4.8/5 with 3,500+ reviews
5 Japanese Whisky Cocktails to Make at Home
Japanese whisky, renowned for its rich fruity and floral notes which are reminiscent of its homeland teeming with stunning flora, is perfect for cocktails as well as enjoying neat. As such, we've created a list of the best serves to compliment our top Japanese Whisky brands including Nikka, Hakushu, Hibiki and more. All of these refreshing cocktails are perfect for sipping in style while soaking up the Spring sunshine and the soon to come Sakura season.
Hamish says: "Each recipe serves one, so don’t forget to scale up for drinks with friends."
1. Coco-Wari – Hakushu Distillery
A twist on the classic Japanese Mizuwari (whisky and mineral water), the Coco-Wari uses coconut water for its added refreshment. This drink pairs wonderfully with the vibrant, herbal notes of Hakushu 12 Year Old whisky.
- Pour 50ml of Hakushu 12 Year Old whisky into a chilled highball glass.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir to chill.
- Top with coconut water and stir once more.
- Serve and enjoy!
2. Matcha Tea Highball – Hibiki Whisky
A refreshing take on the Highball, this drink offers a harmonious blend of distinctive Japanese flavours.
- Combine 40ml of Hibiki Harmony whisky with 15ml of lemon juice and 15ml of honey.
- Add 1/4 tsp of matcha green tea powder and top up with soda water.
- Stir well.
- Add ice and serve!
3. Toki Julep - House of Suntory
For a whisky with hints of grapefruit and peppermint, try a lively, herbal julep cocktail to enjoy Suntory’s Toki blended whisky.
- Muddle 5 mint leaves with 2 tsp of simple syrup in a short glass.
- Add 50ml of Toki whisky and fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Stir until the glass is chilled.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and mint sprig.
- Serve and enjoy!
4. Nikka Highball
This simple yet refreshing Nikka Highball is the ideal way to highlight the complex flavour of Nikka from the Barrel single malt.
- Combine 30ml of Nikka from the Barrel, 50ml of fresh melon juice, and 15ml of fresh lemon juice in a highball glass.
- Add ice and stir.
- Top up with soda water and garnish with two thin slices of melon.
- Serve!
5. Fuji Highball – Fuji Distillery
Perfect for a traditional Japanese highball, Fuji Blended Japanese Whisky brings out a fresh, vibrant character with fruity notes, making it ideal for a warm day.
- Fill a highball glass with 50ml of Fuji Blended Japanese Whisky.
- Fill with ice and top with soda water.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint.
- Serve and enjoy!
