Exotic drinks inspired by cherry blossom season
WHAT'S in a cocktail name? Yuzu Call Me Kawaii is the playful moniker of a Choya-based cocktail that sounds like “you should call me kawaii” (cute in Japanese).

In the sweet-and-sour drink, the refreshing burst of yuzu citrus paired effortlessly with the smooth, aromatic Choya umeshu left a lasting impression.

Choya is a liqueur made from plum blossom.

“We use Choya Kokuto, which incorporates brown sugar and is mixed with salted plum soda, yuzu and honey foam.

“It has an inviting aromatic fragrance and pairs well with the citrusy notes of yuzu,” said Woobar head mixologist Yashodan Sinniah.

Inspired by the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms, Woobar at W Kuala Lumpur hotel has been transformed into Sakura Garden at Living Room, a periodic activation until July 8.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted with soft pink cherry blossom petals creating a dreamlike canopy over a wooden bridge while the seating area is adorned with sakura-themed decorations.

The food and cocktail menus have been specially crafted for the occasion as the bar has also teamed up with Choya to introduce some of the new cocktails.

The Silk Road Scenery cocktail, for example, is perfect in its presentation.

The Berrieslicious Sandwich with whipped cream and wild berries drizzled with honey.

It is served in a Japanese Mount Fuji glass flanked by a tiny bonsai on a wooden platform, with fog-like mist from dry ice emitting from beneath, depicting the scenery along the Silk Road.

The flavours of Choya Uji green tea umeshu that goes well with 1883 Elderflower, lemon, coconut milk and sun melon air foam is nothing short of amazing.

For something refreshing, try the Senpai Goes to Mexico cocktail, a mix of Marca Negra Mezcal, house-made cucumber liqueur, lime juice, Kirin syrup and beer foam.

With a hint of maltiness from the beer, the distinct and complex flavours of agave from the Mezcal shines amid the refreshing cucumber liqueur, giving it a well-balanced taste.

Mini Mac and Senpai Goes to Mexico cocktail presented during a masterclass.

The creamy Kyoto Kiss cocktail, a blend of Bumbu rum, matcha, creme de menthe, heavy cream and topped with milk air chips, is a delight.

Choya exclusive importer and sole distributor J-Brands (M) Sdn Bhd vice-president Jensen Boo thanked W Kuala Lumpur for the collaboration opportunity.

“Choya is an easy drink to enjoy as an aperitif while winding down after a tiring day.

“It can also be an after-meal dessert,” he said.

From June 10, cocktail lovers can join a one-hour cocktail masterclass for a private cocktail and dessert experience for RM198nett per person on Fridays and weekends, featuring three drinks and food items.

The Silk Road Scenery is presented enveloped in a fog-like mist.

Visitors can also order food to accompany their cocktails.

Among the favourites is Mini Mac, comprising mini beef waffle sliders, quail egg, streaky beef, sweet relish and mac sauce.

The crispy waffles sandwiching the fillings like a burger provide a savoury burst of flavours as the meat is succulent.

The Berrieslicious Sandwich, featuring vanilla waffles with whipped cream and wild berries drizzled with honey, strikes a balance between sweet and sour.

For something sweet, the Kopi dish is a must-have, consisting of coffee brioche toast served with Biscoff crumb, Snickers chocolate and chocolate soft-serve ice cream.

The Kyoto Kiss has a creamy texture.

The Sakura Garden at Living Room is also offering Cherry-picked Bites (Weekday Sakura Hi-Tea) until June 28 at RM108nett per person and Cherry-picked Perfections (Weekend Sakura Hi-Tea Buffet) until June 30 at RM148nett per person.

Both hi-teas are available from 3pm to 6pm.

Additionally, there will be Geisha Night (Ladies Night) every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm where ladies will get four free drinks.

WOOBAR, W Kuala Lumpur, 121 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 012-347 9088) Business hours: 11am to 11pm (Monday to Thursday and Sunday), 11am to midnight (Friday and Saturday).

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
sakura garden,woobar,w hotel,cherry blossom
What’s in a cocktail name? Yuzu Call Me Kawaii is the playful moniker of a Choya-based cocktail that sounds like “you should call me kawaii” (cute in Japanese).