When the worms come out to play there is even a Japanese cocktail to mark the occasion – a Yamazaki Keichitsu

With 24 seasons each lasting 2 weeks the Japanese have the knack of finding interesting reasons to celebrate with their wonderful whiskies.

Early March sees the end of insect hibernation and a reason to mix the simple but very delicious Yamazaki Keichitsu cocktail to toast the worms, or anything else as the earth warms up for spring.

Yamazaki Keichitsu – Worms come out of hibernation (5March)

What better way to welcome them into the sunlight!

Recipe:

50mlml Yamazaki 12 year old single malt whisky

2 barspoons Saffron-infused caster sugar

4 Kumquats

Muddle kumquats in a glass, add crushed ice and rest of ingredients

Serve in an Old-fashioned glass over ice

Here’s mud in your eye!

 
Hibiki Shunbun –The middle of spring (20 March)

As spring warmth spreads a cool, refreshing cocktail is called for in the Hibiki Shunbun cocktail.

Recipe:

40ml Hibiki 17 year old blended whisky

25ml Ume shiso (Japanese mint)

2 drops of Old Time Aromatic Bitters (The Bitter Truth)

Orange zest

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with orange zest

Both cocktails are from a range of 24 seasonal cocktail recipes created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador, to welcome the warmth of spring.

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 12 Year Old Single Malt and Hibiki 17 year old Blended whiskies are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Enjoy them and the warm glow that comes with the Yamazaki Keichitsu and Hibiki Shunbun 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

Hibiki 17 year old £70