When spring is on the horizon the Japanese have a cocktail for it – their choice is a Risshun or a Usui

London January 2012: Every season the Japanese have a wonderful reason to celebrate, with an appropriate cocktail. They have 24 seasons in their calendar, and 24 taste sensations to look forward to each year. As spring looms nearer, they will hasten it in with a Risshun or a Usui cocktail, both delicious examples of the art of Japanese whisky.

Yamazaki Risshun – Spring will soon be in the air (4 February)
Time to mix a celebratory seasonal toast

Recipe:
35mlml Yamazaki 12 year old single malt whisky
25ml Ume honey blended with umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur)
Finely shaved ginger
Build in an Old-fashioned glass over ice
Here’s to Spring!

Hakushu Usui – In warmer weather a little rain will fall (19 February)

As winter begins to fade the spirits rise with the help of a Hakushu cocktail

Recipe:
30ml Hakushu 12 year old single malt whisky
6ml Violet cordial
2 sprays rose water
2 sprays orange blossom water

Both cocktails are from a range of 24 seasonal cocktail recipes created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador, to raise the spirits with spring on the horizon.

Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 and whisky lovers have taken to them. There is something about their subtle aromas and delicate flavours which appeals to the palate whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails.

Yamazaki and Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whiskies are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Enjoy them and the warm glow that comes with the Yamazaki Risshun and Hakushu Usui cocktails.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names
Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)
Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)
Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Yamazaki and Hakushu single malt whiskies are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and drinkon.com priced from:

Yamazaki 12 year old £42
Hakushu 12 year old £49.95

The Suntory range of Japanese whiskies is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk