Have you fallen in love with Shochu yet? If not, you’re about to.
Take a sip and discover one of Japan's oldest and most delicious spirits during a special two-week event in select cities around the United States.
For the first time ever, the Japanese spirit shochu will be shared with cocktail lovers all over the country looking to shake it up. Shochu Cocktail Week is making its way through participating bars in New York, Chicago, Austin, San Francisco and D.C now through March 14th.
Enjoy two weeks dedicated to shochu cocktails perfected by experts that highlight the Japanese distilled beverage.
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Shochu has been produced and consumed for more than 500 years, using up to 55 raw and processed ingredients. With a base of vegetables and grains, this drink can be distilled from just about anything.
Depending on the distilling time and ingredients, this spirit morphs into an array of flavors. While it remained an underground favorite in the U.S. for decades, it’s increasing in popularity thanks to its versatile flavors and high alcohol content of 25 to 30 percent ABV.
Incorporating shochu from different Japanese regions and a multitude of ingredients, the cocktails offered this week each have a different flair that showcases the rich taste of shochu. Shochu’s unique flavor profiles and can be poured in a range of styles, served straight, on the rocks, or long with a tonic or soda. Shochu can be used in many classic cocktails like a martini or a mojito.
Whether you're a shochu enthusiast or a newcomer, make your way to one of the participating bars in your area and indulge in one of Japan's most sought out spirits. Find the cocktail that fits your liking and make Shochu one of your new favorite spirits to brag about to your friends.
To learn more about Shochu Cocktail Week online and check out the list participating bars by city below.
Austin
Chicago
New York
San Francisco
Washington D.C.
Photography by: Daniel Schwartz
