Shun Kosaka spends most of his waking hours concocting new cocktail creations. Lots of them goal to showcase a variety of conventional Japanese substances: from sake and shochu to yuzu and domestically crafted cider. Listed below are 5 of Kosaka’s modern recipes, all — aside from the award-winning Hana Shigure — conceptualized and ready solely for Made in Japan Vol 2, our newest particular situation publication.
1. Hana Shigure ️
This glittering pearly pink concoction wowed the judges on the 2022 Honkaku Shochu and Awamori Cocktail Competitors, and we’re certain it’s going to impress you too. It is candy, revitalizing and a welcome reminder that spring will return as soon as once more.
Substances
- Daiyame (imo shochu) 30ml
- Aphrodite Sakura 15ml
- Bols Parfait Amour 5ml
- 1883 Maison Routin Lemon Syrup 10ml
- Hinoki bitters 2 dashes
- Narutomaki beet slice to garnish
- Lime peel to garnish
Steps
- Add shochu, sakura liqueur, syrups and bitters to a mixer and shake
- Pour into glass
- Gown it up with a beet slice reduce into the form of a cherry blossom and a lime peel formed right into a leaf. Place them on the rim of the glass and serve
2. Suzuran ️
An ideal summer time cooler, this magical potion adjustments colour earlier than your eyes. Seilan’s blue sake makes use of butterfly peas, which transforms into a fragile violet with the addition of extra acidic substances. Serve in an Arita ware cup to keep up that refreshing really feel.
Substances
- Seilan (sake) 60ml
- Kanade Yuzu 15ml
- Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth 5ml
- Lemon peel to twist
- Hojiso flowers to garnish
Steps
- Combine sake, yuzu and vermouth collectively
- Pour right into a glass, then twist the lemon peel over — swirl it in case you’re feeling fancy
- Garnish with dried flowers and serve
3. Mellow Moon ️
This surprisingly clean tipple showcases shochu’s versatility. It begins out as a cloudy white colour combination — paying homage to the light glow of the moon — earlier than step by step turning clear. Finest served in a tall, clear glass for final impact.
Substances
- Sengetsu
- (kome shochu) 45ml
- Lemon juice 15 ml
- Selfmade rice pepper syrup 10ml
- Daigo Umai Rice Cider as wanted
- Lemon peel to garnish
Steps
- Add Sengetsu, lemon juice and rice pepper to a cocktail mixer and shake
- Pour right into a glass and high with cider to style
- Garnish with a lemon peel reduce into the form of a crescent moon
4. Ryukyu & Coke &
Rum and Coke will get an Okinawan improve utilizing wargaori and do-it-yourself craft cola syrup. Serve in an Edo kiriko whiskey glass so as to add that little bit of additional Nippon model to your drink. The ensui (salt water) spray is non-compulsory, however Kosaka’s combination has the identical salt content material because the oceans of Okinawa so you may transport your self to southern tropical seashores with every sip.
Substances
- Danryu koshu (awamori) 40ml
- Selfmade cola syrup 10ml
- Carbonated water as wanted
- Lemon wedge one wedge
- Salt water one spray
Steps
- Add the layori and the cola syrup to a mixer and shake
- Pour right into a glass, then add carbonated water to style
- Squeeze the lemon wedge over the drink and pop it into the drink
- Spray a splash of salt water after which serve
5. Japanese Vespers ️
One other Japanese rendition of a traditional cocktail, Kosaka’s interpretation makes use of each mugi and imo shochu to deepen the ties with Japan. The yuzu combination provides a complexity that lemon can not obtain, and along with the Lillet Blanc creates depth to the general taste. Attempt it in a long-stemmed Edo kiriko glass to additional strengthen the Japan connection.
Substances
- Nikaido Kitchomu (mugi shochu) 40ml
- Fuutan (imo shochu with kuro koji) 10ml
- Lillet Blanc (combined with roasted rice and yuzu peel) 10ml
- Lemon peel to garnish
Steps
- Add the mugi shochu, imo shochu and Lillet Blanc mix to a mixer and shake effectively
- Pour right into a glass and garnish with a lemon peel swirl
Would you quite go away the blending to an expert? Head to Keio Plaza Resort Tokyo’s Aurora Sky Lounge for private service and a view of the sprawling metropolis beneath.
Aurora Sky Lounge
45F Keio Plaza Resort Tokyo
Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Recipes by Shun Kosaka. Pictures by Anna Petek.