Sake Brunch

Sake for brunch? Why not?! At least, that is what I thought when I came across these bubbly libations, courtesy of Zipang Sparkling Sake. This weekend, consider swapping your favorite champagne for a pint-size bottle of this light yet sweet effervescence to stir up something other than the ordinary mimosa.


St. Zipang
4 parts Zipang Sparkling Sake
1 part St Germain elderflower liqueur
Splash yuzu simple syrup

Shake the St Germain and yuzu simple syrup over ice and strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with chilled Zipang Sparkling Sake. Garnish with a fresh raspberry.





Sparkling Sugarplum
2 ½ parts Zipang Sparkling Sake
½ part Gekkeikan Plum wine
½ part ginger liqueur or ginger syrup
1 part passion fruit nectar or puree

Combine plum wine, ginger liqueur and passion fruit nectar in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with Zipang sparkling sake, stir gently and garnish with a candied ginger slice.



Ninja Bellini
4 parts Zipang Sparkling Sake
1 part peach liqueur

Pour the peach liqueur into a chilled champagne flute and top with chilled Zipang Sparkling Sake.

What happens in Vegas...

...definitely stays in Vegas -- unless we are talking about cocktails. I've been in town since Thursday, and while there have been many highlights -- Paul Oakenfold, Cirque du Soleil, the Center Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel (above) -- these cocktails deserve an honorable mention. So let's get to it.

Mango Tamarind Martini at Tao in The Venetian: Finlandia Mango, Cranberry Juice, and tamarind

Stoli Doli at Capital Grille: Stoli vodka infused with Dole pineapples for 10 days - a new American classic

Black Rabbit at Okada in Wynn: Takara Shochu (Japanese rice vodka), passion fruit juice, and grenadine

Pom Sangria at Okada in Wynn: Ichinokura sake, vodka, pomegranate juice, and sprite

Momo Punch at Pearl in the MGM Grand: Bacardi rum, Hakasatura sake, coconut milk, and angostura bitters