Aug 29 2026
RestaurantsThe Velveteen SpeakeasyManeki Neko Recipe

Maneki Neko Recipe

Time10m
Serves1

Honey | Lemon | Rosemary

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

Honey Syrup (make ahead)

Method

Honey Syrup (make ahead)

  1. 1

    Combine

    In a heatproof container, combine honey and hot water in a 1:1 ratio (0.5 cup honey + 0.5 cup hot water).

  2. 2

    Stir until dissolved

    Stir briskly until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Keeps for up to 2 weeks.

Cocktail

  1. 3

    Prepare glass

    Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or fill with ice water while you mix the cocktail.

  2. 4

    Dry shake (if using egg white)

    If using egg white for a silky texture, add gin, fresh lemon juice (0.75 oz), honey syrup (0.75 oz), dry vermouth (0.25 oz), and 1/2 fresh egg white to a cocktail shaker. Seal and shake vigorously without ice for 15–20 seconds to emulsify and build foam.

  3. 5

    Wet shake

    Add 4 ice cubes to the shaker (or discard ice water from your chilled glass). Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and the shaker is frosty.

  4. 6

    Double strain

    Double-strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to remove ice shards and any egg white solids.

  5. 7

    Garnish & aromatics

    Lightly slap the rosemary sprig between your palms to release aromatic oils, then place it across the rim or floated on the foam. Express lemon oil by holding the lemon zest over the drink and giving it a quick twist so the oils spray onto the surface; then drop the twist or a thin lemon wheel into the glass.

  6. 8

    Serve

    Serve immediately. Encourage the drinker to inhale the rosemary aroma as they sip — it complements the honey and lemon notes.

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