By Olivia Cuccaro
Sakura Saketini
- 1.6 oz Hakkaisan Ginjyo sake
- 1. oz Dover sakura liqueur
- .6 oz sakura syrup
To create our cocktail of the week this National Cocktail Day, combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a pinch of salt. Pour into a chilled martini glass and serve.
At long last, spring has arrived. While stateside celebrations are taking place in Washington DC, the cherry blossoms are also blooming in their place of origin – Japan. In Tokyo, follow a picturesque hanami picnic at Ueno Park with a stop at The Oak Door Bar in Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Bartenders are serving up seasonal, cherry blossom-inspired cocktails that pay homage to their Japanese surroundings. With sake and Japanese sakura liqueur, the Sakura Saketini is a pretty-in-pink tribute to springtime in Japan.
“Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms or sakura,” said Elisha Koizumi, bartender at The Oak Door Bar, in speaking to Elite Traveler. “Although the cherry blossom season only lasts for a few weeks, we love to take advantage of the subtle flavors of this beautiful flower which works perfectly for cocktails. Blending sakura syrup and liqueur with Japanese sake…these meticulously balanced cocktails make the perfect springtime drink.”
An extension of the hotel’s Oak Door steakhouse, The Oak Door Bar provides a cozy setting for an expertly-crafted cocktail. The menu incorporates spring cocktails like the Sakura Saketini with sommelier-recommended wines, mojitos, tea cocktails, martinis and other Oak Door favorites. A selection of cigars is also available to enjoy alongside your cherry blossom beverage.
If you decide to make the most of the short cherry blossom season with an extended stay, we recommend the Presidential Suite at Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Contrary to the compact, pod hotels found elsewhere in Japan, the spacious 2,800 sq ft suite features a private pool with a private sundeck offering panoramic views of the city. The suites also includes a master bedroom with two king-size beds and bath with jetted spa tub and rain shower, a living room, dining area for eight, kitchenette, guest bathroom and work area. Additionally, guests of the suite receive access to Grand Club lounge.
The Oak Door Bar is located in Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, 106-0032. For more information, please visit tokyo.grand.hyatt.com.