Signature Sake'tini Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail (3–5 minutes).

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled halfway with fresh ice, add 1.5 oz gin, 1.0 oz premium junmai sake, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 dashes orange bitters.

Stir or shake

For a brighter, slightly aerated drink, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds. For a silkier, clearer cocktail, stir gently with a bar spoon for 20–25 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Prepare glass

Discard ice or water from the chilled glass and, if desired, rinse briefly with a splash (about 0.25 oz) of sake and discard to impart a subtle sake aroma.

Strain

Double-strain the mixed cocktail through a cocktail strainer (and fine mesh strainer if shaking) into the chilled glass to remove ice shards and any small solids.

Make a cucumber ribbon by running a vegetable peeler down the length of a peeled or unpeeled cucumber to create a long thin strip. Twist it into a loose coil and place it in the glass so it rests along the inside rim.

Express a lemon twist over the surface of the drink to release oils, then rub the twist around the glass rim and either drop it in or perch it on the rim.

Optionally float an edible flower on top for an elegant presentation.