How to Make Red Shiso Juice (Japanese Red Vitamin Drink Recipe)

Red Shiso Juice is a seasonal Japanese homemade drink made from red shiso leaves, sugar, water, and vinegar. It is a refreshing treat that some people make every year when fresh red shiso leaves appear in grocery stores during early summer. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe comes from my grandma, who harvests red shiso from her garden to make this drink every year. It uses less sugar than some traditional versions, allowing the refreshing herbal flavor to shine. The syrup is also versatile, making it easy to enjoy in different ways throughout the summer.

Key Ingredients

Red Shiso Leaves - Fresh red shiso leaves are the star of this recipe. In Japan, they are often available only during the limited early-summer season. Remove the stems and twigs, and use only the leaves for the best flavor.

Sugar - Regular sugar is used to sweeten the syrup and dissolve easily. This recipe uses a moderate amount, while some versions use more sugar to help preserve the syrup for longer.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar adds mild tartness and a refreshing tang. It also helps bring out the bright magenta color of the red shiso syrup.

Tips to Know Before You Start

• Remove the thick stems and any wilted leaves before washing the red shiso.
• After washing, gently pat the leaves dry with paper towels so excess water does not dilute the syrup.
• When simmering, avoid pressing the cooked leaves too hard, as this can create an undesirable taste.
• Add the vinegar after turning off the heat to help preserve its refreshing tanginess.
• For storage, use a clean, sterilized container with a lid and refrigerate the syrup.
• Since this recipe makes a concentrated syrup, always dilute it before drinking.

Variations & Serving Ideas

The acidity of the vinegar turns the syrup a beautiful bright magenta color while adding a refreshing tangy flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute lemon juice for the vinegar.

For serving, dilute the syrup with water or sparkling water, or try milk or soy milk for a thicker, yogurt-drink-like texture. You can also experiment with black tea as a mixer. For an alcoholic variation, the syrup can be diluted with shochu or beer. Start with a 1:1 ratio of syrup to water, then adjust to taste.

If you enjoy homemade Japanese drinks, you may also like:

• Aojiru (Japanese Green Juice) — A healthy and tasty take on a popular Japanese green drink, made with fresh vegetables for a refreshing way to enjoy your greens.
• Yuzu Ginger Detox Drink — A refreshing homemade drink that combines the bright citrus flavor of yuzu with the warming taste of ginger, making it a lovely choice for a flavorful daily beverage.
• Amazake — A traditional Japanese fermented rice drink with a naturally sweet flavor. Enjoy it on its own or use it as a base for treats such as fruit popsicles.