Japanese Cocktails

Japan has made an immense impact on cocktail culture. Learn the recipes of the classic Japanese cocktails, as well as, some unique modern creations.

Japanese whisky highball recipes

Japanese Whisky Highball Recipe

The whisky highball is a simple cocktail but with a lot of room for creativity. It also helped propel whisky in the mainstream in Japan.

Learn the best recipes and whiskies to use for this classic cocktail by clicking the button below.

a sake old fashioned cocktail

Sake Old Fashioned

Sake drinks don’t get much more sophisticated than the Sake Old Fashioned. Learn a few of my favorite recipes and give it one a try!

Sake Simple Syrup

This useful mixer is easy to make and stores well. I use it to make one version of my Sake Old Fashioned. And it’s also excellent in other classic cocktails that use simple syrup.

learn about Suntory Roku Gin

Saketini Recipes

Saketinis are everywhere, yet most of them will leave you lacking. But after years of tinkering and practice, I’ve cracked the code.

My saketini recipes are among best recipes on the internet. Click the button below to learn the recipes and ingredient recommendations.

a sweet potato shochu margarita with a yuzu slice

The Satsuma Margarita

This is my favorite creation from my time at Sushi Kappo Tamura in Seattle. It leans on the similarities between sweet potato shochu and tequila.

My post covers several easy-to-make variations of this Kyushu-inspired shochu margarita.

Yuzu Drop Cocktail Recipes

This obscure drink is a future classic. And it only requires four ingredients.

Learn the steps to make a Yuzu Drop with this video and blog post. I cover several variations and recommended brands. So no matter where you live, you can make one today.

Hit the button below to up your cocktail game!

shiso mojito and Okinawan rum

Easy Shiso Mojito Recipe

This is a simple, fun, and delicious Japanese-inspired cocktail. Many base spirits can be used to make a shiso mojito. My post dives into my favorite rum and shochu-based recipes.

Click the link below and grab your muddler!

@thejapanesebar

NA Mojito, my favorite summertime mocktail. This recipe is simple and once you make a few, you can crank them out. #mocktail #mocktails #mojitorecipe #drinkrecipe #summervibes @theofficiallacroix

♬ Lazy Sunday – Official Sound Studio

Non-Alcoholic Mojito

No, this is not a Japanese drink. However, it is delicious, easy to make, and the perfect summertime drink.

Check out my TikTok video above for a quick intro. And hit the button below to learn more info and additional non-alcoholic mojito recipes.

The Bamboo Cocktail

The Bamboo is a historic drink that’s often considered one of the original Japanese classic cocktails. We dive into the history of this drink, several recipes, and recommended ingredients.

@thejapanesebar

Kappatini aka cucumber martini. It’s a saketini variation that’s easy to make and refreshing. #cucumbermartini #kappa #cocktailrecipe #cucumbercocktail #sakecocktail

♬ Darling – Trees and Lucy
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Easy Cucumber Martini

Also known as the Kappatini. It’s essentially a sake martini with muddled cucumber.

It requires only three ingredients: cucumber, sake, and a spirit. Most people prefer vodka, but I like gin. It’s great either way.

If you really want to go crazy, add a splash of dry vermouth.

My Kappatini Recipe

  • 2.25 oz Sake
  • 0.75 oz Vodka, Gin, or Shochu

Muddle cucumber slices in a pint glass. Then add the liquid ingredients and ice. Hard shake and double strain. After that, just add cucumber as a garnish and enjoy!