Enjoy Original Cocktails with Wajima Lacquerware, an Important Intangible Cultural Property

"Taste of Japan ~Savoring Japan~" is a limited-time project by Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, focusing on regional delicacies and specialties from across Japan, with the aim of widely conveying Japanese culture and traditions both domestically and internationally.

To celebrate the opening of the Nagano-Kanazawa section of the Hokuriku Shinkansen on Saturday, March 14th, "Taste of Japan ~Savoring Japan~ Hokuriku Edition" will feature three original cocktails inspired by the Hokuriku region, created by Sayoko Kurihara, manager of Mandarin Bar. These unique cocktails, made with Hokuriku's representative sake, rice miso, bonito flakes, and Kaga bocha tea, are served in vessels of Wajima lacquerware, the only designated Important Intangible Cultural Property in the lacquerware category.

The "Japanese Brûlée" (¥2,100, excluding tax and 13% service charge), inspired by crème brûlée, uses hazelnut liqueur Frangelico as its base, incorporating Hokuriku rice miso. Honey is also added for a mellow, creamy flavor. Black sugar and hazelnut bitters (a bitter liqueur extracted from hazelnuts) recreate the caramelized top of a crème brûlée, offering a unique visual presentation.

"Hanami Sake ~Spring Bloom" (¥2,500, same charges apply) is a cocktail made by steeping thick-shaved bonito flakes from Hokuriku in a dry, crisp junmai sake called "Ore no Sake" for over a night. It can also be enjoyed with sudachi for a refreshing finish. The "Sakura Rikyu" (¥2,300, same charges apply) is a frozen cocktail blending sakura and peach liqueurs with sweet potato flakes and crushed ice. Topped with Kaga bocha tea, made by roasting tea stems, it features a distinct roasted aroma not found in the roasted leaves.

Additionally, "White Shrimp Marinated in Kelp" (¥2,800, same charges apply) will be offered, featuring white shrimp caught exclusively in Toyama Bay, known as the "Jewel of Toyama Bay," and cured in oboro konbu (shredded kelp). Paired with these Hokuriku delicacies, the original cocktails may taste even more exquisite.