Zuma has recently launched a cocktail menu that captures the serene beauty of the Japanese zen garden.
Zuma, the urban izakaya-style restaurant, introduces "Japanese Garden" — a series of eight cocktails crafted by bar manager Davide Sambo. Priced at B480 each, the drinks are centred around the elements of a Japanese zen garden, perfectly complementing the restaurant's tranquillity-in-the-city ambience.
Sambo puts a spin on classic cocktail recipes, with a dash of homemade ingredients in every glass. The Nashi cooler is essentially a Sex On The Beach, but with a refreshing and fruity taste that's on point with the original recipe. The orange umeshu and sour shiso foam add a hefty citrus kick, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Out of the two versions of martini on the menu, the Matsuri martini is a clear standout with its glass covered in sakura powder and its silky flower tea yoghurt and sakura Mancino vermouth. Clear evidence that effort has been made to pull off the Japanese garden theme. The result is a smooth and floral martini that's a true delight for the senses.
And what's a night at a Japanese cocktail bar without trying a highball? The "Sagano Highball" stands out with a light hint of saltiness and a Thai dessert inspiration. No spoiler alerts, here!
Our personal favourite? The "Kanto Southside", a gin-and-mezcal concoction with a unique umami from miso that hits your palate with a bang. And when paired with a green tea sponge cake cube, the earthy taste adds another layer of complexity to your sip.
Zuma on the ground floor of the St Regis Bangkok on Ratchadamri Road, is open daily from 11.30am-3pm and from 6pm-1am. Call 02-111-8999.
