Japanese Shochu 101: You Can Be Kagoshiman (Locals) When You Become A Oyuwari Master

According to local Shochu enthusiasts in Kagoshima,

the most famous for Imo Jochu made of sweet potato shochu,

Oyuwari is the best way to enjoy Imo jochu (shochu).

Believe it or not, most Kagoshiman, local drinkers have Oyuwari Shochu every day.

When you call Shochu, it refers to “Oyuwari” shochu in Kagoshima.

Oyuwari is not only for the wintertime, it is a great way to enjoy Japanese shochu throughout seasons.

Just mixing shochu with boiled water brings a delicate shochu aroma.

Today, let’s dive into the deep Oyuwari shochu how to make the best Oyuwari shochu without missing the essential tips from the Shochu enthusiasms.

The Right pouring Order To Make Oyuwari Shochu

Boiled Water First, The Shochu Next

Oyuwari is one of the most popular ways to drink in Kyushu, the home of shochu, and it is the way that you can enjoy the authentic rich aroma and sweet flavor of shochu.

Oyuwari literally means the shochu mixed with boiled water.

As a basic rule for making the perfect Oyuwari shochu, there is a difference in the order of pouring the shochu from making Mizuwari shochu.

• Pour water after shochu for making Mizuwari Shochu
• Pure shochu after boiled water for making Oyuwari Shochu

By pouring boiled water first, the water temperature will be moderate and also can warm a mug up.

Once add the shochu into the boiled water, they naturally combine and make a mellow-rounded flavor without stirring.

Also, you can enjoy the authentic Shochu aroma from the steam.

Click here for how to make mizuwari shochu!

Japanese Shochu 101; How To Drink Mizuwari Shochu

I can solve your worries about how to drink Japanese Shochu at home. One of the popular ways to enjoy Shochu is Mizuwari, mixing the shochu with pure water. Yeah, there are some principles to make the best Mizuwari shochu since it is so simple cocktail. the golden ratio, the best water&ice, and the best glass, all about making the best Mizuwari shochu in this post. If you are looking for a Japanese gift, you should also check out this post.

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The Best Temperature Of Boiled Water To Make Oyuwari

The best temperature to pour in a mug is 70-80 C (158 – 176F), and make Oyuwari Shochu at 42-50C (108 – 122F) to finish.

To avoid alcohol volatilize, don’t use hot water just boiled. Let it cools down to 70-80C.

If you like to be meticulous, a cooking thermometer will be handy to make the perfect Oyuwari Shochu.

Also, easy to get cold due to the friction of water molecules when using a microwave to warm the water.

Use a kettle or pot on the stove if you want to make the best.

The Recommended Shochu For Oyuwari

The most recommended shochu for Oyuwari is the authentic shochu called “Honkaku Shochu / Otsuru Shochu” and especially made of sweet potatoes, barley, and rice.

Since they are made of the traditional single distillation, you can enjoy fully the flavor of the raw materials, and the mysterious aroma.

What’s Honkaku Shochu?

The finest Otsurui shochu is called “honkau shochu” and is a genuine shochu that uses only carefully selected ingredients.

I believe you who are reading this post knew “what’s Otsurui Shochu?”, “What’s Honkaku Shochu?”, besides, “what’s Japanese Shochu?”

In this post, I can tell you what you should know about Japanese Shochu.

The Japanese Alcohol; 5 Basics Divas Want to Know About Shochu

The ultimate native guide to Japanese Shochu. It one of Japan's deep worlds worth exploring. First, Shochu is a Japanese distilled liquor that ABV is between about 25% to 40%, and it is totally different from Sake. On this site, you can know about what's shochu exactly, what made from, and the types of Shochu.

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The Golden Ratio For The Best Oyuwari Shochu

Rokuyon/ Gogo

There are two major standard ratios to make Oyuwari shochu.

As well as Mizuwari Sohchu, the shochu ratio of the water is 6:4, which is called “Rokuyon” in Japanese among Shochu enthusiasms.

Also, “Gogo” is a popular ratio of you want to enjoy the shochu more.

Simply, it’s half & half, mix the shochu with the same amount of boiled water.

The best ratio of Oyuwari shochu differs your taste preference, mode of the day, and nibbles.

Find your favorite ratio.

By the way, in the case of shochu with 25% alcohol content, it will be about 15% alcohol content in the Rokuyon ratio, and 12.5% alcohol content in the Gogo ratio.

The Best Mug For Oyuwari Shochu

To enjoy the Oyuwari Shochu that you made it bringing your all effort, choose a cup which is not big, but not small. As a guide, a 5 oz cup (150ml) is the best.

The reason you should avoid a big cup (you call it a mug?), is the Oyuwari shochu will be cold before finish drinking all in it.

Basically, any material is OK, but a ceramic cup is recommended to enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

It is also attractive that you can feel the warmth when you hold the cup.

• Japanese Style Sake Set for Cold/Hot Sake/Shochu, Hand-Painted 7Pcs Tea Set, Ceramic Teapot Gift Package Traditional Hand Painted Sake Set
• Japanese Style Sake Set for Cold/Hot Sake/Shochu, Side Handle Sake Bottle, Traditional Ceramic Hot Saki Set, 4 Pieces, Candle Stove, 1 Japanese Sake Pot

Also, if you want to try a unique ut popular topping in Oyuwari shochu, which is a dried plum called umeboshi, a transparent heat-resistant glass cup can bring you atmosphere visually.

Serve Hot Nibbles For Oyuwari Shochu

If you want to enjoy Oyuwari Shochu with nibbles, hot (not spicy hot) nibbles go well since the shochu is warm.

If you want western nibbles, the onion ring is great to nibble for Oyuwari shochu. Surprisingly, pizza is also a great snack for Oyuwari shochu.

In Japan, Japanese hot pot dishes called Nabe, oden, or yudofu are popular.

Nibbles For Oyuwari Imo Shochu

Imo-jochu (shochu) is generally rich in aroma and flavor, so the rich dishes go well with it.

Japaense-Style Rich Nibble Rercipes

Greasy Rich dishes go well with Imo-jochu, as I said.

How about popular Izakaya food such as Japanese-style beef cheeks or Japanese-style pork neck bones?

Easy Japanese Beef Cheek Stew; Melt-In-Your-Mouth Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek Infused with Rich Miso Flavor

Easy slow cooking- This Japanese-style beef cheek stew combines rich red miso & red wine to make a flavorful appetizer. It is the staple Izakaya appetizer in Japan. Not only for the appetizer but also, can provide a savory melt-in-your-mouth topping on a rice bowl. This recipe is inspired by famous Nagoya local food called Dote-it's originally Japanese beef tendon stew. The rich red miso flavor will definitely bring you an appetite.

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[INSTANT POT/PRESSURE COOKER] JAPANESE-STYLE PORK NECK DISH

This pork neck recipe is inspired by a Japanese simmered pork belly dish called "BUTA NO KAKUNI". Well, it's too much saying "inspired"...it is almost the same recipe when you make BUTA NO KAKUNI. Pork necks are not so popular ingredients in Japan, (but, it is the popular menu in Japanese BBQ restaurants,) I like pork necks in this recipe because they are not as fatty as pork belly and hardly beomce dry. It's super-easy to make, and the pulled meat goes well with ramen, tacos, and sandwiches!

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Nibbles For Oyuwari Mugi Shochu

The barley shochu has an attractive refreshing taste, so it is versatile enough to go with any food.

Yet, you can enjoy its flavor and aroma when choosing light taste nibbles such as seafood, chicken breasts, even stir-fried vegetables.

Japaense-Style Seafood Nibble Rercipe

My husband’s favorite recipe “Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna With Authentic Teriyaki Sauce” is one of the healthy snacks for Mugi Shochu.

Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna Steak With Authentic Japanese Teriyaki Sauce

Ahi tuna is high in protein, low in fat, technically healthy, and very easy to cook. Learn the secret to preparing tuna to cut off the fishy taste and pull out the Umami flavor for a sesame-crusted seared tuna steak. It may seem fancy like the dinner for holidays, date nights, and special occasions, but honestly, it’s very easy, simple, and tasty, and both best parts, ahi tuna and authentic! Japanese Teriyaki sauce is a ridiculously savory combination! Only the effort you may need is to make Teriyaki sauce and Japanese citrus chili paste in advance.

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You can use a commercial teriyaki sauce, but, why not try to make the authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce?

Nibbles For Oyuwari Kome Shochu

Kome shochu is rich in mellow-rounded flavor and since it is made of rice, it goes well with Japanese food.

• Tofu dishes
• Beans/ Edamame
• Seafood

Natto

Surprisingly, Natto goes well with kome shochu.

My homemade natto recipe is super-easy in an instant pot, and my Natto sauce is also highly recommended.

Holy Cow! Easy-Cheesy How To Make Homemade Natto Beans Without Starter Spores

Natto beans are the Japanese traditional super healthy food to eat daily! Generally, you can get natto at any Asian grocery store, but you can save money and eat homemade fresh Natto every day using my easy homemade natto recipe; without a starter, use the instant pot for the whole process.

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The savory-sweet rich dashi taste of the sauce enhances Kome shochu flavor.

You can put the homemade natto on my husband’s recipe, “Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna With Authentic Teriyaki Sauce”.