Lemon Sour with Chill Green—slightly ethereal and super fresh
Aug. 10, 2026
Lemon Sour, a classic in Japanese izakayas, is the perfect drink for hot days: refreshing, sparkling, and low in alcohol. The base spirit is always shochu, with barley (Mugi) or rice (Kome) shochu being the most common choices. UsingChill Green as the base adds subtle, ethereal aromas that make the drink even fresher. Chill Green is a botanical shochu characterized by its citrus aroma and spicy flavor. The botanical used is maqaw, also known as mountain pepper or lemon pepper. Maqaw has an extremely diverse profile—it has a lemony scent and tastes like a blend of pepper, lemongrass, thyme, ginger, and citrus fruits. The small, pepper-like fruits are rich in essential oils, grow on evergreen trees, and are native to Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
You'll need:
- 4 clChill Green Shochu
- Juice from one organic lemon
- 120 ml soda (such as Schweppes, Thomas Henry, or similar; much better than regular sparkling water)
Pour all the ingredients into a long drink glass with plenty of ice, stir gently and top with pieces of lemon peel. Kanpai!
