Japanese Cocktail Recipe

So why try this Japanese Cocktail recipe? Maybe you’re in the mood for a change. Maybe you’re celebrating or just want something special to sip at home. This cocktail has a rich flavor and a touch of history that make it a must-try for anyone curious about cocktails.

Want to mix it up yourself? I’ll take you through the steps so you can enjoy this classic drink at home. It’s perfect for impressing friends or just relaxing with something truly unique. Let’s jump in and see how this cocktail comes together.

History of the Japanese Cocktail

Let’s take a look at the story behind the Japanese Cocktail. This classic drink was created by Jerry Thomas, often known as the father of mixology. It first appeared in his 1862 book, How to Mix Drinks.

The name "Japanese Cocktail" has an interesting backstory. In 1860, a group of Japanese diplomats visited New York City. This drink was likely named in their honor, even though it doesn’t actually contain any Japanese ingredients.

The Japanese Cocktail is a great example of early cultural influences in American cocktails. With a blend of cognac, orgeat syrup, and bitters, it has a rich and layered flavor that stands out. This cocktail reminds us how cultures can inspire and influence one another in surprising ways.

While it may seem like a simple recipe, this drink carries a fascinating piece of cocktail history. So next time you enjoy a Japanese Cocktail, take a moment to appreciate its story and the unique blend of cultures it represents.

Ingredients for the Japanese Cocktail

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this classic cocktail. Each ingredient brings its own character, from the warmth of cognac to the smooth sweetness of orgeat syrup, with a hint of bitters and a touch of citrus to finish it off.

Cognac

Cognac gives this cocktail its rich, warm base that fills each sip with flavor. Choosing a quality cognac like Pierre Ferrand really takes this drink up a notch, adding depth and complexity. With subtle hints of fruit and oak, a good cognac creates a foundation that lets every other ingredient shine.

Orgeat Syrup

Orgeat syrup adds a gentle, nutty sweetness that balances beautifully with the robust cognac. This almond-based syrup has a creamy texture that makes the cocktail feel smooth and inviting. Orgeat might be known for its place in tropical drinks like the Mai Tai, but it fits perfectly here too, adding a touch of sweetness that makes a big difference.

Bitters

Just a dash of bitters goes a long way in bringing out the flavors of this drink. Angostura bitters add a touch of earthy spice that contrasts nicely with the sweet orgeat. Traditionally, Bogart’s bitters were used to keep things authentic. Though it might be a small ingredient, bitters add depth and make each sip a little more intriguing.

Lemon or Lime Peel

Finally, a twist of lemon or lime peel adds a fresh burst of citrus to brighten the drink. More than just a garnish, the peel releases subtle oils that lift the whole cocktail with a light, zesty aroma. This finishing touch not only looks great but also adds a refreshing balance to the deeper notes of cognac and orgeat.

How to Make a Japanese Cocktail

Ready to mix up a Japanese Cocktail? Let’s go through it step-by-step. You’ll need a few basics: a cocktail shaker, a jigger, a strainer, and a coupe glass. If you’re missing any of these, check out this stainless steel cocktail set to get everything you need to mix like a pro. These will make it easy to get everything balanced and ready to serve.

First, grab your ingredients: cognac, orgeat syrup, and Angostura bitters. For one cocktail, measure out 2 ounces of cognac, half an ounce of orgeat syrup, and two dashes of bitters.

Fill your shaker or mixing glass with ice, then pour in the cognac, orgeat, and bitters over the ice.

Now give it a good stir. Stirring helps blend the flavors smoothly while keeping the drink’s balance just right.

When it’s nice and chilled, strain the mix into your coupe glass. This step keeps the drink smooth and free of any ice pieces.

To top it off, add a twist of lemon peel. It’s a simple addition that brings a bright, fresh aroma.

And that’s it. You’ve got yourself a classic Japanese Cocktail to sip and enjoy. Cheers!

Japanese Cocktail Variations to Try

Let’s mix things up a bit and have some fun with the Japanese Cocktail. Here are a few ideas to make it your own while keeping the classic charm.

Modern Twist: Switch up the cognac with different types of brandy and see how it changes the flavor. You can also try adding flavored bitters or a splash of lemon juice to give it a fresh kick. This version is all about experimenting and finding what you like best.

Classic Adaptation: If you want an authentic touch, use Bogart’s bitters instead of Angostura. This small change brings you closer to the original recipe and adds a little vintage flair to your drink.

Sweeter Variation: For a slightly sweeter version, add a bit of simple syrup or an extra splash of orgeat syrup. This makes it richer and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Just balance the sweetness to keep it smooth.

These variations let you make the Japanese Cocktail your own. Mixology is all about having fun and discovering what tastes best to you. If you enjoy using orgeat syrup, you might also want to try the army and navy cocktail, another classic that highlights this ingredient. For even more ideas, check out some of the best orgeat cocktails. So gather your ingredients and have fun trying out these ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Japanese Cocktail taste like?

The Japanese Cocktail has a warm, rich flavor from the cognac, balanced with a hint of nutty sweetness from orgeat syrup. The bitters add just a touch of complexity, giving it a satisfying depth.

The almond notes in the orgeat blend beautifully with the cognac, making this drink feel smooth and inviting. The bitters add a little extra layer that keeps you wanting more.

To finish, a twist of lemon or lime peel adds a subtle, fresh aroma, giving the drink a well-rounded and delightful taste.

How strong is a Japanese Cocktail?

With about 2 ounces of cognac, the Japanese Cocktail has an alcohol content of around 23%, similar to strong classics like a Martini or Old Fashioned.

It’s usually served in a small coupe or cocktail glass, which makes it feel concentrated and lets you really savor the flavor.

Why is it called the Japanese Cocktail?

The Japanese Cocktail was created by bartender Jerry Thomas in the 1860s as a nod to Japan’s first diplomatic visit to the United States.

This cocktail honors the Japanese delegation’s visit to New York City, where they often stopped by Thomas’s bar. Interestingly, there are no Japanese ingredients in the drink. It is more of a tribute to a moment of cultural exchange than a representation of Japanese flavors.

Japanese Cocktail Recipe

The Japanese Cocktail is a smooth and aromatic drink that combines cognac, orgeat syrup, and bitters in a way that feels simple yet sophisticated. It has a cozy almond sweetness, a hint of spice, and a refreshing touch of lemon zest. It’s the perfect choice when you’re in the mood for something classic with a bit of a twist.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
• Bar Spoon
• Strainer
• Coupe Glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz cognac
• 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
• 2 dashes angostura bitters
• lemon peel for garnish

Instructions

 

• Start by filling your mixing glass with ice to get it chilled.
• Add the cognac, orgeat syrup, and bitters.
• Stir for about 30 seconds until everything is nicely mixed and cold.
• Strain the drink into your coupe glass to keep it smooth.
• Garnish with a twist of lemon peel to finish with a fresh touch.

Notes

• If you don’t have cognac, a good brandy works just as well.
• Almond syrup can replace orgeat, and for a bit of an extra kick, amaretto is a nice option.
• Angostura bitters are standard, but for a traditional touch, you could try Bogart’s bitters for a unique twist.

Keyword japanese cocktail, japanese cocktail recipe