Sharing 100: Nikka Loop of Love

Entering its second decade, Butler is still holding down the fort for traditional Japanese-style mixology, utilising premium whiskies, liquors, and fresh ingredients from Japan.

Using the new blend of Taketsuru Pure Malt and Nikka Apple Wine, Uchida Masayuki has combined two of Nikka's most signature products for In Loving Memories. A touch of Gentian liqueur adds some poetic bitterness: 'No matter how deeply we trust each other, there are things we don’t know. Living with the loneliness that brings, maybe that’s what loving someone means.' The flower language of Gentiana represents struggling with your sadness. All these elements come together to tell a story about precious, 'Loving Memories'. 

Ingredients: Taketsuru Pure Malt, Nikka Apple Wine, Gentiana, Citrus Acid

Serving Method: Neat

Be sure to try Butler's other specially crafted Nikka cocktails: Soulmate and Liberty Bell.

001 began in Hong Kong’s prominent Central Wet Market back in 2010. The bar was named 001 to pride themselves for being the first speakeasy in Hong Kong. 

Silky Nikka Coffey Vodka serves as a strong base to the ingredients in Memoirs in Europe. Just like Masataka’s memories of distillery life in Scotland, the drink finishes with a touch of sweet and sour from maraschino cherry and citrus acid. Life offers us fancy and splendid things, but those don't last, only 'Loving Memories' stay with us to the end of time.

Ingredients: Nikka Coffey Vodka, sherry, sweet vermouth, Fernet Branca, maraschino, white wine vinegar

Serving Method:
1. Chilled cocktail glass
2. Pour

Be sure to try 001's other specially crafted Nikka cocktails: Ode to Waltz and After Winter.

A Poet writes poems with word, while The Poet does it through cocktails. Here, classic cocktails are refined with a modern twist. 

A Manhattan-like cocktail, but instead of vermouth, Tony uses tea liqueur to create a silky texture to enhance the sweetness of the Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky in Unchained Melody. Smooth in texture with complex dark toffee and caramel notes. The silkiness and sweetness comes together in 'A Fateful Meeting' to create the perfect nightcap.

Ingredients: Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, tea liqueur, roots

Serving Method
1. Chilled cocktail glass
2. Pour

Be sure to try The Poet's other specially crafted Nikka cocktails: Night Train to Otaru and Ishikari Bay.

The Diplomat is an American-style cocktail bar – a place for reimagined cocktails, and where weary travellers can call home

Inspired by the raucous scene of Tokyo's drinking alleys, Yokocho-Lada has no rules. Combining the luscious, milky mouthfeel of Nikka Coffey Vodka with tropical elements of pandan and coconut. You won’t know if you're in your favourite yakitori shop or on a beach in Okinawa. John, indeed, has made 'A Dream Come True' by combining these two experiences into a cocktail. 

Ingredients: Pandan infused Nikka Coffey Vodka, white port, acid adjusted clarified orange juice, spices, coconut water

Serving Method:
1. Chilled cocktail glass
2. Pour
3. Garnish with orange peel

Be sure to try The Diplomat's other specially crafted Nikka cocktails: Tuxedo #852 and Wagyu Old Fashioned.

Putting the spotlight on quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Mott 32 represents a new chapter of Chinese dining. The bar offers innovative cocktails, wines and various sakes. 

Old Harbour is a tweaked Old Fashioned using fresh chrysanthemum, goji berry, and Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt. The soft, fruity notes of the whisky pair really well the delicate flavour of chrysanthemum and goji, while the grapefruit adds a refreshing finish. Just like 'Loving Memories', the drink makes a lasting impression. 

Ingredients: Miyagikyo Single Malt, grapefruit bitters, goji berry and chrysanthemum syrup

 Serving Method:
1. Chilled rock glass
2. Pour on ice
3. Garnish with grapefruit peel/wedge

Be sure to try Mott 32's other specially crafted Nikka cocktails: Pearl of Sin and Sesame Is The New Black.

In 2014, Sky Huo was honoured in Top 25 Bartenders of Drinks World Asia Hong Kong, which inspired her to better her craft by working abroad for some of the best bars in London and Sydney. She eventually returned to Hong Kong to run The Sea - the sister venture of the multi-award winning The Old Man. 

Loop of Love is a Miyagikyo Single Malt-based twist on a Negroni, with umeshu and Amontillado Sherry. Ginger and cinnamon notes from Miyagikyo Single Malt pair well with plum, raisin and tobacco notes from the sherry, followed by a long lasting finish of stone fruit. Like the 'Loving Memories' between Masataka and Rita, the diverse flavours blend into one exciting cocktail and story. Balanced but bright, every sip cements a loving memory. 

Ingredients: Miyagikyo Single Malt, umeshu, sherry

Serving Method:
1. Chilled cocktail glass
2. Pour
3. Garnish with salted plum

Be sure to try Sky Huo's other specially crafted Nikka cocktails: Time of Harvest and Apple of My Eye.