Lemon Sour - refreshing, fruity and lightly mixed
September 1, 2025
You can find a lemon sour in every izakaya in Japan. It consists simply of shochu, soda, and lemon. A lemon sour is extremely refreshing and a treat not only in summer. Kome (rice) or mugi (barley) shochu are ideal as a base spirit. Be sure to use a filler such as Thomas Henry, Schweppes, etc. as the soda, as these contain much more carbon dioxide than carbonated mineral water, for example. This brings out the flavors better and makes the drink taste much better, just like in Japan.
You need:
- 4cl Saikogura Shochu
- 1 organic lemon
- 100 ml soda (filler, e.g., from Schweppes or Thomas Henry)
Preparation:
Squeeze the lemon, pour the juice into a highball glass, add the shochu, and stir for about 20 seconds. Add ice, top with soda water, and stir gently again for a few seconds. Add some squeezed lemon peel to the drink. Kanpai!
