TAIKO BAR LAUNCHES HANAMI, THEIR NEW COCKTAIL MENU
words by NATALIE GAL
We were invited to an elegant tasting of the new Hanami cocktail menu at the stunning Taiko Bar, located inside the iconic Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam.
The bar exudes an Asian fusion aesthetic, dimly lit, tastefully detailed, and undeniably chic. We tried four exquisite cocktails, and as a cocktail enthusiast, I was thrilled.
The Sakura
Floral, smooth, and fruity, this cocktail enchanted the entire room. Made with Tequila Partida Blanco, cherries, and sakura tea, it’s a tribute to cherry blossom season. A true flavour bomb: juicy cherry bursts with a creamy edge, subtly floral with a touch of honey.
The drink was served in a tall, delicate glass that, to me, resembled a sakura tree, lean and elegant, crowned with a vivid red liquid. For many, this has been the favourite drink of the evening.
Midori Meron
A cocktail that looks like absinthe, glowing in the glass with a hypnotic green hue. It balances fruit and acidity perfectly, with mezcal Los Mistrios, melon, basil, and green Chartreuse coming together in harmony.
It’s crisp, refreshing, and vibrant, something you could picture sipping on a glamorous boat in the Caribbean. If you're a basil lover, this one’s an absolute dream.
A5
One of the most masterfully crafted cocktails I’ve ever had. Rich, spiced, and nutty, this is more than a drink, it’s a full-blown experience.
Crafted with Maker’s Mark bourbon, amaretto, shiitake, and wagyu fat wash, the cocktail is smoked before your eyes. It smells like a perfectly lit BBQ, and the flavour has a powerful kick. Impossible to stop smelling, impossible to forget. Could this just be James Bond’s next iconic drink?
Kare
I choose my words carefully when I say this is one of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted. A daring yet genius blend of red curry, Diplomatico and Eminente rum, and sake with apple infusion.
It’s cold, fruity (but not sweet), spicy, and umami all at once. The balance is outstanding, salty, spicy, sweet, and juicy are in perfect harmony. Curry in a cocktail is a bold move, but here, it’s a bold win.
