Okinawan shikuwasa is a truly unique citrus fruit. On the long-running Japanese TV show “Amazing Medical Mysteries,” it was revealed that many Okinawan elders—even centenarians—had brain ages of only 30–40 years! The secret? Regularly consuming Okinawan shikuwasa, a fruit rich in nobiletin, which is said to help prevent dementia. But enough about health benefits—what we really care about is: how does it taste?

Despite the name, shikuwasa (“shekwasar” in Okinawan, literally “sour thing”) looks more like a lime, but when cut open, resembles a tangerine inside. The pure juice is mouth-puckeringly tart—almost undrinkable on its own—but it’s just right when blended into a liqueur. Here, young shikuwasa from Okinawa’s Yanbaru region is infused into a base of awamori (Okinawan rice spirit). This liqueur won the prestigious Monde Selection gold award in Belgium for three years straight (2017–2019).

On the nose, it’s fresh and zesty, filled with bright lemon and citrus notes that whet the appetite. The palate is a balanced blend of lemon and mandarin, lightly sweet but dominated by mouthwatering acidity. Hints of lemon peel bitterness add depth, while the 12% alcohol is almost undetectable—extremely easy to enjoy.

The official serving suggestion is to mix it with soda water, 1:1. This mellows the aroma and acidity, turning an already refreshing drink into something you can sip all day—perfect for BBQs, parties, or even friends who rarely drink.