Hinoki Martini
The Hinoki Martini is a masterful creation that transports the drinker to a serene Japanese forest. It builds upon a classic gin martini structure, layering in Junmai sake for a touch of umami and texture, fino sherry for salinity, and blanc vermouth for a gentle sweetness. The defining characteristic is the addition of hinoki tincture or oil, which imparts a unique woody, citrusy, and slightly resinous aroma reminiscent of a Japanese onsen (hot spring bath).
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Hinoki Martini is a modern classic cocktail, celebrated as a sophisticated variation of the traditional Martini. It falls into the "stirred and boozy" category, often enjoyed as an apéritif due to its dry and aromatic character.
Serving
Serve this potent, aromatic cocktail very cold in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to maintain its crisp texture and temperature. It is a spirit-forward drink served without ice.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Nick & Nora
Glass treatment
Thoroughly chilled in a freezer beforehand
Backstory
This cocktail was created by Masahiro Urushido, the head bartender and owner of Katana Kitten in New York City, which has been named one of the world's best bars. The drink is a tribute to Japanese bathing culture, where the Hinoki wood is highly prized for its distinctive, relaxing fragrance. Urushido masterfully captured this sensory experience in a glass, creating a truly unique and memorable Martini variation.
Origin
Created in the mid-2010s by Masahiro Urushido at his bar, Katana Kitten, in New York City, USA.
Hinoki Martini
The drink's name comes directly from its key aromatic component, the Hinoki, or Japanese cypress. It is sometimes referred to as the Japanese Cypress Martini to describe its unique flavor profile to those unfamiliar with the term "Hinoki."
Original name
Hinoki Martini
Alternative name
Japanese Cypress Martini
Characteristics overview
This cocktail is defined by its captivating aroma of Japanese cypress, leading to a dry, savory, and silky palate with a clean, woody finish. Its clear, pale appearance in a coupe glass speaks to its elegance and refined character.
Flavor
Woody, Aromatic, Savory, Botanical, Crisp, Umami
Aroma
Hinoki Cypress, Pine, Lemon Zest, Juniper, Damp Forest
Taste balance
Dry, Slightly Savory, Minimal Sweetness
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering, Woody, Botanical
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Clear, Very Pale Straw
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Slightly Viscous
Seasonality
Refreshing, Year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Hinoki Martini is a dry, alcohol-forward drink with a moderate flavor intensity. Its character is defined more by its unique savory, woody, and aromatic notes than by traditional sweet or sour elements.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires a precise blend of London Dry Gin, Junmai sake, blanc vermouth, and a touch of fino sherry. The essential, signature ingredient is a few drops of Hinoki tincture for its unique aroma.
- London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 ozA classic, juniper-forward gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray works well.
- Junmai Sake15 ml / 0.5 ozProvides umami depth and a silky texture.
- Dolin Blanc Vermouth de Chambéry15 ml / 0.5 ozA lighter, slightly sweeter vermouth that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Fino Sherry5 ml / 1 tspAdds a dry, saline note that enhances the savory character.
- Hinoki Tincture or Bitters5 dropsThe key ingredient. Can be purchased from specialty retailers or made by infusing hinoki wood or essential oil in high-proof neutral spirit.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need standard bar stirring equipment: a mixing glass, a jigger for measuring, a bar spoon for stirring with ice, and a strainer to pour the finished drink.
- Mixing Glass: For combining and chilling the ingredients.
- Jigger: For accurate measurement.
- Bar Spoon: For stirring the cocktail until perfectly chilled and diluted.
- Julep or Hawthorne Strainer: To strain the cocktail from the ice into the glass.
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling a glass, stirring all liquid ingredients with plenty of ice in a mixing glass, and then straining into the chilled glass. The final touch is expressing a lemon twist over the surface for aroma.
1. Place your serving glass (coupe or Nick & Nora) in the freezer to chill for at least 15 minutes.
2. Combine the gin, sake, blanc vermouth, fino sherry, and hinoki tincture in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Stir briskly with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is well-frosted and the drink is perfectly chilled and diluted.
5. Strain the cocktail into your pre-chilled serving glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink, and squeeze it to express the citrus oils over the surface.
7. Garnish by dropping the lemon twist into the glass. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
The cocktail is simply garnished with a lemon twist. Expressing the citrus oils over the drink's surface adds a bright aromatic top note that complements the woody hinoki.
- Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the surface of the drink and drop it in or place it on the rim.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and typically gluten-free, as distilled spirits and sake do not contain gluten.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
As a spirit-forward drink, its calories come primarily from the alcohol. It is very low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a relatively lean cocktail choice.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 3-4 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 2-3 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect as a pre-dinner apéritif to stimulate the palate. It's an excellent choice for sophisticated cocktail parties or for a quiet, contemplative drink at home.
- Aperitif
- Sophisticated Gathering
- Quiet Evening Drink
- Cocktail Bar Visit
Pairing suggestions
The Hinoki Martini's savory and aromatic profile pairs wonderfully with Japanese cuisine, especially clean flavors like sushi, sashimi, and edamame. Its saline notes also complement oysters and other light seafood, while its dry character cuts through the richness of salted nuts.
- Sushi and Sashimi
- Edamame with sea salt
- Lightly salted nuts
- Oysters
- Japanese pickles (tsukemono)
The Hinoki Martini: A Forest Bath in a Glass
The Hinoki Martini is a testament to the art of modern mixology, a drink that is both an homage to a classic and a bold step into new sensory territory. Created by Masahiro Urushido, it captures the essence of Japanese tranquility through the unique aroma of hinoki wood. Combining gin, sake, vermouth, and sherry, it offers a complex yet perfectly balanced profile that is dry, savory, and deeply aromatic. It's a sophisticated cocktail that rewards a discerning palate and offers a truly unique drinking experience.
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