Hello everyone,
I’m Tani, ume concierge at our Kyoto store.

Last time, I introduced my favorite combination: Purple Queen × Konpeito × Vodka.
Have you tried it yet? Has your umeshu been growing beautifully—both cute and delicious?

At my home, the umeshu has been aging further, and here’s how it has changed. After one month, the gentle pink color deepened. By the second month, it transformed into a light amber shade, like honey—clear and elegant.

The red color has shifted into a pale amber, like honey—clear and translucent.
While the sweet-and-sour fruitiness of Purple Queen still remains, a gentle almond-like aroma from the pit has emerged, adding depth to the flavor.

Now, at three months of aging, the sharp alcohol notes that once tingled in the nose have mellowed, and the umeshu has become smooth and gentle in taste.

Watching umeshu mature over time, tasting its changes—this is one of the true joys of nurturing it.


Umeshu × Tea — A Harmony of Aromas

Previously, I shared my sangria-style recipe made with Purple Queen umeshu, orange juice, and fresh lemon.
This time, I’d like to introduce a tea-based arrangement.

My favorite is to mix flavored teas—like strawberry or peach—with umeshu at a ratio of 1:2 (umeshu : tea). Adjust the strength as you like. I prefer mine a bit sweeter, so I make it stronger.

The fruity notes are enhanced, while the gentle aromas of tea and umeshu overlap beautifully in the mouth. If you enjoy fruit teas such as apple or peach, you’ll likely love this combination. It’s so smooth that you may forget you’re drinking alcohol!

A Relaxing Moment After Dinner
In the evening, once the dishes are done, I like to unwind with umeshu while watching my favorite YouTube channels.
Since traveling abroad is difficult these days, I enjoy “virtual trips” through videos of charming Northern European towns with beautiful music.

Now that the nights are growing cooler, I warm my umeshu with hot tea, creating a cozy moment that feels like a small trip to Scandinavia.

After Spicy Meals: A Casual Twist — Umeshu Tea Float


After a spicy dish or a hot bath, sometimes you crave a cool dessert.
That’s when I recommend an umeshu tea float—iced tea with umeshu, topped with vanilla ice cream.

It tastes like a sweet-and-sour milk tea, and when well mixed, it’s similar to a yogurt drink.
Adding a piece of Purple Queen ume makes it feel like a special dessert, similar to syrup-soaked cherries.

Small Joys to Savor Every Day

Umeshu has no expiration date—it’s an aging spirit. That means you can enjoy it slowly, for a long time, while appreciating the changes along the way.

Why not make a few different combinations at once? In my home, I currently have around 10 bottles of umeshu, each made with different pairings. I enjoy tasting them side by side, or selecting one depending on my mood, along with the perfect glassware.

At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than having a favorite umeshu to quietly accompany your evening. I hope you’ll find one that becomes special to you, too.