So lately I’ve been really into delicious cocktails.  The problem with said delicious cocktails is that they are usually LOADED with calories.  Cool, right?  I recently got the chance to try out a great little concoction that features Haamonii Shochu…and it’s definitely my drink of the moment.  But what exactly is Shochu, right?  I thought the same thing.  Shochu is an ancient Japanese distilled spirit that’s over 400 years old, and I actually just learned that Shochu actually surpassed sake in consumption in Japan for the first time ever- crazy.  It’s actually quite delicious for those of you who are skeptical.  It’s made from grain, barley, sweet potato and/or buckwheat so it’s similar to vodka and sake but packs it’s own original flavor.  Here’s a delish recipe for a low-calorie summer drink (read: approximately 100 calories):

The Haamonii Tart (seriously…only 100 calories, ladies)

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Haamonii Sachu
• 1/2 cup diced seedless tart fruit of choice (berries, plums, apples, etc.)
• 1/6 lemon
• 1 tsp. simple syrup
• Cinnamon sugar

Directions:

• Muddle the lemon and fruit
• Add simple syrup and Haamonii Shochu
• Shake with ice and pour over a strainer into a cinnamon sugar-rimmed martini glass

photo credit: Brooke Burton