I don't like mugi-cha and I can't drink chu-hi all day long so I am always looking for a refreshing summer drink.
On the weekend my friend Sue taught me how to make Perilla juice:
1 big bunch perilla (red shiso)
10 litres water
500ml vinegar
2 cups sugar
1 lemon sliced
Pull all the leaves off the perilla and wash them.
Boil with the water in a very large saucepan.
When the colour drains out of the leaves strain the juice into another pan and discard the leaves.
Bring the juice back to the boil and add the vinegar, sugar and lemon.
When the sugar is dissolved the juice is ready.
Some people drink it straight but I like to mix it 1:3 with water, soda water or gin. But then it's no different to drinking a chu-hi really, is it?
Isn't it a great colour?
