#Japan #Okinawa #KOKUTO DE LEQUIO #SG Group #Brown Sugar Rum

SG Group Launches Non-Alcoholic Rum Alternative

The SG Group, renowned for managing bars both domestically and internationally, recently unveiled a ground-breaking product set to hit the shelves on September 18, 2025. This new creation is the KOKUTO DE LEQUIO Rum Alternative, a non-alcoholic rum made in collaboration with Mizuho Shuzō and OneSpirit, both based in Okinawa.

KOKUTO DE LEQUIO Series

The KOKUTO DE LEQUIO series celebrates the potential of Okinawan brown sugar while addressing agricultural challenges in the region and promoting its rich natural culture globally. The fifth installment, KOKUTO DE LEQUIO Rum Alternative, represents SG Group's first foray into the non-alcoholic beverage sector. The creation of this beverage aims to provide non-drinkers with an authentic taste and experience comparable to their alcoholic counterparts, aligning with SG Group's philosophy of making bars accessible to everyone.

Using only Okinawan brown sugar as its raw material, this alternative successfully captures a profusion of aromatic flavors through unique distillation techniques, achieving a depth and richness reminiscent of traditional rum, despite containing 0% alcohol and 0% sugar. It's not just a substitute; it offers a premium drinking experience suitable for bar environments, catering to an emerging non-alcoholic beverage category.

Development Background

With the growing trend towards health consciousness and the rise of the sober-curious movement—people choosing not to drink or reduce their alcohol intake—the demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages is on the rise globally. Yet, in Japan, while home-oriented products like non-alcoholic beers and ready-to-drink cocktails are abundant, options for enjoying quality non-alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants are still limited. This imbalance in choices reveals a gap in shared experiences and joy between drinkers and non-drinkers, a space ripe for innovation.

SG Group aims to bridge this gap with the KOKUTO DE LEQUIO Rum Alternative. By leveraging their expertise as a bar company and their history in developing this series, they envisioned a drink that transcends the alcohol/non-alcohol divide, allowing everyone to share a memorable experience together.

This new addition harmoniously incorporates Okinawa's traditional ingredient, brown sugar, which has been cherished as a unique natural sweetener generated from locally grown sugarcane. It has been an essential element in Japanese cuisine through the ages, found in various traditional sweets and snacks, symbolizing a delightful aspect of Japanese culinary culture.

Using high-level distillation methods from Mizuho Shuzō, this product extracts the essence of the brown sugar aroma in a completely additive-free format. The result is a rich, full-bodied flavor that evokes the characteristics of rum, suitable as a base for alcohol-free and low-alcohol cocktails, thus creating numerous enjoyable experiences, including:

• - A bar experience that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their drinking preferences
• - A robust flavor that can pair beautifully with cocktails
• - Versatile usage, extending from mocktails to exquisite desserts

With the global cocktail scene increasingly calling for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options, the KOKUTO DE LEQUIO Rum Alternative aims to inspire bartenders worldwide, linking Okinawa’s local industry and Japanese culinary culture to the evolving global beverage landscape.

Tasting Notes

The KOKUTO DE LEQUIO Rum Alternative boasts a rich, sweet aroma characteristic of Okinawan brown sugar, offering a pleasant aftertaste. Its complex flavor profile sets it apart from typical soft drinks, delivering satisfaction akin to alcoholic beverages. The flavor can drastically change when combined with ice, carbonated water, or other mixers, providing tremendous versatility.

Recommended Serving Suggestions

This non-alcoholic alternative shines when simply mixed with soda, highlighting the inherent qualities of the brown sugar. It seamlessly integrates into rum-based cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris. Moreover, it can be combined with rum in a 1:1 ratio to achieve a balanced, flavorful low-alcohol cocktail. Its sweetness and nutty notes also pair exceptionally well with desserts such as chocolate or nut-based dishes, as well as smoked and grilled cuisines, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Product Information

• - Ingredients: Okinawan brown sugar
• - Volume: 515ml
• - Alcohol Content: 0.00%
• - Producer: Mizuho Shuzō Co., Ltd.
• - Initial Production: Limited to 400 bottles
• - Release Date: September 18, 2025
• - Suggested Retail Price: JPY 2,700 excluding tax / JPY 2,970 including tax
• - Brand Social Media: Instagram

Sales Information

The initial production will be exclusively available at select locations and the official OneSpirit online store:

• - The SG Club, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - El Lequio, Naha
• - OneSpirit, Naha
• - Online Store: OneSpirit Store

Launch Event

To celebrate the launch, a cocktail event titled “Spirit without Spirits: KOKUTO DE LEQUIO Rum Alternative Launch Party” will take place at El Lequio in Naha on September 12, 2025, featuring renowned bartenders like Takashi Fujii and Mika Takezawa from CRAFTROOM in Osaka to showcase this innovative product.

About SG Group

The head of SG Group, Shingo Gokan, is one of the most prominent bartenders globally. Since beginning his career in 2001, he has garnered accolades in competitions such as the Bacardi Legacy in 2012 and has opened various successful bars across Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, and more. SG Group has consistently aimed to develop new bar concepts and has won several awards, establishing itself as a leader in the industry.