Kikusui Perfect Snow Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water while you assemble the cocktail. If you want a sugar rim, pour the teaspoon of superfine sugar onto a small plate. Wet the rim of the chilled glass with a lemon wedge, then dip the rim into the sugar to create an even ‘snow’ rim. Discard the ice water from the glass and set the glass aside in the freezer or refrigerator to stay cold.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 3 oz sake, 0.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz cream (or half-and-half), and 1/2 of a large egg white (about 0.5 whole).

Dry shake

Close the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 15–20 seconds. This 'dry shake' emulsifies the egg white with the dairy and creates a silky, frothy texture resembling fresh snow.

Wet shake

Add the cup of ice to the shaker and shake hard for another 15–20 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch and the mixture is well chilled and frothy.

Double strain and serve

Double strain the cocktail into the chilled, sugar-rimmed coupe using a fine mesh strainer and the shaker’s strainer to remove any ice shards and the larger froth bits. The drink should have a thick, creamy white foam head that looks like 'perfect snow.'

Garnish

Express a lemon twist over the surface to release oils, then drop the twist onto the foam or place an edible flower on top. Serve immediately.

Notes on substitutions & safety

If you prefer not to use raw egg white, substitute 0.5 oz aquafaba (chickpea brine) for the egg white and follow the same shaking steps. Use a clean, well-refrigerated egg and consume promptly if using egg white. Adjust simple syrup to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness; some sakes are sweeter or drier and will change balance.