House cocktails worth sampling
Many Tokyo bars feature house cocktails: bartender-created signatures that showcase the venue’s style and local ingredients. These drinks are a great way to experience a bar’s personality.
Common house styles include:
- Local twists on classics: martinis or old fashioneds using Japanese whiskies or citrus.
- Seasonal fruit cocktails: yuzu, ume, persimmon, or peach when in season.
- Sake- or shochu-based signatures blending Japanese spirits with Western techniques.
- Bar-exclusive creations featuring house-made syrups, bitters, or infused spirits.
Why try them:
- They often highlight the bartender’s creativity and the bar’s identity.
- House cocktails can introduce you to local flavors you might not find elsewhere.
How to order:
- Ask the bartender what their signature is and whether they have seasonal options.
- If you prefer a certain taste profile, request a house cocktail that matches it.
Sampling house cocktails is one of the best ways to discover a bar’s soul and enjoy unique drinks not served elsewhere.