Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things, most recently the owner of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.Japanese culture offers a cocktail idea to keep sippers cool without knocking them over the heads with alcohol. The "chuhai" is a simple summery drink with fresh juice or soda and the Japanese distilled spirit "shochu." (The name is a shortened form of "shochu highball.") Shochu, like vodka, can be made from about anything, such as rice, barley, sweet potatoes and even sesame seeds. It is light in alcohol (around 25 percent ABV), making it a great "session" drink for a long, lazy afternoon.
Soju, the Korean distilled spirit, has long been the most consumed spirit in the world, especially throughout Asia. Low to mid-level brands from South Korea have been available in the US for years and I have enjoyed quite a few of them when out dining with friends at some of my favorite Korean restaurants in Queens and Manhattan, NY. 
P.F. Chang's, the company that brought Chinese food to the masses, has decided to dip its toe into new waters with a Japanese concept.
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