This week Japanese Gekkeikan Bizan Gold Shochu is used in the cocktail of the week. When people think of Japanese liquor they tend to think of Sake - brewed rice wine, however recently in Japan, Shochu has surpassed sake in popularity and has also become noticed in the world arena as a great component in cocktail making. Shochu is most commonly distilled from barley, sweet potatoes, or rice and is usually far less fruity than sake. Its flavour is often described as "nutty" or "earthy". Gekkeikan Bizan Gold Shochu is distilled from rice, and is a blend of oak barrel-aged Shochu and fresh Shochu. There are several reasons for Shochu's recent popularity, many people see it as more healthy than some alternatives as Shochu is a low-calorie drink whose few calories are converted to heat by the body and emitted. There have also been well-publicized claims of medical benefits, including that it can be effective in preventing thrombosis, heart attacks, and diabetes. It is a versatile drink that is suited to most styles of cuisine. in this cocktail it mixes seamlessly with the Asian themed flavours of lime, lemongrass and cucumber. Impress your friends with this one!

INGREDIENTS:

30ml Bizan Gold Shochu

30ml Finlandia Lime Vodka

2 inches chopped Lemongrass

2cm Cucumber

30ml Fresh Lime Juice

15ml Sugar Syrup

10ml Apple Juice

METHOD:

Muddle lemongrass and cucumber in the base of a Boston shaker. Add other ingredients, shake well with ice and fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

GARNISH:

Garnish with a seasonal flower.