Japanese Cocktail recipe
A historic 1862 stirred blend of cognac, aromatic bitters, and rich almond orgeat syrup.
Method: Stir and strain ·
Glass: Chilled Nick & Nora glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Old Fashioned Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cognac (VSOP or similar quality brandy)
- 0.5 oz Orgeat syrup (Almond syrup)
- 3 dashes Aromatic bitters (Angostura or Boker's bitters)
How to make a Japanese Cocktail
- Add cognac, orgeat syrup, and aromatic bitters to a mixing glass filled with cracked ice.
- Stir briskly for 30 seconds to chill and dilute properly.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
- Express a fresh lemon peel over the surface of the drink to release aromatic oils.
Garnish
Express the oils from a lemon peel over the surface and discard or rest on the rim.
Pro tip
Use high-quality orgeat made with genuine almonds and orange flower water to provide structural depth. Avoid adding citrus juice directly into the mixing glass, as the original 1862 recipe relies solely on aromatic bitters for balance.
History of the Japanese Cocktail
First published in Jerry Thomas’s seminal 1862 guide, How to Mix Drinks, the Japanese Cocktail emerged during an era when American mixologists began experimenting with exotic imported ingredients like French cognac and almond orgeat. Popular legend often connects the drink’s name to the first Japanese diplomatic delegation visiting the United States in 1860, though cocktail historians note that Thomas frequently named drinks after contemporary cultural events to capture public fascination. Regardless of its exact provenance, this spirit-forward creation established a timeless template for balancing rich brandy with nutty sweetness and aromatic spice.
Flavour profile
rich, nutty, aromatic, dry
Variations
- Japanese Highball — Lengthen the drink over Japanese whisky and soda water in a tall glass with a lemon wedge.
- Tokyo Sour — Add fresh lemon juice and shake the ingredients to transform the classic stirred format into a sour.
Practise making the Japanese Cocktail in the free Virtual Bar game.