Best Japanese Whisky Cocktail Recipes

Japanese whisky has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and unique flavours. While traditionally enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Japanese whisky also shines in cocktails. Here’s a collection of the best Japanese whisky cocktail recipes to elevate your mixology game.

1. Japanese Highball

The Highball is perhaps the most iconic Japanese whisky cocktail, known for its simplicity and refreshing taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Japanese whisky (e.g., Suntory Toki)
• 4-6 oz chilled soda water
• Ice
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Japanese whisky.
3. Slowly add the chilled soda water, stirring gently.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

2. Tokyo Sidecar

A Japanese twist on the classic Sidecar, this cocktail balances the whisky’s smoothness with citrusy notes.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Japanese whisky
• 1 oz Grand Marnier
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add Japanese whisky, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

3. Yuzu Whisky Sour

This variation of the Whisky Sour incorporates yuzu, a citrus fruit popular in Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Japanese whisky
• 1 oz yuzu juice (or 1/2 oz lemon juice + 1/2 oz lime juice)
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Ice
• Yuzu peel or lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. If using egg white, dry shake all ingredients without ice.
2. Add ice and shake again vigorously.
3. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with yuzu peel or lemon wheel.

4. Japanese Old Fashioned

A Japanese take on the classic Old Fashioned, using local ingredients for a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Japanese whisky
• 1/4 oz Kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup) or demerara syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 dash of orange bitters
• Ice
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine whisky, Kuromitsu, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express orange peel oils over the drink and use as garnish.

5. Smoked Maple Whisky Cocktail

This cocktail combines the smoothness of Japanese whisky with the richness of maple syrup and a touch of smoke.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Japanese whisky
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Cinnamon stick and orange peel for garnish
• Smoking gun with applewood chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine whisky, maple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. If using a smoking gun, cover the glass and fill it with applewood smoke.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange peel.

These cocktails showcase the versatility of Japanese whisky and offer a range of flavours to suit different palates. Experiment with different Japanese whisky brands to find your favourite combinations. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the art of Japanese whisky mixology!