Have you ever tried Japanese lemon sour? It’s a fizzy, shochu-based drink you’ll often find at izakayas, known for its crisp and refreshing taste. If beer isn’t your thing, lemon sour might be your perfect match—light, citrusy, and easy to enjoy. And guess what? A special winter edition has just launched from SUNTORY! Let’s dive into the world of Japan’s seasonal lemon sours and enjoy their unique charm when you visit this winter.
What Is Lemon Sour? 🍋
Lemon sour—known as レモンサワー in Japan—is a beloved classic at izakayas. These fizzy cocktails come in many flavors, including ume (plum), melon, and grape, but lemon remains the most popular. They’re typically made with a Japanese distilled spirit like shochu, vodka, or other clear liquors, mixed with fresh citrus juice and soda water. A touch of syrup may be added for balance.
Served over a generous amount of ice in a chilled glass, lemon sour is light, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. Its clean citrus flavor makes it an easy-to-sip choice, especially for those who prefer something lighter than beer. It pairs beautifully with Japanese dishes like yakitori, karaage, and even sashimi, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.
Winter Limited: Mizore-Mon by SUNTORY ❄️🍋
This season, SUNTORY has launched a special winter edition lemon sour called Mizore-Mon (みぞれモン). The name blends two Japanese words—mizore (霙), meaning sleet or cloudy mist, and lemon. Unlike the usual clear lemon sour, this one has a soft, cloudy appearance, like the gentle steam rising from a hot bath on a cold winter day.
This lemon sour is made with lemon-infused liquor and juice squeezed from whole lemons—peel and all! The result is a rich, zesty flavor with a mellow finish that lingers like fresh snowfall.
Its cloudy appearance comes from carefully filtered lemon pulp, giving it a soft, misty texture and juicy depth. With 5% alcohol and a crisp, refreshing taste, it’s the perfect balance of bold citrus and gentle warmth—just right for winter sipping.
When I first took a sip, I was surprised by its gentle sweetness—unexpected, but delightful. Then came the burst of fresh lemon, so vivid and juicy it felt like biting into a sun-kissed slice. What amazed me most was the clarity of the flavor. After that soft sweetness, a clean, citrusy brightness blooms in your mouth. The balance is stunning—like winter sunshine breaking through misty clouds.
If you’re curious about more Japanese sour cocktails, take a sip from my article below and explore the fizzy, flavorful world of サワー drinks. There’s a whole menu waiting for you—just one glass at a time! 🍹✨
The Perfect Pairing: Lemon Sour & Yakitori 🍋🔥
If you’re wondering what pairs best with lemon sour, look no further than Japanese yakitori. These juicy, skewered bites of chicken—seasoned simply with salt or glazed in a savory tare sauce—are a match made in izakaya heaven. Yakitori is one of my favorite Japanese dishes: savory, satisfying, and surprisingly light. You’ll also find endless variety, from skewered pork and crispy chicken skin to grilled vegetables and more.
Lemon sour cuts through the richness with its crisp citrus flavor, refreshing your palate after each bite. That clean finish makes it easy to go back for another skewer… and another! Before you know it, you’ll be hooked—just like me. Yakitori and lemon sour? It’s a combo I can’t resist anymore!
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