In order to really taste the flavor of Houzan, "how to prepare" shochu, such as with water, or with hot water are also important. You will be able to enjoy it more by understanding how to prepare it properly.

With water

[Tip] By putting extra water and mixing the drink thoroughly, the overall temperature of the drink with water will lower, and you will be able to enjoy the shochu with water from first sip to the end at a constant temperature.

Examples of mistakes when preparing 'with water'    
-Not enough ice        => The ice melts while drinking, and the drink end ups being watery.
-Not enough stirring    => The overall drink does't sufficiently chill, and the drink ends up being close to room temperature.

With hot water

[TIP] The idea is to make the shochu with hot water good, even if it gets cold. The temperature of the shochu with hot water after immediately pouring the water is best if it's 45 to 55*C.

Examples of mistakes when preparing 'with hot water'
-Pouring shochu first    => You will lose the precious aroma if you pour the hot water over the shochu.
-Not enough stirring    => The overall drink does't suffiviently chill, and the drink ends up being close to room temperature

You can enjoy the drink cooler in the summer and hotter in the winter according to preference.