Despite being a relatively recent addition, Japanese whisky has become an absolutely loved addition to cocktails by everyone. What makes it special, though? How can you use it to craft said cocktails? In this article, we’ll be your guide to Japanese whisky cocktails that are enjoyable for connoisseurs and people new to drinking alike.
First, we’ll go through what Japanese whisky is really like, its flavor profile, and the typical alcohol content. We’ll also look at what foods are usually paired with this oriental spirit, and finally, we’ll get into actually making Japanese whisky cocktails.
We have a list of the best recipes, how you can make them, and tips for serving them to perfection. If your heart is set on Japanese whisky, this is the last cocktail-making guide you’ll ever need for it.
Japanese Whisky: What You Should Know
Japanese whisky is a distilled spirit that’s made only in Japan. As a whisky, it is pretty similar to Scotch since it’s also made from fermented grains that are then aged in wooden casks. Japanese whisky typically uses malted barley as its base grain, though sometimes rice is substituted if needed or preferred.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled and then transferred to charred oak barrels for aging. The barrels themselves can be new or previously used for Bourbon or sherry, which will define the kind of flavors the whisky gets.
Visually, the whisky can appear pale gold or amber or anywhere in between, depending on the type of cask used and how long it was aged. Any whisky enthusiast that you find will love Japanese whisky for its smoothness and complexity, but we believe that its usability in cocktails is what really helps it stand out from other whiskies.
Unlike (some) Bourbons that overpower other ingredients, Japanese whisky actually plays pretty well with others. This is important when you want to add a subtle depth of flavor to cocktails, classic and contemporary alike.
Japanese whisky has a rather unique flavor profile, which allows it to blend seamlessly into cocktails without needing to be the star of the show. It’ll improve the way other ingredients taste without overpowering them, which is also why a lot of bartenders love it as a base. This particular trait makes it a great choice for anyone new to whisky cocktails as you won’t get overwhelmed by the typical boldness of a whisky.
What Is Japanese Whisky’s Flavor Profile?
Where Scotch tends to be smoky, you’ll find Japanese whisky to be more subtle and light. The flavor of this whisky generally leans towards a lighter and more delicate character compared to other whiskies. Setting aside this core that defines Japanese whisky, we believe that the beauty of the drink really lies in its subtle variations that come from the way it is made.
One hallmark of Japanese whisky is its floral and fruity notes. Hints of apple, pear, melon, and citrus all merge on the palate, often accompanied by gentle whispers of honey or vanilla. These lighter notes are specifically attributed to the strains of yeast used in fermentation and the careful distillation process in Japanese distilleries.
This doesn’t paint the entire picture though. Somewhat contrary to the general profile, there are some Japanese whiskies, particularly those drawing from Scottish styles, that can actually exhibit a touch of smokiness too. This is usually a result of using peated malt during the brewing. The type of casks used for aging affect the taste a lot.
Some breweries will also use Mizunara oak. Accounting for only about 10% of the aging casks in the country, this is a rare and expensive wood found only in Japan. It adds subtle hints of sandalwood, coconut, and spice, which you won’t find in other whiskies of the kind.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Japanese Whisky?
Japanese whisky follows suit with most of the world’s whisky when it comes to alcohol content. By law, any spirit labeled as Japanese whisky must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume).
This ensures a consistent and potent spirit, offering a satisfying kick alongside its nuanced flavors. It’s important to note that this is just the minimum; some Japanese whiskies, particularly limited edition or premium bottlings, can reach much higher alcohol percentages, further intensifying their flavor profiles.
What Goes Well With Japanese Whisky?
While almost anything can go with a whisky as versatile as this, we put a lot of emphasis on complementing the Japanese whisky’s flavors. For non-alcoholic mixers, citrus fruits like yuzu, lemon, and grapefruit are perfect. They have a bright acidity that cuts right through the richness of the whisky and lifts its floral and fruity notes up. You can also go for club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing lift.
On the alcoholic side, Angostura or orange bitters are our go-to for their touch of complexity without overpowering the whisky. If you’re looking for depth, try fortified wines like vermouth or sherry that also have a hint of sweetness. To top it all off and tie the flavors together, get garnishes, too. A twist of citrus peel here, a sprig of mint there, and you’ll have a beautiful mixture of complementary flavors in your cocktail.
The Best Japanese Whisky Cocktails
Now that we know all about Japanese whisky and what makes a good pairing with it, let’s get into some tried and true cocktail recipes that are sure to hit the spot.
1. Japanese Highball
This highball is a fantastic introduction to Japanese whisky cocktails. It’s simple to make and really puts the spirit’s flavors on a pedestal.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Japanese whisky
- Chilled club soda
- Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the Japanese whisky.
- Top with chilled club soda, gently stirring to combine.
- Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the glass and then dropping it in.
Make sure to use high-quality club soda for the best results and try out different garnishes like lemon peel or a sprig of mint.
2. Tokyo Old Fashioned
This twist on the Old Fashioned uses Japanese whisky and adds a bit of sweetness with Japanese syrup.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Japanese whisky
- 1/2 tsp rich simple syrup (or Japanese syrup)
- Two dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass with ice, pour the Japanese whisky, simple syrup, and bitters.
- Stir for about 30 seconds until chilled and diluted.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Express the oils from an orange twist and garnish the drink.
If you don’t have simple or Japanese syrup, don’t worry. Making your own is easy; mix equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, then let cool completely. For Japanese syrup, use brown sugar instead.
3. Sakura Blossom
This beautiful and refreshing cocktail features Japanese whisky, floral liqueur (not to be confused with liquor), and fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Japanese whisky
- 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur
- 3/4 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Grapefruit wedge and edible flower (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and, if you want, an edible flower.
Liqueur is a requirement here. If you don’t have elderflower liqueur, floral liqueur like rosewater or lavender liqueur will do just fine as well.
How to Serve a Japanese Whisky Cocktail
First, we have to serve the cocktail, and that’s all about making sure the spirit’s flavors get to shine the way you intended. The tools you’ll need are a mixing glass, bar spoon, and strainer for stirred cocktails or a cocktail shaker for shaken drinks. If you’re a fan of the clarity of the spirit in highball cocktails, go for highball glasses. For Old Fashioneds on the rocks, rock glasses are the way to go.
Japanese whisky cocktails tend to be refreshing, so you’ll want to be on the cooler side with the temperature. Most of these cocktails are built in a shaker with ice or stirred over ice, so you’ll get a chilled drink. You can also pre-chill your glasses as an added touch. As for food pairings, we looked at a number of options earlier; sashimi, grilled meats, and even lighter fare like salads or vegetable dishes all go nicely with the drink.
Finding Your Favorite Japanese Whisky Cocktail
If you’ve made it this far, you now have everything you need to know about Japanese whisky cocktails before getting into them. We covered what makes Japanese whisky unique, how its flavor changes, and the standard alcohol content to expect (>40%).
From citrusy mixers to surprising garnishes, we went through all the best food pairings with its cocktails, and finally, we looked at the best recipes for making a Japanese whisky cocktail. Remember to add as much ice as you can, serve with some classy garnishing, and you’ll be struggling to find a better cocktail for years to come.
