Odd Spirits: Yogurito

Japan has some of the most interesting food and drink available, and when it comes to alcohol, it doesn’t disappoint. Yogurito, is one of the strangest liqueurs out there, but is also surprisingly good.

This tangy, yogurt-based liqueur spans a number of countries before making it to Japan. Made in Holland and bottled in France, Japan is the only true market for this strange liqueur. While it obviously is meant to taste like yogurt, don’t expect it to provide some hidden health benefits. Suntory makes it clear that “Yogurito is made from yogurt and tastes like yogurt, but is not yogurt. We cannot say that it’s healthy.”

Yogurito can be drunk straight but most people mix it with orange or pineapple juice, it offers a fruity-creamy sweet drink that is actually quite popular. There is even a strawberry version, for those looking for a little more fruit flavour.

At 16 percent ABV, it’s not exactly the highest proof alcohol out there, but it does offer something different than your typical fare. Yogurito is easily available across Japan, but if you’re looking for a substitute, Bols makes a yogurt liqueur that is similar in nature. You could try these two cocktails:

Yogurito & Orange

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Yogurito
• 3 oz Orange juice
• Ice

Method: Combine Yogurito and orange juice in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a highball glass with ice and garnish with an orange peel.

Yogurito Ginger

Ingredient:

• 1 oz Yogurito
• 3 oz Ginger ale
• Ice

Method: Pour Yogurito and ginger ale into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir to combine and add mint as a garnish.