Delicious Japanese Plum Wine (Umeshu)

This Japanese Plum Wine (Umeshu) is a traditional Japanese plum wine made from green ume plums, sugar, and shochu (a distilled spirit).

The beverage is sweet, aromatic, and lightly alcoholic, making it a favorite for casual drinking in Japan.It can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or diluted with water or soda. The unique balance of sweet and tart flavors from the ume plums makes umeshu stand out.

Japanese Plum Wine (Umeshu)

a traditional Japanese plum wine made from green ume plums, sugar, and shochu (a distilled spirit).

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Beverage

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4 people

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Large glass jar with an airtight seal
• Strainer
• Measuring cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound green ume plums unripe
• 2 cups rock sugar
• 4 cups shochu or vodka

Instructions

 

• Wash the ume plums and remove any stems. Pat them dry completely.
• In a large glass jar, add a layer of ume plums, followed by a layer of rock sugar. Continue layering until all the plums and sugar are in the jar.
• Pour the shochu or vodka over the plums and sugar, ensuring the plums are completely submerged.
• Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.
• Allow the umeshu to age for 3 to 6 months. The longer it ages, the richer the flavor.
• Once aged, strain the umeshu into bottles for serving, removing the plums.
• Serve neat, over ice, or diluted with water or soda.

Notes

- Umeshu is traditionally made with shochu, but vodka can be used as a substitute if it's more accessible.
- For a non-alcoholic version, try substituting the alcohol with white grape juice and reducing the sugar amount.

These three Japanese beverage recipes showcase a blend of traditional and modern flavors, each bringing a unique taste of Japan to your table!

Keyword homemade liquor, Japanese alcoholic drink, plum wine, traditional, Umeshu

Nutrition (per serving):
– Calories: 120 (per 4 oz serving)
– Alcohol content: ~10-12% ABV
– Sugars: 10g

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @cookwithexperts on Instagram and hashtag it #cookwithexperts.