A feast for the eyes and the tastebuds – Limited Edition Autumn Cocktails at Shoryu

Autumn has arrived, and with it the promise of golden sunsets, brisk walks though leaf-strewn parks, and the smell of bonfire smoke on the crisp night air.

Well, that would be nice – apart from the fact we live in England and therefore these idyllic visions are usually displaced by slate grey skies, rainy afternoons and trees that have become bare before we get to truly appreciate various hues of the changing seasons.

Still, one place on earth that has become famous for the glow of autumnal foliage is Japan, where every year the leaves in Kyoto turn various shades of fiery red, rich gold and glowing amber. It is this array of dazzling colours that has inspired the latest cocktail menu at Shoryu. Now, to accompany your warming bowl of ramen, you can also choose from one of four limited edition cocktails inspired by the falling leaves of Japan.

Our favourite of the bunch is The Yellow Ichyo – a potent and yet delicate mix of Yuzu Umeshu (plum liquor wine flavoured with the famous Asian citrus fruit), Shochu (a typical Japanese beverage), and that herbal favourite, Benedictine. It packs quite the punch, and has an extra freshness from the muddled basil leaves that make is as delightful from the first sip to the last. The colour is a pale, golden yellow, like late afternoon sunlight catching on straw, and reflects the stunning yellowing of Kyoto’s famed foliage in early autumn. Perfect alongside the pillowy softness of a Hirata bun stuffed with succulent Wagyu beef.

For those who fancy a longer drink, Our Kyoto Fall is perfect. Not only does the apple juice make it sweet and refreshing, but a delicious clean earthiness comes from Hoji tea. Combine this with Krupnik honey vodka and Absolut wild tea and elderflower vodka, and you the soothing flavours reminiscent of autumn afternoons.  The drink itself is a deep gold, like polished costume jewelry, and is evocative of the shimmering Kyoto canopy in late November. We think it’s best enjoyed with the saltiness of a deep bowl of Tonkotsu ramen.

The Kaede Maple is a smooth and fruit-laced combination of Jinzu, Namazake, apricot bandy and exotic passion fruit, and the addition of muddled fresh lavender adds a delicate floral undercurrent that is incredibly tasty. The flaming orange colour is inspired by the distinctive, pronged leaf of the Japanese maple tree, which combusts in majestic reds, oranges and yellows every autumn in Kyoto.

And those wanting something a bit sweeter, or enjoy after-dinner cocktails, will adore The Autumn Kaze. This fresh take on an Espresso Martini is a mixture of Cointreau, cold espresso, Jim beam rye whisky, Schochu, Yuzu Umeshu and vanilla, and so the smooth, silky texture makes for delightfully decadent sipping that will put you in mind of a chocolate orange.

So, even if the rain decides to put a kybosh on your seasonal rambles, simply embrace autumn through the power of booze, make your way to Shoryu.

Shoryu Ramen

@shoryuramen