Japan is well known for its sake, shochu, and whisky, but its cocktail scene is equally impressive. Whether it’s a refreshing highball, a unique beer cocktail, or an inventive sake mix like the Japonale, Japanese bars offer an exciting range of drinks that blend local spirits with international influences. Many of these cocktails can be found in izakayas, bars, and even vending machines, making them an essential part of Japan’s drinking culture.
Japan’s cocktail culture offers a mix of traditional and innovative drinks, blending local spirits like whisky, sake, and shochu with international influences. Whether you’re sipping on a classic highball, trying a Red Eye, or discovering the unique Japonale, Japan’s mixed drinks are a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.
The Highball – Japan’s Most Popular Cocktail
The whisky highball (ハイボール, Haibōru) is arguably Japan’s most famous mixed drink. Made by combining Japanese whisky with soda water and ice, the highball is light, refreshing, and easy to drink, making it a favourite in bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Variations of the Highball
- Kaku Highball – The most famous version, using Suntory’s Kakubin whisky.
- Lemon Highball – A citrusy twist with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Shochu Highball (Chuhai) – Uses shochu instead of whisky, often mixed with fruit flavours like yuzu, grape, or ume (plum).
- Oolong High (Uron Hai) – A highball-style drink made with shochu and oolong tea instead of soda.
The highball culture in Japan is so strong that many izakayas have taps dedicated to highballs, serving them just like draft beer!
The Red Eye & Other Beer Cocktails – Japan’s Unique Beer Mixes
Japan has embraced beer cocktails, offering unique and refreshing twists on classic brews. One of the most well-known is the Red Eye, but many bars, including popular chains like The Hub, serve other beer-based concoctions that are worth trying.
Red Eye (レッドアイ)
A mix of beer and tomato juice, the Red Eye is often seen as a morning-after drink or hangover cure. Some versions also include a splash of lemon juice and a raw egg, making it similar to a Bloody Mary but with beer instead of vodka. You can find canned Red Eye drinks in convenience stores, making it an easy grab-and-go option.
Shandy Gaff (シャンディガフ)
The Shandy Gaff is a simple but delicious mix of beer and ginger ale, creating a lightly sweet and refreshing drink with a subtle spice from the ginger. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a milder, smoother beer cocktail. This drink is commonly found in British-style pubs in Japan, including The Hub.
Mango Beer (マンゴービール)
For a fruitier take on a beer cocktail, Mango Beer combines beer with mango juice for a tropical twist. The natural sweetness of mango balances the beer’s bitterness, making for a smooth, easy-to-drink cocktail that’s great for summer. It’s another staple at The Hub and other bars catering to international visitors.
These beer cocktails are a great way to experience Japanese beer with a creative twist, whether you prefer the savory notes of a Red Eye, the spice of a Shandy Gaff, or the tropical sweetness of a Mango Beer. Be sure to try them on your next visit to a Japanese pub or izakaya!
Japonale – A Unique Sake Cocktail
One lesser-known but intriguing Japanese cocktail is the Japonale, which we spotted in a Yokahama bar. This drink combines:
Japanese sake
Canada Dry
Ginger ale
The result is a light, slightly sweet, and bubbly drink that highlights the delicate flavours of sake while adding the crisp bite of ginger ale. It’s an easy-to-drink cocktail that can be enjoyed by both sake lovers and those new to Japanese drinks.
Other Popular Japanese Cocktails & Mixed Drinks
Chuhai (チューハイ)
A mix of shochu, soda, and fruit flavours, chuhai is a staple in Japan’s bar scene. It comes in a wide variety of flavours, including:
- Lemon (most common)
- Grapefruit
- Peach
- Grape
- Yuzu
- Ume (plum)
Canned chuhai is widely available in convenience stores and vending machines, making it a go-to drink for many Japanese people.
Umeshu Soda (梅酒ソーダ)
This cocktail blends umeshu (Japanese plum wine) with soda water, creating a sweet, fruity, and lightly fizzy drink that is perfect for summer.
Yuzu Sour (柚子サワー)
A refreshing mix of shochu, yuzu citrus juice, and soda, this cocktail is slightly tart and incredibly refreshing.
Tokyo Iced Tea
Inspired by the Long Island Iced Tea, this drink swaps cola for green tea, adding a distinctly Japanese twist to the classic cocktail.
Where to Find Japanese Cocktails
Izakayas & Bars – The best place to experience freshly made Japanese cocktails. Many izakayas have highballs and chuhai on tap.
Convenience Stores & Supermarkets – Ready-to-drink canned highballs, chuhai, and Red Eye cocktails are widely available.
Vending Machines – In some areas, vending machines sell canned cocktails and mixed drinks, making it easy to grab a drink on the go.
