Far East

The Far East cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant drink that combines the unique flavors of Japanese Shochu, the sweetness of Midori Melon Liqueur, and the tartness of fresh lemon juice. Shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled spirit, offers a smooth and slightly earthy base, which is beautifully complemented by the bright, honeydew-like sweetness of Midori. The addition of fresh lemon juice provides a zesty, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall profile of the cocktail. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that is both exotic and accessible, making the Far East a delightful choice for those seeking a taste of something both familiar and intriguing.

The origins of the Far East cocktail are not widely documented, but it likely emerged as a fusion of Japanese and Western influences, reflecting the growing popularity of Shochu and Midori in international cocktail culture. Midori, which was introduced in the United States in the late 1970s, quickly became a popular ingredient in cocktails for its vibrant color and sweet melon flavor. Shochu, on the other hand, has a long history in Japan but has only recently gained recognition outside of Asia. The Far East cocktail captures the spirit of cross-cultural experimentation, bringing together ingredients that showcase both traditional and modern elements of Japanese beverage crafting.

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!

Far East consists of 3 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. Melon Liqueur
3. Lemon 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.