Japanese alcohol includes a variety of traditional beverages, with the most notable being sake, a rice wine made through fermentation. Sake is often enjoyed warm or chilled and is a staple in Japanese culture, frequently served during ceremonies and celebrations. Another popular drink is shochu, a distilled spirit that can be made from various ingredients like barley, sweet potatoes, or rice. It typically has a higher alcohol content than sake and can be consumed straight, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails. Additionally, umeshu, a sweet plum wine, is also widely enjoyed in Japan.