Hello everyone,
I’m Kitamura, store manager at our Kamakura location.

Umeshu is most commonly enjoyed on the rocks or with soda, but today I’d like to share “My Favorite”: an umeshu that’s perfect for beer cocktails, made with Fully-ripened Nanko × Beet sugar × Brandy.


The Flavor Is Guaranteed — First, Try It on the Rocks

Unlike umeshu made with Konpeito, this one may not look flashy at first glance, but I can promise you the taste is outstanding.

Enjoy it on the rocks, and you’ll immediately notice the rich depth of flavor. The fruity, peach-like aroma of Fully-ripened Nanko, the toasty sweetness of beet sugar, and the mature richness of brandy all come together to create a full-bodied umeshu.

I like to enjoy the first sip as an aperitif. Before eating, the aroma fills the mouth so vividly that it brings a smile to my face. After that, sip it slowly alongside your favorite dishes. It pairs especially well with hearty meals such as beef hamburg steak, adding elegance to any table.

My Special Recommendation: A Beer Cocktail

This combination of Fully-ripened Nanko × Beet sugar × Brandy also shines in a beer cocktail.

Mix 2 parts beer to 1 part umeshu, and you’ll find the balance is perfect. The elegant, rich sweetness of the umeshu blends beautifully with the light bitterness of beer, creating a flavor reminiscent of fruit beer. Even those who don’t usually enjoy beer may find this surprisingly easy to drink.

It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a new way to enjoy umeshu, or for those who’d like a second drink to pair with a delicious weekend meal. As a food pairing, it also works wonderfully as a table drink—please give it a try.

You’ll discover a whole new side of umeshu, different from when it’s served on the rocks.

A Non-Alcoholic Option

For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, mix 1 part Fully-ripened Nanko × Beet sugar ume syrup with 5 parts non-alcoholic beer. This creates a refreshing, non-alcoholic beer cocktail with the same satisfying balance.

At Choya’s Kyoto and Kamakura stores, we offer 5 varieties of ume, 5 types of sugar, and 4 alcohol bases—making 100 possible combinations of umeshu. Each has its own unique character and flavor, and I look forward to sharing more of them in future blogs.

Why not enjoy your time at home with Fully-ripened Nanko × Beet sugar × Brandy umeshu?