SF Chronicle Bay Area Holiday Food & Drinks Article

A visually stunning mixer from Yumé Boshi

In keeping with the holiday spirit, every party should have something more exciting than water for those not drinking alcohol. The red shiso syrup ($24) from Bay Area maker Yumé Boshi combines punchy Japanese ume plums and red shiso leaves. Mixed with sparkling water, it becomes a brilliant Barbie pink beverage with tart, slightly savory notes. (And yes, it’d work as a cocktail mixer, too.)  — J.B.