If you find “Hoppy” in the Izakaya (Japanese style pub), please order for it. It is rare to find it. Even overseas visitors who are accustomed to Japan may not have had this drink before. Something new to try here.
What is ‘Hoppy’?
Hoppy is a barley liquor-like soft drink launched by Hoppy Beverage in 1948. After the war, when beer was at a premium, Hoppy was marketed as a substitute for beer. A drink made by mixing shochu with Hoppy is also called Hoppy, and is very popular among the Showa generation. In fact, Hoppy is focused on sales only in the Kanto area and is not aggressive in expanding its sales channels to other areas. So, it may be a rare drink outside of the Kanto area.
How to drink ‘Hoppy’?
When you order a hoppy drink, a hoppy drink and a mug of shochu will be brought to you. Put half of the hoppy into the mug of shochu and mix it. Stir and drink. It tastes like a light beer even though it is mixed with shochu. It is easy to drink with little bitterness.
After finishing the first glass, ask for another glass of shochu called ‘Naka’. The second round of shochu is poured into the mug again, and pour the rest of the hoppy. The popular way of drink hoppy is to drink two glasses of hoppy with one bottle of hoppy liquid.
Health-conscious drink
It is considered a health-conscious shochu mix ingredient because it is free of purines found in beer and contains vitamins, and essential amino acids. It goes well with other liqueurs and can be used in a variety of beverage styles. Recently, it has become popular among young people and is often seen in izakaya (Japanese style pubs).
Please enjoy the evening outing with hoppy drink!
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