Recipe: Hinata Korinzu
The Hinata Korinzu is a captivating cocktail that blends the floral characteristics of gin with yuzu marmalade and blueberry syrup; all brightened by fresh lemon juice. With a name partly translating to “Facing the Sun”, it's a chic choice for a refreshing, intriguing drink perfect for those sunny days.
Ingredients:
45ml Gin (try The Hakuto Premium by Matsui.)
30ml fresh lemon juice
20ml yuzu marmalade (lemon marmalade is also a perfect substitute)
15ml blueberry syrup (blueberries blended 1:1 with simple syrup)
Soda water (to top up)
Ice cubes
3-4 blueberries and edible flowers to garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare your glass: Start by chilling your favourite Collins or tall glass. You can do this by filling it with ice and water and setting it aside while you prepare your ingredients. Once the glass is chilled correctly, empty it of ice and water.
2. Add the ingredients: In the chilled Collins glass, add your preferred gin, fresh lemon juice, marmalade, and blueberry syrup.
3. Stir: Using a long cocktail spoon or teaspoon, gently stir the ingredients in the glass. Ensure the marmalade and blueberry syrup are well incorporated with the gin and lemon juice.
4. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes. This will not only chill the drink but also help dilute it slightly for a balanced taste.
5. Top with soda water: Pour the soda water over the mixture to top up the glass and give it another light stir to help spread the flavours throughout the drink.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle a few blueberries on the top and add a couple of edible flowers to make this drink pop! In place of edible flowers, a finely sliced lemon wheel looks just as lovely and helps add a spruce of citrus aroma.
7. Serve: Serve your Hinata Korinzu immediately. Enjoy this flavourful and refreshing gin cocktail that's elevated by the sharpness of blueberries and the decadent mouth feel given by the marmalade.