Samurai Sword Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Make honey syrup

   If you don't have honey syrup ready, combine equal parts honey and very hot water (for this cocktail: 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup hot water), stir until fully dissolved, cool to room temperature and refrigerate. Use 0.5 oz in the cocktail.

2. 2

   Prepare glass

   Choose a highball glass (10–12 oz). Fill it with cubed ice to chill while you build the cocktail.

3. 3

   Build the drink

   Discard any excess water from the glass. In a shaker (or mixing glass) add 2 oz Suntory Roku Gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz honey syrup. If using fresh ginger for extra spice, add about 1/2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger (or 2–3 thin slices) to the shaker.

4. 4

   Shake or stir

   If you added fresh ginger, lightly muddle it against the shaker or shake vigorously with ice for 8–10 seconds to mix and slightly bruise the ginger. Otherwise, add a small handful of ice to the shaker and shake for 8–10 seconds until chilled. For a lighter texture, you may stir in a mixing glass with ice for 8–10 seconds.

5. 5

   Finish and top

   Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice. Top with 3 oz chilled ginger beer. Gently stir once to combine (1–2 revolutions) so you don't flatten the ginger beer's fizz.

6. 6

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim. Optionally grate a tiny pinch of fresh ginger over the top for aroma. Serve immediately with a straw or stir stick.