Cookwith

Name: Kyoto Paper Crane: A Japanese-Inspired Paper Plane Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1 oz Japanese whisky (e.g., Suntory Toki or Nikka Days); 1 oz Umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur); 1 oz Yuzu juice (fresh or bottled); 1 oz Aperol; Ice cubes; Yuzu or lemon peel twist, for garnish

Kyoto Paper Crane: A Japanese-Inspired Paper Plane Cocktail

HarvestPasta5970

The Kyoto Paper Crane is a playful, elegant riff on the classic Paper Plane cocktail, taking inspiration from the delicate artistry of Japanese mixology. Japanese whisky adds a mellow smokiness, umeshu brings gentle plum sweetness, and bright, aromatic yuzu juice replaces the typical lemon for a uniquely refreshing citrus note. Balanced by the bittersweet Aperol, this cocktail is both familiar and new—perfect for sipping on a warm Colorado evening. The yuzu or lemon peel garnish elevates the aroma, making this drink as delightful to smell as it is to taste.

Ingredients

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Add Japanese whisky, umeshu, yuzu juice, and Aperol to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
Strain mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Garnish with a yuzu or lemon peel twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Kyoto Paper Crane.