12/03/2024
I thought I’d give my first ever try this year and here’s the cocktail I submitted as my entry.
The Shogun’s Retreat
40ml Ron Zacapa Centenario 23
30ml Mirin
30ml Pineapple Juice
Dashes of Bokers Bitters
Garnished with a Miso Powder Rim and a lightly toasted star anise on an ice rock.
Story:
At the confluence of Guatemala’s lush landscapes and the refined essence of Japanese tradition blooms “The Shogun’s Retreat”, a cocktail in an imaginary Japanese fusion bar. This cocktail embodies the journey of Ron Zacapa Centenario 23, renowned for its unique maturation in the ‘Sistema Solera’ process, which infuses the rum with unparalleled complexity.
Complementing the deep, rich character of Ron Zacapa is freshly pressed pineapple juice, a choice that pays homage to the rum’s fermentation process, which utilizes a special yeast from pineapples to enrich its flavor profile. This fresh juice brings a natural sweetness and vibrancy to the cocktail, enhancing the rum’s fruity notes and creating a perfect balance with its complex undertones.
A dash of Boker’s Bitters adds a botanical layer, tying together the cocktail’s flavors with a nod to the traditional practices of both regions. The garnish of slightly toasted star anise introduces a subtle spiciness, echoing Zacapa’s own spicy nuances, while the miso powder rim offers an umami contrast that complements the cocktail’s overall harmony.
“The Shogun’s Retreat” is more than a cocktail; it’s a narrative in a glass, inviting you on a journey from the highlands of Guatemala to the serene gardens of Japan, through a blend of flavors that transcends time and place. With Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 at its core, this cocktail celebrates the spirit of exploration and the beauty of cultural fusion, offering a taste of the extraordinary in every sip.
