Genmaicha Whisky Highball

The Japanese highball is already a masterpiece of simplicity—whisky, soda, ice. Adding genmaicha-infused sparkling water takes it somewhere extraordinary, layering the whisky's oak and vanilla with the tea's toasted rice and popcorn warmth.

Infuse the sparkling water by cold-brewing genmaicha in it overnight. The carbonation will soften slightly, but the flavor it picks up is worth it. Use a mild soda water, not tonic—you want the tea to shine.

Choose a Japanese whisky if you can (Suntory Toki or Nikka Days work beautifully), but any light, smooth whisky or bourbon will do. The genmaicha adds enough character that even a simple blend becomes interesting.

For a zero-proof version, skip the whisky entirely—the genmaicha soda on its own with a squeeze of yuzu or lemon and a dash of simple syrup is a spectacular non-alcoholic drink.