Strong Zero: What you need to know about the Japanese cult drink (2025)

Strong Zero is more than just a drink—it's a phenomenon that's now even generating hype in Switzerland. I still remember how the first sip of this Japanese cult drink hit me with a burst of lemon aromas, while the 9% alcohol content gave me a serious hangover look. This Chuhai drink (Shochu Highball), a must-have on every trip to Japan, combines high alcohol content (usually 9%, the new variants have only 6%) With 0 sugar(!) – and that's why it's at the top of the popularity scale. For me personally, Strong Zero was like a bit of a culture shock: with my colleagues in Shibuya Sky Park, carefree and fruity yet strong, completely different from the hard stuff from Europe.

By the way, Kimao is the first shop in Switzerland to import Strong Zero – we were so enthusiastic about this drink in Japan that we asked ourselves: "Why isn't this here?!" Thanks to this question, you can now conveniently buy and even pre-order Strong Zero online in Switzerland (and save yourself a flight to Tokyo).

Taste experience: Fruity, fresh and extremely strong

Strong Zero tastes surprisingly different from any other drink I've ever tried. You open the can, and an intense citrus scent immediately rises—in the Double Lemon variety, reminiscent of freshly grated lemon peel. . A tangy lemon explosion bursts on the palate: very sour, refreshing and with a barely perceptible sweetness, which makes it pleasantly dry. . The 9% alcohol are cleverly integrated – the alcohol is subtle, but it doesn't overpower the fruit flavor. It's precisely this interplay of fruity sweetness and a strong kick that makes Strong Zero so special. As a bonus, each serving contains very few calories (just under half as many as a beer, with almost twice the alcohol content) and even less sugar, because the sweeteners used (acesulfame potassium, sucralose) are low in calories.
You can see: Despite the power of 9% alcohol by volume, Strong Zero remains surprisingly light-footed.

The experience often stays in the memory. The mix simply wins: very aromatic through whole fruits (depending on the variety, lemon, grapefruit, peach, grape, or plum) and still strong with alcohol. A Swiss friend of mine liked Strong Zero Double Lemon so much that he said he'd like to drink it now and then, even though he never drinks alcohol. is indeed a big hit – in any case, I have rarely experienced a drink that remains so smooth in the aftertaste and so strikes impressively.

The unique -196°C technology

Interestingly, Strong Zero contains more high-tech than many cocktail mixers: The brand name "-196 °C" comes from the fact that Suntory flash-freezes real fruit. The process: Whole, juicy lemons (or other fruits) are frozen at -196 °C with liquid nitrogen and then frozen whole (peel, pulp, juice). pulverized.
This allows the full fruit flavor to be released when you open your can – almost as if you were squeezing the lemon into the glass yourself. This way, Strong Zero truly captures every drop of the full fruit flavor without the need for artificial flavors.

But this isn't a marketing gimmick: According to Wikipedia, such methods make Strong Zero a lower-calorie alternative. There's actually no beet sugar in it (hence the "Zero" in the name), just minimal fruit sugar and sweeteners to avoid the added sugar. That's why Strong Zero tastes so refreshing and crisp – completely different from a conventional vodka mix from Europe. (By the way, freezing at minus 196°C preserves hardly any vitamins, but plenty of flavor and alcohol.)

In fact, Strong Zero is so popular in Japan that it's Suntory's best-selling chuhai. There, you'll find it in virtually every "konbini" (convenience store), just as we expect Coca-Cola to be.

Global comparison: Minus-196 in Germany vs. Strong Zero in Japan

Did you know that Strong Zero is only now available in different versions around the world? First, the reason why: Suntory did n't design the Strong Zero series for export!
This has led to no one in Switzerland or Germany daring to import the drink themselves: long transport times, extremely high transport and import costs, customs clearance and more.

In Germany, Suntory sells the same product line under the name "-196" – and there the drink is even 10% alcohol The goal was probably to offer even more strength, but not all fans were pleased ("too strong an alcohol taste" is occasionally criticized). The official advertising text for "Minus -196" states: "Our mix with vodka, shochu, and a double lemon flavor explosion" – 10% Alc.
In Japan, however, 9% vol. is standard, as is the version in our shop.

 

Interestingly, Strong Zero (as “-196”) also performed a little differently elsewhere: When Beam Suntory introduced it in Australia in 2021, they relied on 6% Double Lemon  (Note: 6% is equivalent to approximately 1.6 standard Australian drinks).
In the USA, “-196” was not launched until 2024, even with additional flavors such as peach and grapefruit, but also with 6%.
Here in Germany, we're more likely to enjoy the drop-by-drop addition, while elsewhere, sometimes less, sometimes more alcohol is added. The German Minus-196 is, in any case, an extra-strength version that even piques the curiosity of many.

But what is the difference between the Minus 196 from Germany and the Strong Zero from Japan?
I've personally tried both and also find the alcohol to be too overpowering. The 9% version seems to strike the perfect balance between alcohol and flavor. Furthermore, the 10% version is only available in Germany and only in small cans (330ml).

Strong Zero in Switzerland: Buy and Order

You see: Strong Zero is no longer an insider tip. Quite the opposite: This cult drink is finally Also available here in Switzerland. You can buy Strong Zero online from us ; we will also introduce other varieties upon request. 

Importantly, all Strong Zero cans come from our Swiss warehouse, unlike other shops that dropship directly from Japan, which can take up to three months (you know who I mean). Shipping from us is lightning fast (within 1–4 business days via Swiss Post or DHL) and completely legal.

Why Strong Zero has cult status

On the other hand, the question arises: What makes Strong Zero so popular? Well, in Japan, it's quite clear: Strong Zero is easily accessible, inexpensive (around 1 Swiss franc in Japan), and a no-nonsense after-work companion. It's always within reach in every konbini (the Japanese convenience store). There, it serves as a quick, uncomplicated drink for after work or social gatherings—no wonder it's a classic there. Incidentally, in Japan, it's also called the "Gaijin Killer," and you can probably guess why.

 

Conclusion:

Strong Zero combines the best of both worlds – Japanese attention to detail and refreshing, modern drinking culture. The combination of powdered lemon, no sugar, and low calories makes it an optimal drink.
The 10% version in Germany tastes too strong of alcohol, making it almost undrinkable, while the 6% versions in other countries make the drink too weak.
Personally, I, like many others, find the 9% to be optimal; you can taste the lemon with every sip and only a slight taste of alcohol.
We in Switzerland can also be proud that Strong Zero is now available here. Just give it a try – I bet you'll be impressed after the first sip and want to reorder soon. Cheers!

 

Sources: Manufacturer information and specialist pages ( en.wikipedia.org, minus196.de) as well as personal experiences with the drink.