Umeshu facts for kids
Umeshu (梅酒) is a special Japanese drink. It's a type of sweet, adult beverage made by soaking ume plums in a Japanese liquor called shōchū and sugar. The ume plums are used when they are still green and not yet ripe.
Umeshu has a sweet and slightly sour taste. It's a popular drink in Japan, and you can often find bottles with whole ume fruits inside! Some people even like to make their own umeshu at home.
What is Umeshu?
Umeshu is a type of liqueur, which means it's a sweet alcoholic drink. It's made using a fruit called ume. The ume fruit is often called a "Japanese plum," but it's actually more like an apricot.
How is Umeshu Made?
Making umeshu is quite simple!
- First, unripe, green ume fruits are collected.
- These fruits are then cleaned and sometimes pricked with a needle.
- Next, they are put into a large jar with sugar.
- Finally, a Japanese liquor called shōchū is poured over the top.
- The mixture is left to soak, or "steep," for several months. During this time, the flavors from the ume plums mix with the shōchū and sugar, creating the unique taste of umeshu.
How to Enjoy Umeshu?
Umeshu is a very flexible drink. It can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Chilled: Many people like to drink it cold, sometimes with ice cubes.
- Room Temperature: You can also drink it without chilling, just as it is.
- Warm: In the winter, some people even warm it up, like a cozy hot drink.
- Cocktails: Umeshu is also a great ingredient for making fun cocktails, mixing it with other juices or sodas.
Real vs. Flavored Umeshu
When you see umeshu, it's good to know that there are two main types:
- Traditional Umeshu: This is made by soaking real ume fruits, as described above. It has a natural, deep flavor from the fruit.
- Flavored Umeshu: Some umeshu drinks are made using artificial flavors and perfumes to taste like plums, instead of using real ume fruits. These might taste a bit different from the traditional kind.
