Rittou

Rittou, marking the advent of Japanese winter in early November, signals a time of transition and warmth. This distinctive concoction, conceived by Zoran, takes inspiration from the classic Hot Toddy, offering a comforting companion for nights spent huddled around the radiator. The fusion of green tea, Hakushu 12 Years Old whisky, honey, lemon juice, and a touch of gingerroot creates a soul-soothing elixir that captures the essence of the season.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 fl oz/75ml green tea
• 1 3/4 fl oz/50ml Hakushu 12 Years Old whisky
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 inch/2.5 cm slice fresh gingerroot, sliced

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a teapot, steep the green tea in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2. In a mixing glass, combine the brewed green tea, Hakushu whisky, honey, lemon juice, and sliced gingerroot.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Choose high-quality green tea to enhance the authenticity and flavor of the cocktail.
• Adjust the honey and lemon juice quantities according to your preferred level of sweetness and tartness.

TIPS:

• Experiment with the thickness of the ginger slices to control the intensity of the ginger flavor.
• Allow the mixture to cool slightly before straining to avoid the risk of burns.

SERVING:

1. Stir the mixture in the mixing glass to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2. Strain the concoction into a heatproof glass or mug, ensuring the ginger slices are also transferred.

Rittou is more than a beverage; it’s a heartwarming embrace, a sip of solace that resonates with the crisp air and cozy evenings of Japanese winter. With each careful ingredient selection and thoughtful preparation step, Zoran crafts a drink that encapsulates the very essence of the season’s arrival.

The brewing of green tea, a ritual of patience and care, infuses the base with soothing warmth. The addition of Hakushu 12 Years Old whisky introduces a layer of complexity, its nuanced flavors intertwining with the tea’s embrace. The honey and lemon juice offer a harmonious duet of sweetness and tanginess, reminiscent of the interplay between chilly winds and the promise of brighter days.

But it is the gingerroot, sliced and added with intention, that steals the show. Its gentle heat and earthy aroma infuse the cocktail, creating a symphony of flavors that mirrors the dichotomy of winter’s chill and its inviting allure.

As you stir and strain the elixir into a heatproof vessel, you’re not just crafting a drink; you’re crafting an experience. The act of sipping Rittou is an invitation to immerse yourself in the season, to feel the crackling warmth of a radiator, and to savor the embrace of winter’s first moments.

Whether shared with cherished friends or enjoyed in solitary contemplation, Rittou transforms a mere evening into an enchanting memory. It’s a reminder that even in the coldest of times, there’s a certain magic in the air, a magic that’s captured in every sip of this delightful concoction.

So, raise your heatproof glass or mug, and toast to the beauty of beginnings and the enchantment of winter’s arrival. Allow Rittou to guide you through the season, one comforting, invigorating, and soul-nurturing sip at a time.