Shōchū is a traditional Japanese distilled liquor with an alcohol content typically around 20–25%. Unlike sake, which is brewed, shōchū is made by distilling fermented ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, rice, or buckwheat, giving it a wide range of flavors—from light and smooth to rich and earthy. It is especially popular in southern Japan and is commonly enjoyed straight, on the rocks, diluted with water, or mixed with soda for a refreshing drink.
