Pre-mixed cocktails originated in the West, but have become popular in Japan, where data shows that in 2014, Japan ranked first in the world with an annual per capita consumption of 6.3 liters. But in Japan, if you say you drink a premixed cocktail, you may not find it at all. This type of drink is often referred to as chuhai, which is a combination of shochu and highball (an alcoholic mixed drink), which refers to carbonated liquor; Both are made with sake and soda, with the only difference being that chuhai is based on shochu, while sawa does not necessarily use shochu and can use other liquors such as vodka, sake, etc.
 
The history of chuhai dates back to after World War II. At that time, alcohol was in short supply in Japan, and most drinkers had to opt for shochu. However, the shochu at that time was not of good quality and had a foul smell. To make it delicious, the restaurant added soda and called it "shochuhighball", which was eventually shortened to chuhai.
 
When it comes to chuhai, the first thing that comes to mind for those who know must be Suntory. At present, there are many high-quality brands in the local Chuhai market, and Suntory is firmly in the first place with a 39% share. In the midst of fierce competition, Suntory has developed a total of 10 product lines, plus more than 100 flavors with different seasons (such as pineapple flavor in summer and citrus flavor in winter).
 
Among them, the most famous is the Horoyoi, and Le Yi series, which has a light wine taste, an alcohol content of 3%, easy to drink, suitable for single drinking, and a fresh and elegant packaging design, which is loved by many female consumers. Among them, the white peach model is fruity and fragrant, the wine is pink, sweet and smooth, and the design is fashionable; The milky version has a refreshing and pleasant taste of lactic acid bacteria, like a bubbly version of Calpis. These two items have not only gained recognition from consumers in the Japanese market, but also have high popularity on Chinese social platforms. At the end of 2018, the three classic items of the Hele Yi series were launched on the Tmall flagship store of Beam Suntory and officially entered the domestic market, with a unit price of 18 yuan is not low, but it still achieved considerable sales in a short period of time.
 
Compared with the light and soft of Heleyi, the -196°C strong zero series is a high-alcohol series aimed at male consumers. The collection is known for its craftsmanship, in which the fruit is braided and crushed in liquid nitrogen at -196°C with the skin and then soaked in vodka to preserve the aroma and umami of the fruit – just like a freshly mixed drink in an izakaya; With an alcohol content of 9% and more carbonic acid, it has a refreshing taste, suitable for meals, and is also the first choice for office workers to relieve stress.
 
Suntory's pre-mixed cocktails have been bestsellers for many years and have maintained a good reputation for many items in both collections. The price of a single 330ml can is around 150 yen (9 yuan), which is an affordable price, so it is also known as a light drink suitable for "buying drunk in a cheap way". Suntory Chuhai is currently available in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and can be purchased online in mainland China.