Where to Find Your Shochu Fix In Miami
With more punch than sake and wine, but not quite as intoxicating as hard liquor, shouchu is quickly becoming the drink of choice among Miami imbibers. The distilled Japanese drink, which is made from a mixed lot of ingredients like carrots, sweet potatoes and sugarcane, has been popping up on cocktail menus throughout the city. Ocean Drive recently examined the trend, highlighting the shochu offerings at three Miami bars. Here's what they discovered:
At Sushi Samba, shochu fans have their choice of seven brands, which the more daring opt to enjoy on the rocks. For a more subtle effect, bartenders are adding it to the gin and sake-based Kumori cocktail, which is layered with cucumber and lemon flavors.
Zuma beverage manager Theo Von Ungern-Sternberg is serving the drink in fruity variety, infusing it with green apple, raspberry, and lychee. The restaurant also stocks the Amima brand, which is marked by brown sugar, tobacco and caramel flavors.
At Blackbird Ordinary, the shochu cocktails are anything but. Served in 10-ounce mason jars, they're infused with cucumbers for 24 to 72 hours. Head barman Fraser Hamilton has plans to add toffee and hot pepper infusions to the menu, too. [via Ocean Drive]
Image via Sushi Samba
