Kyoto

Kyoto Recipe: A Japanese Delight with Gin, Midori, Dry Vermouth, and Lemon Juice

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

Kyoto is a refreshing and elegant cocktail that combines the flavors of gin, melon liqueur, dry vermouth, and a hint of fresh lemon juice. This cocktail is perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion.

History

The Kyoto cocktail is a modern classic that was created in the 1990s. It is said to have been inspired by the flavors of Japanese cuisine, particularly the use of melon in many dishes.

Ingredients

3 oz (85 g) of gin
1 oz (28 g) of midori® melon liqueur
0.5 oz (14 g) of dry vermouth
0.25 tsp of fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass that is half-filled with ice cubes. Stir everything well.
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish the drink with a melon ball and serve it.

Variations

Try adding a splash of soda water for a lighter version of the Kyoto cocktail.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor in this cocktail. Chill your cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink cold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Kyoto cocktail as a pre-dinner drink or as a refreshing sipper on a hot day.

Cooking Techniques

Stirring the ingredients well ensures that the flavors are properly mixed in the cocktail.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the melon liqueur with Midori for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can mix the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Kyoto cocktail with a melon ball on a cocktail pick for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

The Kyoto cocktail pairs well with light appetizers such as sushi or sashimi.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Kyoto cocktail in the refrigerator and consume within a day for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The Kyoto cocktail contains approximately 150 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

The Kyoto cocktail contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The Kyoto cocktail contains no fats.

Proteins

The Kyoto cocktail contains no proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

The Kyoto cocktail does not provide significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

This cocktail may contain allergens such as alcohol and citrus.

Summary

The Kyoto cocktail is a low-calorie drink that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

The Kyoto cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors of gin, melon liqueur, and vermouth in this elegant cocktail.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Kyoto. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations of our family.

One day, as I was helping her prepare dinner, she handed me a faded piece of paper with a list of ingredients and instructions written in a delicate script. "This is a special recipe that I learned from a friend who visited Kyoto," she explained. "It's a dish that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine - simple yet elegant, with a perfect balance of flavors."

I studied the recipe intently, taking in the exotic ingredients and unfamiliar cooking techniques. My grandmother could see the curiosity in my eyes and smiled knowingly. "Don't be afraid to try new things in the kitchen, my dear," she said. "That's how you learn and grow as a cook."

With her guidance, I set out to recreate the flavors of Kyoto in my own kitchen. I carefully sourced each ingredient, from the fragrant dashi broth to the delicate shiitake mushrooms and tender slices of beef. I followed the precise instructions, simmering the ingredients together in a pot until the broth was infused with a rich umami flavor.

As the dish cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen, transporting me to a bustling street market in Kyoto. I could almost hear the chatter of vendors and the clink of chopsticks against bowls. When I finally tasted the finished dish, I was amazed by how the flavors melded together in perfect harmony - a symphony of sweet, salty, and savory notes.

My grandmother beamed with pride as she sampled a spoonful of the Kyoto. "You've done it, my dear," she said. "You've captured the spirit of this dish with your own hands."

From that day on, the recipe for Kyoto became a staple in our family's cookbook. I would often make it for special occasions, impressing friends and family with my newfound culinary skills. Each time I cooked the dish, I would think back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, where my culinary journey began.

Years passed, and I continued to hone my craft in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and techniques. But no matter how many dishes I learned to make, the recipe for Kyoto always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of where I started, of the love and guidance that my grandmother had passed down to me.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of simmering broth and sizzling ingredients, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me. Cooking isn't just about following a recipe - it's about passion, creativity, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And so, as I take a final taste of the Kyoto, savoring the delicate balance of flavors that I have come to know so well, I smile to myself. Because in that moment, I am not just a cook. I am a storyteller, weaving together the flavors and memories of my past into a dish that will nourish both body and soul.