Samurai Sword

The Samurai Sword is a modern cocktail that brilliantly combines the botanical notes of gin with the delicate, savory qualities of sake. Fresh muddled cucumber and lime juice provide a bright, cooling crispness, while a touch of simple syrup balances the flavors. It's a sophisticated yet approachable drink, perfect for those who enjoy clean and refreshing cocktails with a unique Japanese-inspired twist.
Samurai Sword

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Samurai Sword is classified as a cocktail, specifically a modern classic. It falls into the category of shaken, sour-style drinks, recognized for its innovative combination of ingredients that has gained popularity in contemporary mixology.

Serving

This is a cold, spirit-forward but refreshing cocktail served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its alcohol content is moderate, making it a sophisticated but not overpowering choice.
Serving size
Approximately 135 ml / 4.5 oz
Alcohol content
~22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by mixologist Michael McIlroy at the acclaimed New York City bar Attaboy, which occupies the former space of the legendary Milk & Honey. The Samurai Sword is a testament to the modern classic cocktail movement of the early 21st century. It showcases a beautiful fusion of Eastern and Western ingredients, resulting in a perfectly balanced and elegant drink that has become a staple at modern cocktail bars.
Origin
Created at the Attaboy bar in New York City, USA, in the 2010s.

Samurai Sword

The drink is consistently known as the Samurai Sword or Samurai Sword Cocktail. There are no significant alternative names for this specific recipe.
Original name
Samurai Sword
Alternative name
Samurai Sword Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Samurai Sword boasts a clean, crisp flavor dominated by fresh cucumber and bright lime, with botanical notes from the gin and a subtle savory undertone from the sake. Its pale green appearance and smooth texture make it a highly refreshing and elegant summery drink.
Flavor
Cucumber, citrusy, botanical, slightly savory, clean, crisp
Aroma
Fresh cucumber, lime zest, juniper, subtle rice notes from sake
Taste balance
Sour, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale green, slightly cloudy
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is primarily sour and refreshing, with a moderate sweetness to balance. The alcohol presence is noticeable but well-integrated, and it has no carbonation, saltiness, or spiciness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need gin and sake as the alcoholic base, complemented by fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a few slices of fresh cucumber. All ingredients are readily available at most liquor and grocery stores.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic juniper-forward gin works best to cut through the other flavors.
  • Junmai Sake45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A dry, crisp Junmai sake is recommended for its clean flavor profile.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best taste.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
  • Cucumber Slices3
    Thinly sliced, for muddling. Use a seedless variety if possible.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This cocktail requires standard bartending tools: a shaker set for mixing, a jigger for accurate measurements, a muddler for the cucumber, and a fine strainer to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing.
  • Muddler for pressing the cucumber.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining.

Instructions

The process involves muddling fresh cucumber, adding the liquid ingredients and ice to a shaker, shaking until well-chilled, and then double-straining into a chilled coupe glass. A simple cucumber garnish completes the drink.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Add the 3 cucumber slices to the bottom of your cocktail shaker.
3. Gently muddle the cucumber to release its juice and essential oils. Do not pulverize it.
4. Add the gin, sake, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
5. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
6. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
7. Double-strain the mixture through the shaker's strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass. This removes small cucumber bits and ice shards.
8. Garnish with a fresh cucumber ribbon or wheel and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a cucumber ribbon or wheel enhances the drink's fresh aroma and provides an elegant visual appeal, signaling the key flavor within.
  • Cucumber ribbon placed inside the glass before pouring, or a thin cucumber wheel on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is also suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets (assuming distilled gin is used).
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink has a relatively low calorie count for a cocktail, with moderate carbohydrate and sugar content primarily from the simple syrup and lime juice. Nutritional values are estimates.
Calories
Approximately 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 11 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal for warm weather occasions like summer parties or as a refreshing aperitif before a meal. Its clean, Japanese-inspired flavor profile also makes it an excellent choice for pairing with sushi, sashimi, or other light Asian dishes.
  • Summer party
  • Cocktail hour
  • Aperitif
  • Pairing with Asian cuisine

Pairing suggestions

The clean and crisp profile of the Samurai Sword makes it an exceptional partner for Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi and sashimi. It also pairs well with other light dishes like grilled fish, tempura, and fresh salads, as its flavors complement rather than overpower the food.
  • Sushi and sashimi
  • Lightly fried tempura
  • Edamame
  • Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette
  • Grilled white fish

The Samurai Sword: A Sharp and Refreshing Modern Classic

The Samurai Sword is a sophisticated and highly refreshing modern classic cocktail from the esteemed New York bar Attaboy. It expertly balances the botanical character of gin with the subtle umami of sake, all brightened by the coolness of fresh cucumber and the sharpness of lime. Served ice-cold in a coupe glass, it's an elegant, clean-tasting, and perfectly balanced drink. It is ideal for warm weather, as a pre-dinner aperitif, or as an exquisite companion to Japanese cuisine.