Shiso syrup - 300 ml

Description

This shiso syrup is made from the leaves of the purple shiso from the Hokuriku region and mineral water from Gifu from the mountainous Hida region. Its beautiful deep color comes from the purple shiso itself and instantly makes any drink or dessert special.

Shiso (perilla) belongs to the mint family and is widely used in Japan for its distinctive, aromatic flavor. Its leaves are often used in Japanese cuisine as a fresh, herbaceous seasoning for rice, noodles, pickles, sashimi, and beverages. Shiso is also known as Japanese basil ...as mentioned, although it has a character all its own.

The flavor of purple shiso is fresh, spicy, and slightly sweet and sour, with notes that may be reminiscent of citrus, cinnamon, cumin, and mild spices. Even though shiso is related to mint, this syrup doesn't have an overpowering minty flavor. It's precisely that combination of freshness, spiciness, and a hint of fruitiness that makes this syrup so versatile.

Use

To make a simple shiso drink, dilute the syrup with water or sparkling water. The standard ratio is: Dilute 3 times. Serve well chilled, with plenty of ice and, if desired, a slice of lime or lemon, a mint leaf, or, of course, a shiso leaf.

But shiso syrup isn't just delicious with water. Thanks to its fresh, herbaceous flavor, it's also perfect for mocktails, cocktails and desserts such as granita (see recipes). You can also mix the syrup into beer (yes, really!), cider, and shochu.

• For example, make a refreshing Shiso Tonic with tonic water, lime juice, and mint: bittersweet, spicy, and delicious as a non-alcoholic aperitif.
• Or mix the syrup with a ginger pale ale. The warmth and zing of ginger pair beautifully with the spicy freshness of shiso. Surprising and delicious!