Features Top Japanese Spirits, Exotic Cocktails and Mystical Traditions

NEW YORK, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- This spring, a fresh view on Japanese society will be brought to life in a new colorful and insightful book that explores the nation's rich cocktail culture and the near-mythical secrets around its traditional spirits.  Renowned cocktail expert Yuri Kato's latest book, JAPANESE COCKTAILS, showcases Japan's spirits' history, traditions and tastes through an array of refreshing recipes, vibrant photography and alluring tales.

A clear departure from classic American cocktail recipes, those featured in Kato's book are made with exotic ingredients like shichimi togarashi spice, umeboshi and kabosu juice – all flavors that are unique to Japan.  From mixing tools, to ice and elaborate garnishes, the craft of the cocktail is very detailed and rooted in tradition.  Interesting sidebars include the making of the perfect mizuari, the Japanese way of sipping whisky which mixes whisky, water and ice and Suntory's famous "13 1/2" stir process.  A series of recipes in the "Whisky Cocktails" chapter also reflect the current demand for creative whisky cocktails at the bar.

Authentic recipes in chapters devoted to sake, shochu and Suntory's Japanese whiskies allow at-home mixologists to re-create such favorites as Sake Eggnog or the Tokyo Sidecar.  Yuri's own original creations are crafted in keeping with the spirit of Japanese cocktail culture and infused with other ingredients such as vodka, rum and tequila.  New concoctions range from the Yuzu Bath and Melon Cream Soda, made with premium Midori® Melon Liqueur, to the Bloody Mari-Chan and the Red Eye, made with Japanese beer.

"It is a privilege to share my love of Japanese culture and spirits with others," says Yuri.  "JAPANESE COCKTAILS has been a wonderful experience and I hope that all connoisseurs of fine food and drink will find much to enjoy between its covers."

Teeming with interesting tidbits – including tips on finding key ingredients, seasonal festivals and sidebars on travel destinations such as Tokyo's fashion district and Shikoku Island – JAPANESE COCKTAILS offers a unique glimpse into contemporary Japanese culture.  Made possible by Suntory, one of the oldest distributors of alcoholic beverages in Japan, JAPANESE COCKTAILS will be available February 17, 2010 on amazon.com and wherever books are sold in March 2010.

About Yuri Kato

Yuri Kato is a beverage alcohol consultant and has been a publisher of CocktailTimes.com for more than a decade.  She frequently visits distilleries and judges cocktail competitions around the world and has contributed her expertise to major networks such as the BBC and CNBC.  Yuri inherited her passion for the culinary arts from her mother and uncle, both chefs, who taught her about Japanese cuisine and spirits.  Yuri was born in Yokohama, Japan and now lives in New York City and Denver.

SOURCE Suntory