Shochu Sour Cocktail Recipe
Shochu Sour Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:10g
Alcohol:15%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Shochu Sour is a refreshing Japanese cocktail that combines the smoothness of shochu with the zesty tang of citrus. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a slightly sour, yet well-balanced drink. Shochu is a popular Japanese spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries, and this cocktail is a modern twist on a classic.
- Origin: Japan
- Popular among: Fans of Japanese spirits and those who enjoy sour cocktails
- Best enjoyed: During warm summer evenings or as an aperitif
How Shochu Sour Tastes?
Slightly sour, citrusy, smooth, refreshing, well-balanced
Interesting facts about Shochu Sour
- Shochu is a Japanese distilled spirit made from various ingredients, such as rice, barley, or sweet potatoes
- The Shochu Sour is a popular cocktail in Japan, often enjoyed during warm summer months
- The addition of citrus juice helps to balance the flavors and adds a refreshing zesty kick
Ingredients
- Shochu: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Club soda: 1 oz(30ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Lemon wheel: 1
- Garnish with cherry: 1
Shochu
Shochu adds a distinctive Japanese flavor that's more subtle than sake. Using 2 oz sets a balanced foundation for the cocktail. Less would be too weak; more might overpower the other flavors.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice gives that vital sour kick. That tangy zip is what we're after in a 'Sour'! 1 oz ensures that the lemon doesn't play second fiddle to the Shochu. Less juice would make it dull, more could make it pucker-worthy.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
The 0.5 oz of simple syrup keeps it sweet but not syrupy. It's the peacemaker between the sour lemon and the smooth Shochu. No syrup means a potential face-scrunch; too much, and you're sipping sugar water.
Emma Rose
Club Soda
Club soda adds a bit of fizz, making the drink more exciting. 1 oz provides a subtle effervescence. Without it, the cocktail might feel flat. More soda could dilute the flavors and weaken the show.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters
A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters bring complexity and depth. They're the 'old wise sage' of ingredients - a little goes a long way. Without them, the drink lacks character; too much, and it could become overwhelmingly bitter.
Alex Green
Lemon Wheel
The lemon wheel is a visual delight and adds to the aroma, inviting you to take a sip. It's also an edible teaser of the zesty journey ahead.
Emma Rose
Cherry
One cherry for a garnish adds a touch of class and a hint of sweetness that echoes through the sour symphony.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Shochu Sour Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add shochu, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass
- Top with club soda
- Add two dashes of Angostura bitters
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor
- Adjust the simple syrup amount to your preferred level of sweetness
- Gently stir the cocktail after adding club soda to mix the flavors without losing the fizz
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Fresh seafood: Oysters or sashimi will complement the clean taste of the Shochu.
- Japanese Izakaya snacks: Think edamame, grilled yakitori, or tempura.
Main Courses
- Grilled meats: The acidity in the cocktail cuts through the fat of dishes like pork belly or grilled steak.
- Spicy dishes: Any spicy Asian cuisine would be balanced out by the sourness and the sweetness of the cocktail.
Desserts
- Fruit-based desserts: Lemon tarts or sorbets can echo the citrus notes in the drink.
- Cheesecake: The creaminess would be a nice contrast to the acidity of the lemon.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Shochu Sour
- Shochu: You can replace shochu with vodka or gin for a different twist
- Lemon juice: Lime juice can be used for a slightly different citrus flavor
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Yuzu Shochu Sour
- Swap lemon juice for yuzu juice
- Recipe: Same as above but with yuzu juice. The yuzu will provide a more complex, fragrant citrus kick.
- Flavor: Exotically tangy, yuzu brings an East Asian flavor profile into the mix.
Green Tea Shochu Sour
- Add a dash of cold green tea
- Recipe: Introduce 0.5 oz of chilled green tea after shaking. It'll create a refreshing and wholesome twist.
- Flavor: Earthy green tea tones grace your sour sip, adding a rejuvenating quality.
Spiced Shochu Sour
- Include a cinnamon stick
- Recipe: Add cinnamon stick inside the shaker, giving it a good shake. It'll infuse the cocktail with a warm, spicy note.
- Flavor: The familiar warmth of cinnamon will cozy up to the bright sour flavors, ideal for a chilly evening.
In case you forgot basics how to make Shochu Sour
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Shochu Sour
What is the alcohol content of shochu?
The alcohol content of shochu ranges from 25% to 35%, but it can be as high as 45% for traditional versions.
Are there different types of shochu?
Yes, there are mainly two types of shochu: Otsushu and Korui. Otsushu is more traditional and aromatic, while Korui is more suitable for cocktails as it has a lighter flavor.
What is the difference between a Shochu Sour and a Whiskey Sour?
The primary difference between a Shochu Sour and a Whiskey Sour is the base spirit. A Shochu Sour uses shochu, a Japanese distilled beverage, while a Whiskey Sour uses whiskey.
What can I pair with a Shochu Sour?
Shochu Sours pair well with a variety of dishes, particularly Japanese cuisine such as sushi, tempura, and yakitori.
Can I use a different type of bitters in a Shochu Sour?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of bitters. However, the Angostura bitters contribute a specific depth and complexity to the Shochu Sour, so substitutions could change the overall flavor.
More similar recipes to Shochu Sour!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Sake Martini
The Sake Martini is a delicate, smooth, and slightly floral cocktail with a hint of sweetness. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle hint of umami from the sake.
Lychee Martini
The Lychee Martini has a delicate, sweet, and slightly floral taste with a hint of tartness. The lychee fruit adds a unique and exotic flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and clean finish.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz has a refreshing, bittersweet taste with a hint of citrus. It is light, effervescent, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Paloma
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
New York Sour
The New York Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a smooth whiskey base, tangy lemon, and a hint of red wine.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.