In Netflix's Drink Masters when mixologists Kate Gerwin and Loyd Von Rose pair up to make The Matchmaker, their soju and scotch tipple, the cocktail competition series is in its seventh episode. By then, of course, neither USA where the series was shot nor the contestants were new to Japanese liquors. In fact, semi-finalist bartender, Suzu aka Christian Suzuki-Orellana and Loyd Von Rose, had already used spirits like sake and soju on several occasions. And Suzu, especially, as a homage to his half-Japanese heritage. But when Kate and Loyd talk about using a turmeric and curry leaf horchata with soju, show host and comic, Tone Bell says, "I've never tasted soju, but am excited to try it." Bell's excitement would perhaps be mirrored in bars and restaurants across India, where liquors from Japan are steadily garnering an audience.
The newly opened pan-Asian restaurant Soba Sassy in Kolkata's Ho Chi Minh Sarani, for instance, is going beyond the garden-variety Sake Bomb, and serving other sake-based cocktails, including a house liqueur that is made with the Korean soju. Head bartender, Swastik Chattopadhyay, loves his sake and admits to "finding it challenging to use in a cocktail because of its delicate flavour." He has chosen to combine it with their housemade amaretto and rose syrups, with the restaurant gearing up to bring umeshu to the city.
Sake, once only the preserve of star hotels in the city - like The Park or later entrants like, The Westin and Taj City Centre - is going to be available this month in other establishments, too, including experiential liquor store, Hedonne and rooftop gastro bar, LMNO_Q.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Man's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Man's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career
iPhone Fatigue
Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket
Pritam Hitting The High Note
A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless