At the first hint of autumn one’s spirits need a boost

London: The Japanese know what to do as soon as the temperature makes that imperceptible change downwards. Keep the weather at arms’ length with cocktails that raise the spirits a few degrees. Their 24 seasons calendar calls for two cocktails in August which are appropriate to the weather. Rishuu means the first sign of autumn and Shosho means the summer heat is on the way out.

To raise your spirits in August mixologist Zoran Peric uses the award-winning Suntory Yamazaki and Hakushu Single Malt whiskies to create two delightful cocktails.

Rishuu – first sign of autumn (6 August).

The temperature downturn calls for a Yamazaki Rishuu cocktail.

Yamazaki Rishuu: 50ml Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

150ml soda, lemon and orange peel infused ice ball, Pour whisky and soda over ice ball in a highball, glass. Stir to extract taste of lemon and orange. Garnish with lemon and orange slices.

Shosho – summer heat is a lingering memory (22 August).

This is the time to soak up the garden scents and savour them as autumn breezes in. Hakushu Shosho: 50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, 150ml soda water, 15ml Rose water, Fresh mint. Pour Hakushu over crushed ice in a highball glass and stir in Rose water, Add soda water. Garnish with mint sprig and rose petals

Comments Zoran Peric, creator of many whisky based cocktails: “Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 and whisky lovers have taken to them. The latest accolade is for Yamazaki 25 Year Old Single Malt voted this year as World’s Best Single Malt Whisky. There is something about the subtle aromas and delicate flavours of Suntory whiskies which appeal to many palates whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails”.

Yamazaki 12 year old Japan’s leading single malt whisky and Hakushu 12 year old single malt have become firm favourites here in the UK. Taste both at their best in the Yamazaki Rishuu and Hakushu Shousho cocktails above.

Suntory Japanese whiskies are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and drinkon.com priced from:

Yamazaki 12 year old – £42

Hakushu 12 year old £52

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