Glossary > Shochu

What is Shochu?

焼酎 しょうちゅう / shochu

A distilled spirit made from sweet potato, barley, rice or other ingredients. It is stronger than sake, with around 25 percent alcohol, and the taste depends strongly on the base.

How to order and eat it

Drink it on the rocks, with water, with hot water, or with soda or tea. Sweet potato (imo) is rich and barley (mugi) is lighter.

Dietary notes

Contains alcohol. If you avoid gluten or a specific base (barley, sweet potato), ask the staff what it is made from.

This is a general description, and recipes vary by shop. If you have an allergy or follow a diet, ask the staff before you order.