Chūhai

Chūhai (チューハイ or 酎ハイ), an abbreviation of "shōchū highball" (焼酎ハイボール), is an alcoholic drink originating from Japan.

Traditional chūhai is made with barley shōchū and carbonated water flavored with lemon, but some modern commercial variants use vodka in place of shōchū, and beverage companies have diversified into a variety of flavors, including lime, grapefruit, apple, orange, pineapple, grape, kyoho grape, kiwi, ume, yuzu, lychee, peach, strawberry cream, and cream soda.

The alcohol content of chūhai sold in bars and restaurants can be quite low, allowing those with a low tolerance for alcohol to drink safely. Canned chūhai, however, can have higher levels of alcohol and is often sold in convenience stores and from vending machines. Although the amount varies (usually starting at 3%), canned chūhai contains less than 10% alcohol in Japan, as anything higher triggers a higher tax rate.^[1] Chūhai is served in tall glasses or mugs as drinks for individuals, making it less social than other traditional Japanese bar drinks like sake, beer, or whisky, which can be shared by pouring portions from a large bottle. Fresh chūhai nama chūhai (生酎ハイ) is also sometimes served, featuring fresh-squeezed juice; in some cases guests squeeze their own juice. Due to the high sugar content, the number of calories in each bottle can be quite high compared to other alcoholic beverages.

In March 2018, Coca-Cola announced it would begin selling a chūhai product in Japan called Lemon-dou [ja].^[2]^[3]

Availability in United States

Takara Sake produces three flavors (white peach, lychee and grapefruit) of canned chuhai under the JPOP label that are available in the United States. Sangaria also produces two flavors (lemon and grapefruit) of canned chuhai for the US market.

Yabai, based out of Santa Monica, CA, is America's first domestic chu-hai. Currently^[when?] they are offered in three flavors, are 5% ABV, and made with imported shochu.

References

^ Gordenker, Alice, "What is Chuhai and Why does Alcohol Content Vary Depending on Flavor?", Japanese Food Guide
^ Lewis, Leo (March 6, 2018). "Coca-Cola to launch alcoholic drink in Japan". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 2022-12-11. Retrieved 2018-03-07. In answer to a question about what new products he anticipates bringing to market in 2018, Mr Garduño is quoted as saying that the company will experiment with a product in a category known in Japan as Chu-Hi — 'a canned drink that includes alcohol', traditionally made, he adds, from a distilled beverage called shochu, sparkling water and flavouring.
^ Pham, Sherisse (7 March 2018). "Coke is launching an alcoholic drink in Japan". CNNMoney. Retrieved 16 April 2018.