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Japanese awamori, like whisky or brandy, is a unique delicacy in its own right, but it also works well in a variety of cocktails. The legendary distilled rice alcohol from the island of Okinawa, Japan features an elegant aroma and smooth taste that mixes especially well with fruit juices.
In this easy Lotus Blossom Cocktail recipe, the subtle floral sweetness of lychee pairs beautifully with aged awamori. The lightly fragrant rice liquor shines in this Japanese cocktail recipe created by Holland America featuring subtle hints of sake, awamori and lychee.
It’s a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy this Japanese liquor that has a history dating back to the 15th century Ryuku Kingdom.
Ingredients for Awamori and Lychee Cocktail
The feature ingredient of this cocktail is awamori, the famous Okinawa distilled spirit made of indica rice from Thailand and special black koji mould. Although it’s also known as “island sake” it’s quite a bit different than sake and has a much higher alcohol by volume ( generally around 40% ABV).
One of the top things to do in Naha, Japan is to visit the bars, restaurants and nightclubs of Kokusai-Dori Street It’s even possible to visit the award-winning Zuisen Distillery in Naha, Okinawa. During the tour you can learn how awamori is made and participate in a tutored tasting of kosu, awamori that’s been aged for three years or more.
Learn more about the history of awamori and how it’s made in Awamori: A Complete Guide To Japan’s Legendary Rice Liquor.
Although awamori is traditionally enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it’s growing in popularity throughout Japan and is now being enjoyed in inventive cocktails. During my cruise through Asia on the MS Volendam, a Holland America mixologist shared several phenomenal cocktail recipes featuring awamori.
One of the most delicious versions was the Lotus Blossom Cocktail featuring lychee juice. The subtle floral sweetness of the lychee fruit paired beautifully with the delicate aged awamori.
Holland America generously agreed to share the recipe with us. So if you’re looking for new ways to enjoy awamori, be sure to give this Lotus Blossom Cocktail recipe a try.
The subtle floral sweetness of the lychee pairs beautifully with delicate aged awamori in this easy Japanese cocktail recipe.
- 1.5 ounces awamori
- 1 ounce sake
- 2 ounces lychee juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1/8 lime fresh
- 1/8 apple red
- 2 lychee
Muddle lime wedge in the mixing glass.
Pack glass with ice, then pour the ingredients into the glass, shake and strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a slice of red apple and lychee on a stick
- Nutrition calculations are estimates only.
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