Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsIzakaya MinatoCarafes Kavaba Recipe

Carafes Kavaba Recipe

Inspired by Izakaya Minato
Time50m
Serves6

Make Carafes Kavaba Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Carafe Base (Batch for 1 carafe, about 6 cups / 1.4 L)

Honey Syrup (makes ~1/2 cup)

Method

Honey Syrup (Make Ahead)

  1. 1

    Make honey syrup

    Combine 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup hot water in a small jar or bowl. Stir until fully dissolved. Let cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Prepare Fruit & Aromatics

  1. 2

    Slice and lightly muddle fruit

    Hull and halve the strawberries. Thinly slice the peach (or use nectar) and orange. In a small bowl, gently muddle the strawberries and half the orange slices with 1 tablespoon of the honey syrup — just a few presses to release juices, not to puree.

  2. 3

    Bruise herbs

    Lightly clap and bruise 4 of the mint sprigs between your palms to release aroma. Reserve remaining mint for garnish.

Assemble Carafe

  1. 4

    Combine base liquids

    In a 1.5–2 liter carafe or pitcher, pour 1.5 cups dry white wine, 1.5 cups chilled sparkling water, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 cup vodka (if using). Stir gently to combine.

  2. 5

    Add sweetener

    Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared honey syrup to the carafe. Stir gently, taste, and adjust sweetness by adding up to 1 more tablespoon of syrup if desired.

  3. 6

    Add muddled fruit and nectars

    Add the muddled strawberries and orange slices, plus 1/2 cup peach nectar or the thinly sliced peaches to the carafe. If using peach slices instead of nectar, lightly press them against the side of the carafe with a spoon to release flavor.

  4. 7

    Add aromatics

    Drop in the bruised mint sprigs, the cinnamon stick (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon lightly crushed black peppercorns. Add the remaining thin citrus wheels for visual appeal.

  5. 8

    Chill and marry flavors

    Cover the carafe and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld. Do not carbonate in the refrigerator if using a sealed container with sparkling water—use an open top or loosened cover.

Finish & Serve

  1. 9

    Add ice and sparkling lift

    Just before serving, add large ice cubes or an ice block to a serving pitcher or directly into the carafe if desired. If the carafe was chilled, pour in an additional 1/2 to 1 cup chilled sparkling water to refresh effervescence (reduce if already very fizzy). Gently stir once to combine.

  2. 10

    Taste and adjust

    Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness: add a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness or 1 teaspoon honey syrup for sweetness, stirring to combine.

  3. 11

    Garnish and serve

    Serve the Carafes Kavaba over ice in glasses, ensuring each glass gets some fruit and a mint sprig. Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and a citrus wheel. Leftovers can be refrigerated (without ice) up to 24 hours; add fresh sparkling water and ice before serving.

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