Matcha Tea Highball with Hatozaki Finest

Matcha Tea Highball with Hatozaki Finest Whisky

Did you know that March 27 is International Whisk(e)y Day? This year, I’m partnering with Hatozaki to celebrate by making a highball with Hatozaki Finest Whisky.

Whisk(e)y is a big category, a fact that is emphasized by that “e” in parentheses. The spirit is spelled “whiskey” when referring to American or Irish whiskey, but “whisky” when we’re talking about Scotch, Canadian, or – in the case of Hatozaki – Japanese whisky. Japanese whisky in particular is rapidly increasing in popularity around the world, and a variety of brands and bottles are finally becoming available to consumers in the United States. Where you used to only see a couple of bottles on the liquor store shelf, you now have dozens to choose from. And that can be a daunting task for those unfamiliar with the category.

Hatozaki Finest Japanese Whisky

If you’re interested in dipping your toe into the world of Japanese whisky, Hatozaki Finest is a great place to start. Priced around $40, it’s an accessible but still elevated option. It’s a very light whisky, with delicate flavors of melon, apricot, citrus, and honey. You could absolutely sip it neat, but I think it really shines in cocktails like this Matcha Tea Highball, compliments of the brand. The honey and citrus compliment the flavor of the whiskey beautifully, and the matcha is a perfect nod to its Japanese origins.

 

Matcha Tea Highball

1.5 oz. Hatozaki Finest Whisky

1/2 oz. honey syrup (1:1 honey & water)

1/2 oz. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. matcha tea powder

Club soda, to top

Combine whisky, honey syrup, lemon juice, and matcha powder in a shaker. Fill with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon twist.

This post is sponsored by Marussia Beverages. All opinions are my own.

Recipe courtesy of Hatozaki.

 

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