What is Umeshu?
“Umeshu” is a kind of liquors that is made from green ume and alchohol content of around 70-80 proofUS (60-70 proofUK), and typical Japanese liquor. It is also called “Umezake”, “Baishu” etc.
White liquor is typically used, but other alchohols such as brandy, whisky, shochu, Japanese sake (rice wine) are also popular.
Umeshu can be made at home easily, so it’s been traditionally preferred.
Making umeshu is a seasonal event in June.
Crystal sugar is mainly used for umeshu because it melts gradually, but honey or other sugars are also used according to maker’s taste.
It will be ripe within 3 months, and you can enjoy more mellow,sweet and mild umeshu by aging.
How to make Ume Wine (Umeshu):
1. Standard taste
Ume 1kg/ White Liquor 1.8L/ Cristal Sugar 650 – 1000g
2. Ume Vinegar
Ume 1kg/ White Liquor 1.8L/ Cristal Sugar 650 – 1000g
![Flower, fruit and liquor of ume.](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![They are often sold in packages.](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![1. Dip in the water within 1 hour to refine. * you can make fruity umeshu by yellowish (mellow) ume and sweet-sour one by green ume.](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![2. Stuff ume and crystal rock sugar alternately. * when you make holes on the surface, its essence is extracted soon but the liquid is likely to become cloudy.](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![3. Pour liquor (or vinegar) you like.ume_9 * left : brandy/ right : whisky](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![umeshu_10 * left : white liquor/ right : vinegar](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![umeshu_5 1 week later](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![umeshu_7 1 month later](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![umeshu_8 They are less flaccid when made little holes.](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![umeshu You can taset it on the rocks, straight-up or with water.](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![Mayumi, the manager of Project Japan](https://project-japan.jp/wp/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
Hi! I’m an enthusiastic Kimono consultant, the manager of Project Japan. Beyond work, I love kimonos, relaxing in onsens, exploring music, and traveling. When it comes to food, I have a soft spot for traditional Japanese cuisine and enjoy Japanese sake, wine, whiskey, and coffee.
As a web and video producer, I keep up with the latest in tech.