This week I finally got around to writing about my favorite shochu cocktail: the Satsuma Margarita. I’ve made probably a hundred variations of this drink, and I share a couple of my favorites.
There’s also some hype-y news from the Japanese whisky market, shochu is close to an American breakout, and scientists discover the cutest vampire.
The Satsuma Shochu Margarita
On paper, they’re nothing alike. Yet, Tequila and sweet potato shochu have a lot in common flavor-wise. So it shouldn’t surprise that the sweet potato shochu margarita is a thing.
I’ve been playing around with this drink for years. And there are several variations that I think are especially good. This post covers the recipes, prep, and ingredients.
Deal of the Week: 15% Off Assorted Sake Sets
15% Off Assorted Sets with the code SAKESETS.
As an affiliate for Tippsy Sake, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases.
Japanese Food & Beverage: the Best of the Internet
Honkaku Spirits Obi Collection Getting Some Love
Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman’s Honkaku Spirits is the coolest thing to happen to shochu in a long time.
Here in the US, there are far too few options. And much of what is available is lower proof and only modestly aged.
There’s nothing wrong with these types of shochu. But there’s a lot of crazy stuff out there we can’t get here.
Until now.
Check out this Total Food Service best fall list featuring Obi Collection to learn more about these aged, traditional shochu.
Sake Geek!
There are several great sake-based media companies, and the list continues to expand.
Check out this press release for SAKEGEEK to learn about this newer website. They have some fun content for sake enthusiasts. And they also link out to some excellent resources.
Japanese Whisky Brand Awarded 2021’s Most Admired Whisky
Take a guess which brand.
Yep, it’s Yamazaki. A handful of other Japanese brands were also honored by the popularity contest. Check out the full top 50 admired whisky brands on Drinks International’s list.
New 2021 Limited-Edition Hibiki Harmony
Suntory is releasing a limited-edition version of Hibiki Harmony blended whisky. I’m not going to spend much time on this, but it’s still worth mentioning. Suntory has a suggested retail price of $125. In the real world, expect to pay a lot more.
Check out this Beam Suntory news release for more info.
Newly Discovered Bloodthirsty Crustacean Looks Like Salmon Nigiri
A new type of isopod was discovered off the coast of Hokkaido. And it looks startlingly like a piece of salmon nigiri.
But despite its delicious and adorable appearance, this inch-long bug is actually a vampiric parasite. Live Science has the story.
Follow the Japanese Bar on Social Media
Connect with our latest posts, the newest Japanese beverage info, and get exclusive promotional offers. Level up your Japanese food and beverage IQ!