Chūhai facts for kids
Chūhai (チューハイ or 酎ハイ) is a popular drink from Japan. The name "Chūhai" is a short way of saying "shōchū highball." It's a mix of a Japanese spirit called shōchū and a fizzy drink.
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What is Chūhai?
Chūhai is a type of alcoholic drink that started in Japan. It's often enjoyed by people who want a lighter drink option. It's a bit like a mixed drink you might find in other countries, but with a special Japanese twist.
How Chūhai is Made
The original Chūhai is made with barley shōchū and carbonated water. It usually has a lemon flavor. Today, many different kinds of Chūhai are made. Some use vodka instead of shōchū. Companies also make Chūhai in many exciting flavors.
Popular Flavors
You can find Chūhai in lots of fruity flavors. Some common ones include lime, grapefruit, apple, orange, pineapple, grape, kiwi, and peach. There are also unique Japanese flavors like ume (Japanese plum) and yuzu (a type of citrus fruit). Some even come in fun flavors like strawberry cream or cream soda!
Chūhai's Alcohol Content
The amount of alcohol in Chūhai can be different depending on where you get it. In bars and restaurants, Chūhai often has a lower alcohol level. This makes it a lighter choice for many people.
Canned Chūhai
You can also buy Chūhai in cans, often found in convenience stores and vending machines. Canned Chūhai can have a bit more alcohol than the ones served in bars. In Japan, canned Chūhai usually has less than 10% alcohol. This is because drinks with higher alcohol content have a higher tax.
How Chūhai is Served
Chūhai is usually served in tall glasses or mugs. It's meant for one person to drink. This is different from some other Japanese drinks like sake or beer, which are often shared from a large bottle. Sometimes, you can get "fresh Chūhai" (nama chūhai (生酎ハイ)). This kind is made with fresh-squeezed juice. In some places, you even get to squeeze your own juice into the drink!
In March 2018, the company Coca-Cola started selling its own Chūhai product in Japan. It's called Lemon-dou.
Chūhai in the United States
You can find some types of Chūhai outside of Japan too. For example, Takara Sake makes two flavors of bottled Chūhai for the United States market. These are white peach and grapefruit. Sangaria also sells canned Chūhai in the US, with lemon and grapefruit flavors.
