When considering how I might incorporate our new Jasmine Infused Maple into a cocktail, I steered toward Asia on the assumption that other flavors from jasmine’s native region would compliment it. I went with the recommendation of our local liquor purveyor and tried an unfiltered sake (nigori sake) which is meant to be served cold. After playing with the proportions, I settled on three parts sake to one part Jasmine Tea Infused Maple and topped it off with a slice of plum. My, oh my, my, my.
The milky texture of the sake is evocative of a humid night in late summer where the air is dense with moisture and just perfect for next-to-bare clothing. The shot of Jasmine Tea Infused Maple imparts a little bit of delicate green tea but mostly a top note of honeysuckle that hits the back of the tongue with a touch of sugar. The plum is the ideal finale, like a kiss at a rooftop party from a flirtation that has finally come to fruition. The taste of these elements together is like nothing you’ve ever tried before. I can say without hesitation that it is my favorite Runamok cocktail to date.
The Rooftop Kiss
- 3 parts nigori sake (I prefer Tozai “Snow Maiden”)
- 1 part Runamok Jasmine Tea Infused Maple Syrup
- Crushed ice
- Plum garnish
Be sure to shake the bottle of sake before pouring. Mix the three parts nigori sake with one part Jasmine Tea Infused Maple Syrup in a short glass. Add a generous spoonful of crushed ice and top with a sliced, ripe plum.