly away at your nihonshu as you would with wine. Nihonshu pairs excellently with sushi, and the two of them make a perfect meal!
Happoshu
Happoshu is a sparkling low-malt beer that is popular due to its lower taxing! Tasting similar to beer. Many younger people tend to enjoy happoshu due to its lighter taste. It is also marketed as being healthier than normal beer due to the lower-calories!
Shochu
Much like Happoshu, Shochu also has grown in popularity in Japan due to its healthier ingredients. Made from rice, wheat, sugarcane, and sweet potatoes- this drink has become a favorite of the younger generation. However, that does not mean that it is new. Shochu dates back to the mid-16th century, and before it was trending amongst Japanese young adults it was considered an old man favorite. Okinawa has an alternative version of Shochu made from long-grained thai rice instead.
Highball
Japan loves beer, so when they make a mixed drink- they’re going to make it taste like beer. Highball is a whiskey drink mixed with soda, created to outsmart the taxes on beer. This drink is incredibly popular in Japan, named after the early railroad signals. Easy to order at the bar, often with a stronger alcohol content and lower price than beer!
Yuzushu
Yuzushu is a popular liquor with a lemony taste and a citrus aroma. This alcohol is made from steeping yuzu in shochu or sake and adding rind and juice to the mix for months at a time. This aging process then results in a delicious, refreshing drink, perfect for the summer.
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