The Malt Lounge & Bar at The Prince Akatoki hotel in Marylebone has launched a new range of cocktails inspired by forgotten Japanese regions.
The new range, called ‘A journey through Japan’, is inspired by distinctive prefectures in the country (Hokkaido, Yagamata, Miyazaki, Shiba and Akita) and will be available from spring to winter this year. The cocktails utilise ingredients sourced from said prefectures, including daikon, shikuwasa, amazake, persimmon and peach leaves.
Thanks to a bar well-stocked with equipment, including a PacoJet and GiroVap, the team has been able to develop some flavours in house, including fermenting Semillon wine with chestnut honey and brewing Jasmine tea kombucha.
The selection of cocktails will be altered over the course of the year to reflect seasonality, as bar manager Francesco Pittala explained: “The idea behind a seasonally changing cocktail menu was to take guests on a journey through forgotten Japanese territories, evoking a nostalgia for Japan and the beautiful variety of each regions produce. From redistilling to fermenting, a number of different techniques were used to create each cocktail, drawing from 14 years’ experience in mixology.”
To accompany, a range of Japanese-inspired bar snacks will also be offered. As well as the likes of lotus root crisps and tasting platters of robata skewers, there will also be a sushi bar open from 6pm, serving nigiri, salmon bites, negi toro hand rolls and seared A5 wagyu. For those with a sweeter tooth, mochi ice creams and yuzu and raspberry brûlée will be available.
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