Koji-San

The Koji-San is a fascinating cocktail that marries the distinct flavors of East Asian and Latin American spirits. At its core, it features shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled beverage, and mezcal, a smoky Mexican spirit made from agave. The combination of these two spirits creates a unique and complex base that is both earthy and slightly smoky. The addition of lime juice brings a bright, tangy acidity, while simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. Celery juice introduces a fresh, vegetal note that enhances the overall complexity of the drink, making it a refreshing yet sophisticated choice.

The history of the Koji-San is a testament to the growing trend of cross-cultural mixology, where bartenders experiment with ingredients from different culinary traditions to create innovative drinks. Shochu, often distilled from barley, sweet potatoes, or rice, brings a soft and nuanced profile, while mezcal's bold and distinctive smokiness adds depth. This cocktail is a modern creation, reflecting the globalized world of contemporary cocktail culture where boundaries are pushed, and new flavor combinations are constantly being explored. The Koji-San stands as a delightful example of how diverse ingredients can come together to create something truly unique and memorable.

This drink style is classified as a Cocktail and is Alcoholic, so drink responsibly! The recommended glass type for this drink is a Rocks or Old-Fashioned Glass. We say, feel free to serve it in whatever you have available; it will still taste the same :)

You may also use different variations of the same ingredient. For example, you could change up fruit types or sugar substitutes. Other substitutions would include different brands of liquor. For example, if your drink calls for a specific type of whiskey, you could try using bourbon instead of Irish.

Crafting cocktails should be fun, so get creative and make it your own. Who knows, you might find your next favorite!

Koji-San consists of 5 different ingredients, although you may not need all of them to make it work. Keep in mind, there are many different flavored spirts and brands, so never feel obligated to use any one in particular. If you don't have all of the below ingredients, you can always get crafty and try your own variations. You might even create your own version that tastes even better. Feel free to share your creations with the Cocktail Friend community!

Here are some of the potential core ingredients you'll want. Each ingredient links to other drinks containing that same ingredient:

1. Shochu
2. Mezcal
3. Lime Juice
4. Simple Syrup
5. Celery Juice

Sharing is caring! If you like this drink or know someone who would, give it a share! Most cocktails were created by sharing recipes and trying new creations.