Happy Hour: Japanese Plum Wine

July 26, 2007

While sake may be the most popular drink to pair with a Japanese meal, there is another option that is often on the menu. Umeshu, commonly known as "Japanese Plum Wine," is a Japanese liqueur made from ume (Japanese plums), sugar and shochu (or sake). The flavor is delicate and light, with an undertone of plum. It is usually very sweet and syrupy, and can be used as an aperetif, dessert wine, or as the base of a super delicious cocktail. Also, several brands (including Choya, which is one of the most popular) even come with the edible ume fruit inside. A bottle will set you back about $15.

10 Comments

2 years 48 weeks

Trinimerican, Japanese plum wine, too, is considered a woman drink. It's very shocking for Japanese people that so many Western men like to drink such a sweet alcohol.

Trinimerican 4 years 38 weeks

When I was in the USAF I had the pleasure of living in Okinawa and Mainland Japan for almost nine years. I am not a drinker, and I don't like the taste of Sake. It was our office tradition to have a Sake send-off (toast) when anyone was PCSing (moving) from our office -- I always drank water, Sprite or 7-Up so I didn't stand out. The only thing I liked to drink was Italian Moscato which is a sweet white wine, and is considered a girly wine. I however, love Japanese plum wine. Now I have a small Japanese glass at night to relax.

BethS 5 years 42 weeks

My mom and I always order plum wine when we get chinese food. I don't normally like sweet wine, but I love just a glass with chinese food, it's a treat!

kikidawn 5 years 43 weeks

My bf's dad just traveled to Japan. He had both sake and plum wine. He said that the plum wine is the best drink he has ever had! And now I find it recommended on here! I am definitely going to get some. :)

kristine13 5 years 43 weeks

The sushi place i go to has the best plum wine -- not too sweet, and it's excellent with fish and rice. I probably wouldn't have more than one glass in a night, though.