Meet the Chu-Hi: A Crushable Low-Alc Tall Drink

Cocktail trends come and go. From the Frosé to the Espresso Martini, the Sbagliato to the Batanga, the drink-of-the-moment can change with the whims of the parched masses, and will only last as long as the thirst remains. The Aperol Spritz, however, has upheld a distinct longevity with the popularity of the refreshing aperitif continuing to flourish. 

Light, refreshing, crushable, and lower in alcohol, there’s a reason why this particular drink has caught on. But if you’re looking for an alternative, there’s a trending cocktail coming out of Japan that fits the bill. 

Enter the Chu-hi, a Japanese highball consisting of shochu, club soda, and fruit flavors like watermelon, lemon, or yuzu. Checking in at around 3% ABV, the thirst-quenching drink is the ideal low-alcohol beverage to reach for when you crave something different. 

Chu-hi, or “Chuhai,” is the colloquial name given to Shochu Highballs, and they may be coming to a bar, restaurant, or store near you — if they aren’t there already. 

Shochu 101

Understanding Chu-his requires a quick primer on shochu. 

Not to be confused with the Korean spirit soju, shochu is a low-ABV Japanese spirit distilled from grains and vegetables such as sweet potato, barley, and rice. Their flavor profile can range from bright to funky, depending on the source distillate. 

It can be a complex category, but a Chu-hi’s inclusion of fruit and bubbles help to give an easy, and delicious, entry point.

“Introducing Chu-his to people is an excellent way to accentuate the flavor profile of the shochu without knocking them on the head at full force,” says Matt Resler, bartender at Bar Goto in New York City. “Even though shochu tends to be a little lower in ABV, it’s still a relatively unknown spirit to most, and Chu-his [are] a great way to showcase their profile while toning down some of its stronger alcohol notes.”

Shochu’s wide range of expressions gives the Chu-hi category a level of flavor versatility. Its low proof also makes the Highballs easily sessionable. Plus, the spirit’s regulations give the drinks an added bonus. 

“Shochus are required to be additive-free,” says Paul Nakayama, president and co-founder of Nankai Group in Harbor City, California. “So, you can think of Chu-his as being like a Japanese White Claw without the additives.”   

Beyond the summer spritzer

A Chu-hi’s effervescent pop and fruity ethos make it a no-brainer for easy drinking, especially in the warmer months, but it can easily transcend seasons. This essence can come from whatever fruit or fruit flavor you add to the drink. 

“I do enjoy a touch of lemon or yuzu,” says Resler. “Grapefruit is enjoyable, as is [crème de] cassis or oolong tea.”

Because shochu comes from different core ingredients, the spirit offers boundless versatility. This enables Chu-his to be a multi-seasonal option, particularly when you start to understand the different styles. 

“In the summer months, the brightness of rice shochu and crisp soda water is remarkably crushable and refreshing,” says Resler. “During the winter months, I’ll grab a sweet potato or buckwheat shochu. Their earthy and funky umami notes are excellent with food on colder days.”

The mindful cocktail

Chu-his haven’t quite had their Aperol Spritz moment yet, but this may change thanks to sustained interest in no- and low-ABV cocktails. The drink’s low potency lands right in the no-and-low movement’s wheelhouse, making it an ideal option for people looking for a different way to moderate. 

“Interest in low-ABV drinks has helped Chu-his tremendously,” says Nakayama. “Eventually, we’re expecting more of an explosion of interest.”

The drink also allows mindful imbibers to forge a unique inadvertent connection to the traditions and culture surrounding Japanese food and drink. 

“Japanese people want to go out and have fun for a long time. It’s all about the slow burn, so to speak – slow and steady,” says Kendra Hada, bartender at ABV in San Francisco. “I think more Americans can, and are, taking a page from Japanese drinking culture. More and more, people want to slow down and connect with each other. Chu-his are perfect for allowing people to have fun for a longer period of time, and there’s a certain romance to that.”

You don’t have to be into low-ABV drinks to enjoy a Chu-hi. All that’s required is a desire to drink something delicious when you’re hanging out with your family and friends for a few hours. Light, refreshing, crushable, and lower in alcohol, the Chu-hi may just be the next drink trend that sticks around.