Chūhai

Chūhai is a mixed Japanese drink with fairly low alcohol content. In its original form, it was made with soda water and shōchū—Japanese spirit distilled from various ingredients such as barley, sweet potatoes, rice, or buckwheat.

Nowadays, shōchū is sometimes replaced with vodka, and the combinations usually include various types of fruit-flavored soda water, fruit juices, or syrups. The name chūhai originated as a portmanteau of the words shōchū and highball, and it is believed that the drink first appeared in izakayas in Tokyo.

Although it is still freshly prepared in bars, where it is served in high glasses or mugs, canned versions of the drink are also incredibly popular and widely available through the country. A version prepared with fresh juice typically goes under the name nama chūhai.