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Glass of amber ume-shu plum wine on a blue coaster beside green plum leaves on a wooden table

Japanese · openly licensed

Ume-shu (Japanese Plum Juice)

Ume juice is extracted by preserving the fruits in sugar. It tastes sweet, smooth, and acidic, and is a refreshing drink, often enjoyed in the summer. The taste and aroma of ume-shu can appeal to even those people who normally dislike the taste of alcohol.

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Gather first

Ingredients

  • 1 kg raw Japanese ume plums
  • 1 kg rock sugar
  • Honey to taste
  • White liquor to taste

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Make it

Method

  1. Wash plums and wipe dry.
  2. Cram plums tightly into container with rock sugar. Add liquor if using.
  3. Pour honey into container on top of ume.
  4. Seal container, and leave in a cool, dark place until the plums are shriveled and leathery.
  5. Remove fruit from container.
  6. To drink, dilute the plum liquid with two times as much water.