Looking for something refreshing and a little special? Japan’s shelves are packed with canned chu-hi these days—from super clear flavors to juicy, fruity blends. Let’s dive into this week’s new release from a beloved brand and see what makes it sparkle!
Canned Chu-hi
Chu-hi is a popular Japanese alcoholic drink made by mixing distilled spirits—like shochu or vodka—with soda and citrus juice. While soda is the most common mixer, some chu-hi varieties use tea or fruit juice instead. That’s why chu-hi can range from super clear and crisp to juicy and fruity! Originally enjoyed at bars and restaurants, chu-hi is now widely available in cans, making it easy for anyone to grab one and enjoy the refreshing taste at home or on the go.
-196 from SUNTORY
Suntory’s -196 is a delicious canned chu-hi brand known for its bold fruit flavors and refreshing taste. What makes it special is Suntory’s unique “-196°C process”, a technique that captures the full essence of real fruit. Whole, carefully selected fruits are instantly frozen at -196°C to lock in freshness and flavor. Then, the frozen fruit is powdered—preserving every bit of sourness, sweetness, bitterness, and even aroma. This fruit powder is soaked into alcohol, creating a drink that’s bursting with natural fruit character. With every sip, you can enjoy the full aroma and taste of real fruit—bright, juicy, and refreshingly bold! Once you taste -196, the fresh fruit aroma hits you first—bright and vivid. Then, the scent lingers softly, like a gentle breeze that stays with you. It’s a mysterious and fascinating chu-hi that keeps surprising you with every sip.
Limited Autumn Edition: -196 Kyoho Grape
This autumn, Suntory has launched a limited-edition -196 chu-hi featuring Kyoho grapes, a beloved Japanese variety known for its large size, deep purple color, and juicy sweetness. Each sip captures the essence of this seasonal fruit—so fresh and fruity, it might even fool you into thinking it’s just grape juice! In fact, my daughter almost drank it without realizing it was alcoholic! 😳 With 5% alcohol, it’s surprisingly smooth and easy to enjoy. The color is beautiful, and the aroma is rich and inviting—like biting into a perfectly ripe grape.
Don’t miss my full article below, where I explore Japan’s fizzy cocktail culture—from classic izakaya vibes to fruity canned favorites like -196!
Summary
If you’re enjoying chu-hi with dinner, a clear and bold flavor often pairs best with savory dishes. But -196 Kyoho Grape is so fruity and juicy—like biting into a real grape—that it’s especially delightful after a meal. It’s perfect for relaxing at home, whether you’re watching a movie, chatting with family, or snacking on something light. With its beautiful color and fresh aroma, it’s hard to believe it contains 5% alcohol—it’s just that easy to drink!
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