Cocktail Daily- Beauty & Snow I Folklore, Tokyo, Japan

Yukino Bijin / Chamomile Vodka / Apricot Liqueur / Mint Liqueur / Cream washed Coffee Liqueur / White Port Wine

Tucked beneath the historic brick arches of Hibiya OKUROJI in Tokyo, Folklore is a modern shrine to flavor founded by mixology pioneer Shuzo Nagumo. The minimalist interior, crafted from reclaimed temple wood, sets a serene stage for a revolutionary cocktail program that champions native Japanese spirits. The bartenders personally visit breweries across Japan to translate the country's terroir into avant-garde liquid narratives.

The featured creation, "Beauty & Snow", is a masterclass in harmony built around the elegant Yukino Bijin (Snow Beauty) sake from Akita Jozo. This cocktail elegantly weaves chamomile-infused vodka and white port wine with notes of apricot and a touch of mint. A luxurious layer of cream-washed coffee liqueur grounds the profile. To elevate the experience, this drink is traditionally paired with Akita's legendary smoked daikon radish, Iburi-gakko, offering a truly memorable collision of savory, sweet, and umami.

Tasting Notes

 Aroma: Opens with a delicate nose of chamomile and subtle rice umami, followed by the stone-fruit sweetness of apricot and white port, rounded out by a faint whisper of roasted coffee.

Palate: Luxuriously smooth and textured on the palate. The crisp sweetness of the sake perfectly balances the cream-washed coffee richness, while mint brings a fleeting, refreshing clarity.

Finish: Clean, crisp, and lingering. The flavors melt away like fresh snow, leaving behind a subtle herbaceous warmth and a rich sake finish.

Overall: An exquisite display of modern mixology that respects tradition. It achieves a stunning balance of delicate floral notes and deep umami, which pairs beautifully with savory Japanese bar bites.

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