Umeshu, also known as Japanese plum liquor, is a traditional drink made from ume plums, sugar and alcohol. With its sweet and slightly sour flavor, Umeshu is a delicacy appreciated both in Japan and the rest of the world. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to enjoy Umeshu, whether neat or in cocktails.

Serve Umeshu Alone

Umeshu is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some options to serve it alone:

• Cold: One of the most popular ways to enjoy Umeshu is cold. You can serve it straight from the bottle, chilled, or pour it over ice. The cold enhances its refreshing and sweet flavor, making it ideal for hot days.
• Hot: During the colder months, hot Umeshu is a great option. Heat the Umeshu slightly without boiling it to maintain its aromas and flavors. This hot version is comforting and perfect for a quiet night at home.
• At room temperature: Umeshu can also be enjoyed at room temperature. This shape allows you to fully appreciate its original flavor and all the nuances of the ume plum.

Cocktails with Umeshu

Umeshu is a fantastic cocktail ingredient, providing a sweet and fruity flavor that complements a wide variety of combinations. Here are some popular recipes:

• Umeshu Tonic:

1. Ingredients: 60 ml of Umeshu, tonic water, ice, lemon slice.
2. Preparation: Fill a tall glass with ice, add the Umeshu and top off with tonic water. Garnish with a lemon slice. This cocktail is refreshing and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion.

• Umeshu Sour:

1. Ingredients: 45 ml of Umeshu, 15 ml of lemon juice, 10 ml of sugar syrup, ice.
2. Preparation: In a shaker, combine the Umeshu, lemon juice and sugar syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into an old-fashioned glass with fresh ice. Decorate with a lemon peel. This cocktail balances the sweetness of Umeshu with the acidity of lemon.

• Umeshu Mojito:

1. Ingredients: 45 ml of Umeshu, 10 mint leaves, 15 ml of lime juice, 2 teaspoons of sugar, soda water, ice.
2. Preparation: In a tall glass, mix the mint leaves with the lime juice and sugar. Add the Umeshu and fill the glass with ice. Top off with sparkling water and stir gently. Decorate with a sprig of mint. This cocktail is an interesting variation on the classic mojito.

Whether served neat, cold, hot or in cocktails, its distinctive flavor always offers a pleasurable experience. We encourage you to explore the different ways to enjoy Umeshu and discover which one is your favorite.