From Beneath The Waves, We Rise to the Sun

March 9th marked the one year anniversary of the tsunami that stuck the coast of Japan, killing nearly 16,000 people and leaving over 3,500 people still unaccounted for.  In memory of those affected by this disaster, On The Rocks... wanted to pay hommage and dedicate a cocktail that is symbolic of an entire nation.

In terms of Japanese liquor, most believe that Sake is the nation's most consumed beverage, but they are mistaken.   In Japan, the single most popular liquor, surprisingly, is whiskey (which just so happens to be my alcohol of choice).  It would be far too stereotypical if we devised a cocktail constructed around Sake, so Whiskey it was.  (Remember, we are not only introducing you to cocktails, but are also attempting to teach you something)

I was fortunate enough to meet a bartender last week at a new restaurant in my area called City Tavern by the name of Alex.  When devising our cocktails in our posts, in most cases, we provide a bartender with a topic and a few requirements such as types of liquors used.  In Alex's case, I simply told him, "Japanese based liquors, no Sake, and a taste and presentation that is uplifting."  

His result: a complex yet intriguing cocktail married with an ingredient that just so happens to be very difficult to find.  He calls it, the Rising Sun.

______________________________________________

The Rising Sun



Drink Type: Cocktail

Ingredients:
1 oz. of Single Malt Whiskey
1 oz. of extra dry Vermouth
1 oz. of fresh pinot noir juice
2 dashes of orange bitters

Directions:
In a shaker, combine whiskey, vermouth and pinot noir juice.  Add orange bitters, shake vigorously, and serve up in a martini glass.

Description:

One word simply describes this cocktail: unique.  As a whiskey drinker and a wine enthusiast, the union of the two was harmonious.  It's quite difficult to describe it's taste.  Imagine a softened whiskey taste with a bit of an orange finish.  It's floral, almost potpourri-like in flavor, yet deceptive in it's finish. It's the kind of cocktail few would know of yet many could appreciate.  Highly recommended!