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Unapologetic chick drink of the week: Umeshu
Straight up or on the rocks, this age-old, sweet institution is not just for your average granny or student lightweight
On the rocks means little glass. Mixed with soda water means big mug. Umeshu -- usually called plum wine but more accurately plum liqueur -- may be the secret lifeblood of Tokyo. Wherever you go, there it is. Easy to serve, easy to drink and it won't burn a hole in your wallet.
Traditionally an apéritif, umeshu should be tried with everything. Savor it on-the-rocks at a ramshackle yakitori joint in Piss Alley, or straight-up at 8am to nurse a hangover with sashimi at Tsukiji market. Umeshu can even be mixed with gin and tonic, vodka or absinthe at that temple of fruit-fusioned cocktails -- Star Bar Ginza (Sankosha Building B1F, Ginza 1-5-13, Chuo-ku, tel. 03 3535 8005, starbar.jp, Monday-Friday, 6pm-2am, Saturday 6pm-12am). Or make a statement by sipping its simplicity at Trump Room (Hoshi Building 4F, Jinnan 1-12-14, Shibuya Ku, tel. 03 3770 2325), the shrine of gilted mirrors and rococo-inspired decadence.
In a city that takes its drink menu very seriously and lays claim to the Million Dollar Margarita and the US$18,000 martini, good old umeshu is somehow able to rise above the ostentation. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
Traditionally an apéritif, umeshu should be tried with everything. Savor it on-the-rocks at a ramshackle yakitori joint in Piss Alley, or straight-up at 8am to nurse a hangover with sashimi at Tsukiji market. Umeshu can even be mixed with gin and tonic, vodka or absinthe at that temple of fruit-fusioned cocktails -- Star Bar Ginza (Sankosha Building B1F, Ginza 1-5-13, Chuo-ku, tel. 03 3535 8005, starbar.jp, Monday-Friday, 6pm-2am, Saturday 6pm-12am). Or make a statement by sipping its simplicity at Trump Room (Hoshi Building 4F, Jinnan 1-12-14, Shibuya Ku, tel. 03 3770 2325), the shrine of gilted mirrors and rococo-inspired decadence.
In a city that takes its drink menu very seriously and lays claim to the Million Dollar Margarita and the US$18,000 martini, good old umeshu is somehow able to rise above the ostentation. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
