Spanning the globe from your home, let’s traverse continents, crossing the bustling streets of Tokyo, the serene temples of Kyoto, and finally settling down in a local Japanese Izakaya. Here, we get the privilege to pay homage to one of the most iconic, spirited, and richly textured cocktails the Land of the Rising Sun offers.
While the traditional Old Fashioned may bring you a comforting familiarity with its whiskey warmth and the subtle sweetness of sugar, the Japanese Old Fashioned transports you to another realm altogether. It’s a simple recipe, yet it results in a complex and sophisticated blend of flavors, a testament to the minimalist ethos deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.
How to make Japanese Old Fashioned
The Japanese Old Fashioned is a variation of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, a simple and traditional whiskey-based drink. In the case of the Japanese Old Fashioned, the twist often comes from using Japanese whiskey as the base spirit.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Japanese whisky (Santory’s Hibiki Harmony or Nikka’s Coffey Grain are great choices)
- 1 Sugar cube
- 2 Dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 Large ice cube
- Twist of lemon or orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Start by placing your sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass or a short tumbler.
- Douse the sugar with the Angostura bitters. You need to ensure it’s thoroughly soaked.
- Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, squash the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This forms the basis of your cocktail.
- Now, add the Japanese whisky into the mix. Pour it over the muddled sugar and bitters and give it a gentle stir.
- Slide in a large ice cube into the tumbler. This will chill your drink and also help dilute the whisky just enough to mellow out the alcohol punch without watering down the drink.
- Final touch:Â Twist a small slice of lemon or orange peel over the glass to express the oils, then rub it on the rim of the glass. Drop it in as a garnish if you like.
Tips for a Perfect Japanese Old Fashioned
- When it comes to muddling the sugar and bitters, take your time. You don’t want any grittiness in your drink.
- Always, always use a large ice cube. Not only does it look better, but it also melts more slowly, keeping your cocktail potent for a longer duration.
- It’s the garnish that makes all the difference. The citrus peel adds a layer of freshness and complexity, teasing out the whisky’s depth.
- To make this drink your own, try experimenting with different types of bitters. Orange bitters, for example, can lend your Japanese Old Fashioned a delightful tanginess.
What to serve with
The appeal of any cocktail soars when it is paired with the proper cuisine – an almost magical union that enhances the existing flavors and provides an even more gratifying dining experience. With its elegant and subtle taste profile, a Japanese Old Fashioned pairs admirably with various dishes. Here are a few suggestions for what you might serve to complement this beautiful drink.
Sushi and Sashimi
Delicate, fresh, and refined – these qualities make sushi and sashimi ideal companions for the Japanese Old Fashioned. The taste profiles align beautifully – the raw fish accentuating the whisky’s smoky hints, while the nuances of wasabi and pickled ginger bring out the cocktail’s subtle sweetness.
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon / Chicken
Teriyaki-glazed dishes bring a delightful fusion of sweet and salty flavors that elevate the Japanese Old Fashioned experience. The umami from the Teriyaki harmonises with the whisky’s inherent smoothness, creating an utterly irresistible synergy of tastes.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Vegan or not, grilled vegetable skewers coated with a light soy-based sauce can be a fitting companion. The caramelized sugars from the grilled veggies can balance the cocktail’s robust tones, while the accompanying sauce can highlight the whisky’s unique flavor profile.
Tempura
Deep-fried and crisp, a tempura platter could contrast the smooth and complex Japanese Old Fashioned. Whether it’s shrimp, vegetables, or tofu, the light batter and gentle flavors of tempura create a harmonious contrast to your well-crafted drink, making the entire experience more enjoyable.
Yakitori
Grilled skewers of chicken, known as Yakitori, is another appealing choice. Succulent and delicious, Yakitori’s smoky, grilled flavor can bring out similar notes in your drink, providing a beautiful symphony of flavors that complement one another perfectly.
Final Thoughts
By now, I hope you have not only become accustomed to the steps in crafting this luxurious cocktail, but also gained an understanding of the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail that lies at its core. The Japanese Old Fashioned is more than just a drink; it is an expression of harmony and balance that captivates discerning drinkers worldwide.
More Cocktail Recipes:
- Gravel Gertie Cocktail Recipe
- Ube Cocktail Recipe
- Blonde Russian Cocktail Recipe
- Blue Motherfucker Cocktail Recipe
- Vodka Stinger Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Japanese whisky (Santory's Hibiki Harmony or Nikka's Coffey Grain are great choices)
- 1 Sugar cube
- 2 Dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 Large ice cube
- Twist of lemon or orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Start by placing your sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass or a short tumbler.
- Douse the sugar with the Angostura bitters. You need to ensure it's thoroughly soaked.
- Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, squash the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This forms the basis of your cocktail.
- Now, add the Japanese whisky into the mix. Pour it over the muddled sugar and bitters and give it a gentle stir.
- Slide in a large ice cube into the tumbler. This will chill your drink and also help dilute the whisky just enough to mellow out the alcohol punch without watering down the drink.
- Final touch:Â Twist a small slice of lemon or orange peel over the glass to express the oils, then rub it on the rim of the glass. Drop it in as a garnish if you like.
