The last few years have seen the rise in popularity of Asian spirits, which includes Shōchū, the most popular spirit in Japan. Shōchū, which is not to be confused with sake, another popular alcoholic beverage from Japan, is usually distilled from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, or brown sugar. It typically contains around 25% alcohol by volume, making it a stronger drink than sake or wine but weaker than whisky or vodka.

Because of its growing popularity, Shōchū has become available to other countries, including the Philippines through Boozy, which has an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages. Here are some affordable canned alcoholic beverages from Boozy that you can pair with some of your favorite dishes: 

1. Your Go-To Fried Chicken x Strong Zero Double Lemon 350ml

Image from Suntory

The -196˚C Strong Zero is one of the most popular drinks in the brand and promises to deliver the freshness of fruits with zero sugar and fizzy refreshment. The canned alcoholic beverages are available in a variety of flavors, which are all packed with fruit flavors including lemon that is packed in every sip. 

This drink is made from the brand’s signature method that includes freezing fruits in liquid nitrogen at -196˚C Strong Zero, which locks the flavor from the fruit before being pulverized and soaked in alcohol. This results in a carbonated drink that is refreshing and packed with fruit flavor that goes well with your go-to fried chicken, whether it’s homemade or from your favorite fast-food restaurant. 

2. Ramen x Horoyoi Peach 350ml

Image from Suntory

If shochu is a popular Japanese drink, then Ramen is one of the most popular dishes in the country and around the world. This noodle soup dish is served in restaurants and can also be found in packs in groceries and convenience stores and cooked easily. The ramen has different types and is made with different toppings, and can be paired with several alcoholic drinks. 

With a sweet and gentle texture, the Horoyoi is a chu-hi canned beverage that you can easily enjoy. One of its most popular flavors is peach, with the white peach Horoyoi having a distinct and powerful flavor that is the perfect companion to any type of ramen. 

3. Smoked Salmon x Rio Strong Zero Grapefruit 500ml

Another alcoholic beverage that is made from the same Strong Zero method that guarantees freshness is the Rio Strong Zero Grapefruit, which is a sugar-free grapefruit vodka. The Strong Zero method as well as the mixture of sweet, acidic flavors all help to preserve the freshness of the grapefruit. 

The smoked salmon is one way to prepare the salmon, which is usually a fillet that has been either hot or cold smoked. The combination of this dish and the fresh, fruity taste of the Rio Strong Zero Grapefruit will surely make for an interesting combination of different flavors. 

4. Caesar Salad x Strong Zero Double Orange 350ml

For those who prefer to eat healthy meals, one of their go-to dishes is Caesar salad. This green salad typically includes romaine lettuce and croutons along with lemon juice, olive oil, egg, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. 

The Strong Zero Double Orange, which is characterized by juicy fruitiness and the sweet and sour taste that is unique to oranges and powerful drinkability, is an ideal pairing for this healthy dish. With its fruit juice that is added to the orange-soaked liquor, the Strong Zero Double Orange would definitely go well with the Caesar salad in your next healthy meal.

5. Tapenade toasts x Horoyoi Hapikle (Yakult Flavor) 350ml

The Horoyoi is another popular chu-hi beverage that offers drinkers a variety of unique flavors, including a Yakult-flavored drink, cultured milk which is popular among Filipinos. Its sweet, milky flavor is a contrast to the bitter taste that usually comes with alcohol and is perfect to be paired with food like Tapenade toasts. 

This particular toast is made with ciabatta bread topped with black olive, caper, parsley, and garlic dip and is usually served as canapés. But the sweet, refreshing flavor of the Horoyoi Hapikle should also serve as a great drink to have with the Tapenade toasts.  

6. Umami Burger x Rio Strong Calamansi 330ml

Whether they are sold in restaurants or made at home, burgers are among the most popular food that people love to have. There are many types of burgers, and the umami burger is just one of them, bringing an umami flavor to a sandwich that is usually prepared quickly and creating a mouth-watering snack.

The Rio Strong Calamansi, a fizzy and refreshing blend that highlights the sour tanginess of the local citrus, calamansi, and balanced by a strong but subtle punch of pure vodka, would go well with this unique burger. 

Everyone has their own go-to dishes that they love to have after a long day of work or to celebrate important occasions. But with these shochu drinks from Boozy’s collection, you can enjoy your favorite dishes while also having an alcoholic beverage that is not too strong, but is just right and goes well with the flavors of your food.