18 Japanese Plum Liqueur Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese plum liqueur, also known as umeshu, is a popular and beloved alcoholic beverage in Japan. It is made by steeping green plums in shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled spirit, along with sugar to create a sweet and tangy liqueur. This versatile drink can be enjoyed on its own, mixed in cocktails, or used in cooking. Making your own Japanese plum liqueur is surprisingly simple and can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own umeshu at home.
Main Ingredients: Peach, Nectarine, Plum, Cherries, Liqueur, Dry White
This refreshing and fruity sangria is the perfect drink to enjoy with your beer can chicken. Made with a mix of stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and nectarines, this sangria is bursting with fresh flavors. The addition of citrusy orange and sweet honey gives it a deliciously sweet and tangy twist. Serve it chilled for a delightful pairing with your meal.
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Plum and Nectarine Sangria
Main Ingredients: Plums, Nectarines, Nectarine, Orange Liqueur, Dry White
If you're a fan of sweet and juicy stone fruits, then this sangria is for you. Made with a combination of plums, nectarines, and cherries, this drink is a burst of summer flavors. The addition of crisp white wine and sparkling club soda gives it a light and refreshing taste. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness.
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Plum-Almond Tart
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Confectioners Sugar, Salt, Unsalted
This elegant and indulgent dessert is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken feast. The combination of sweet plums and nutty almonds creates a delightful flavor profile. The tart crust is made with buttery almond flour for a delicious gluten-free option. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly treat.
This simple and rustic cake is a great way to use up any leftover plums. The moist and tender cake is studded with juicy Italian plums for a burst of flavor in every bite. The addition of almond extract gives it a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the plums. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
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Summer Fruit Salad with Sambuca
Main Ingredients: Strawberries, Mango, Plum, Nectarine, Blackberries
This colorful and vibrant fruit salad is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Made with a mix of seasonal fruits such as peaches, plums, and berries, this salad is bursting with freshness. The addition of sweet Sambuca liqueur gives it a unique and delicious flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
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Japanese Inspired Sous Vide Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck Breast, Yuzu Juice, Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this Japanese inspired sous vide duck recipe. The tender and juicy duck breast is cooked to perfection with the help of a sous vide machine. The addition of sweet plum sauce and salty soy sauce creates a delicious umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
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Plum Jam
Main Ingredients: Plums, Honey, Cinnamon Stick, Liqueur, Sugar
This simple and easy plum jam is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer. Made with fresh plums, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, this jam is bursting with natural sweetness. Spread it on a slice of crusty bread or use it as a glaze for your chicken for a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor.
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Gingery Plum Jam
Main Ingredients: Plums, Water, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar, Ginger, Liqueur
Add a spicy kick to your plum jam with this gingery version. The addition of fresh ginger adds a warm and zesty flavor to the jam, balancing out the sweetness of the plums. Use it as a glaze for your chicken or as a topping for your toast or pancakes for a delicious twist on a classic breakfast.
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Plum and Pacharan Sorbet
Main Ingredients: Plums, Honey, Liqueur
Cool down on a hot summer day with this refreshing sorbet. Made with ripe plums and Pacharan liqueur, this sorbet is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The addition of fresh thyme gives it a subtle herbaceous note that pairs well with the fruity flavors. Serve it as a palate cleanser between bites of your beer can chicken.
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Honey Nut Plum Crumble
Main Ingredients: Butter, Plum, Lemon Zest, Liqueur, Honey, Almond Flour
This gluten-free and vegan crumble is a delicious way to use up any leftover plums. The combination of sweet honey and crunchy nuts creates a deliciously decadent topping for the juicy plums. Serve it warm with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a delicious dessert.
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Japanese Plum Wine or Liqueur (Umeshu)
Main Ingredients: Plums, Rock Sugar, Liquor, Vodka, Soju
This traditional Japanese drink is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of plums. Made by steeping fresh plums in shochu and rock sugar, this liqueur has a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for sipping on its own or using it as a base for cocktails. Serve it chilled for a refreshing after-dinner drink.
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Plum Crunch
Main Ingredients: Plums, Light Brown Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Chambord
This crunchy and flavorful topping is a great way to add a twist to your beer can chicken. Made with a mix of oats, nuts, and spices, this crumble adds a delicious texture and flavor to your meal. Serve it on top of your chicken for a deliciously crispy finish.
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Plum Sorbet
Main Ingredients: Plums, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Salt, Grand Marnier
Cool down this summer with a scoop of this refreshing sorbet. Made with ripe plums, sugar, and lemon juice, this sorbet is a burst of fruity flavors. The addition of fresh mint gives it a refreshing and herbaceous note. Serve it as a light and fruity dessert after your hearty chicken meal.
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Peach Sangria
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Plums, Strawberries, Peach Schnapps, Wine
This peachy twist on the classic sangria is a great way to switch things up. Made with sweet peaches, ripe plums, and crisp white wine, this sangria is a burst of summer flavors. The addition of peach schnapps gives it an extra kick. Serve it chilled for a refreshing pairing with your beer can chicken.
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Plum-Thyme Margarita
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Thyme Sprigs, Plums, Lime, Tequila
This unique and flavorful margarita is a great way to add some excitement to your meal. Made with sweet plums, tequila, and fresh thyme, this cocktail has a deliciously herbaceous and fruity flavor. Rim the glass with coarse salt for a perfectly balanced sweet and salty drink.
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Yellow Plum Sorbet
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Plums, Grand Marnier
If you can get your hands on some yellow plums, then you have to try this sorbet. The vibrant and bright color of the plums gives this sorbet a beautiful hue. The addition of lemon juice and sugar creates a balanced and tangy flavor that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
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Plum Pop Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Plum, Juice, Chambord, Gin, Sprite, Ice
This fun and fruity cocktail is a great way to celebrate the flavors of summer. Made with fresh plums, gin, and tonic water, this drink is light and refreshing. The addition of sparkling wine gives it a bubbly twist. Serve it with a skewer of fresh plums for a fun and festive touch.
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Plum Sangria
Main Ingredients: Sauvignon Blanc, Amaretto, Soda, Plum, Nectarine
This deep and rich sangria is a great way to incorporate the flavors of plums into your drink. Made with ripe plums, red wine, and brandy, this sangria has a bold and fruity flavor. The addition of orange juice and honey gives it a sweet and tangy twist. Serve it chilled for a flavorful pairing with your chicken.
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Plum and Amaretto Jam
Main Ingredients: Plums, Jam Sugar, Amaretto, Ground Cinnamon
This indulgent and flavorful jam is a great way to add some sweetness to your chicken. Made with ripe plums, sugar, and almond-flavored amaretto liqueur, this jam has a deliciously nutty and fruity flavor. Serve it on top of your chicken or spread it on a slice of crusty bread for a deliciously sweet and tangy treat.
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White Sangria with Grand Marnier and Topo Chico
Main Ingredients: White Wine, Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur, Simple Syrup
This light and refreshing sangria is a great way to cool down on a hot day. Made with white wine, sweet Grand Marnier liqueur, and sparkling Topo Chico, this drink has a bubbly and fruity flavor. The addition of fresh berries and orange slices gives it a beautiful and colorful touch. Serve it chilled for a deliciously refreshing pairing with your beer can chicken.
The Ingredients You Will Need
To make your own Japanese plum liqueur, you will need green plums, shochu, sugar, and a glass jar for steeping. Green plums are the key ingredient and can be found in Asian supermarkets or specialty stores. Shochu is a clear and distilled spirit made from ingredients like rice, barley, or sweet potatoes. As for the sugar, you can use either white or brown sugar depending on your preference. It is also recommended to have a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to store the plum liqueur during the steeping process.
Choosing the Right Plums
When it comes to making umeshu, the type of plums you use is crucial. The ideal plums for making Japanese plum liqueur are unripe green plums, also known as green apricots or Japanese apricots. These plums are typically in season from early spring to early summer, so it's best to make your umeshu during this time. Make sure to choose plums that are firm and free from any bruises or blemishes.
The Steeping Process
Once you have all the ingredients, it's time to start making your homemade Japanese plum liqueur. Begin by washing and drying the plums, then removing the stems. Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 small cuts on each plum to help release the flavors during steeping. Place the plums in the glass jar and pour in the shochu until the plums are completely covered. Next, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place for at least 6 months to a year. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
Enjoying Your Homemade Umeshu
After patiently waiting for your Japanese plum liqueur to steep, it's finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Strain the umeshu using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and transfer it into a clean bottle. The leftover plums can be used in cooking or enjoyed as a boozy snack. You can enjoy your homemade umeshu on the rocks, mixed with club soda, or used in cocktails. The possibilities are endless!
Now that you know how to make your own Japanese plum liqueur, why not give it a try? This delicious and versatile drink is perfect for any occasion and makes a unique and thoughtful gift. So gather your ingredients and start steeping for a taste of Japan in your own home.