Love Drinks rolls out Japan’s La Liqueur Triad
Love Drinks’ Japanese portfolio has blossomed further with roll out of a trio of the much-revered liqueurs from the ‘La’ brand ahead of Japan’s National Day on the 11th of February and British springtime.
Part of the Ikigai Collection, which has been carefully curated by BBC Spirits, the Japanese triad of liqueurs includes the La Tomato, La Yuzu and La Okinawa.
Produced at the Tokyo distillery by distinguished sake and shochu producer, Godo Shusei Co, the ‘La’ brand is widely respected throughout Japanese mixology due to the great care and skill that is put into the ingredient selection, flavour creation and artisan production.
Samantha Burke, Managing Director of Love Drinks, commented: “Bold Asian flavours continue to be popular across kitchen and bar menus so we’re delighted to add this much-acclaimed trio to our portfolio ahead of Japan’s National Day and what will be an exciting summer. They’re products that mixologists absolutely love in order to add depth and unique twists to serves so we’re excited to see where their imaginations will take the products this spring and beyond.”
The ‘La’ range now available through Love Drinks includes:
LA TOMATO – Tomato Liqueur – 18% ABV
La Tomato liqueur has a unique aroma of fresh vine tomatoes, which stems from the blend of silky Japanese tomatoes, alcohol and sugar. Highly prized by bartenders, fresh tomato juice is blended with syrup and a neutral white spirit to create a silky, delicate and aromatic product. The genius of this drink lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the precision with which they are blended together.
Signature Serve: Tomatini (50ml Etsu Pacific Ocean Water Gin, 10ml La Tomato, Splash of bitters – shaken & strained/martini glass/cherry tomato for garnish.
LA YUZU – Yuzu Liqueur – 14% ABV
The most famous of all Japanese fruit and a real trend flavour in the UK this past year. Tart and fragrant, this liqueur offers vibrant notes of freshly squeezed yuzu, making it the perfect palate cleanser. The flavour of Japan and a great mixer that can turn any classic cocktail or even a simple tonic water into a bold and innovative drink.
Signature Serve: Yuzu Lady, 50ml Etsu Gin, 20ml La Yuzu Liqueur, 10ml Triple Sec,
10ml Lemon Juice – shaken & strained/martini glass/lemon for garnish
Low Alcohol Signature Serve: Yuzu Tonic Y&T (Low ABV), 50ml La Yuzu Liqueur, topped up with tonic wate – Collins glass/lemon for garnish.
LA OKINAWA – Shikuwasa Liqueur – 14% ABV
A unique citrus fruit called the Skikuwasa, endemic to the Ryukyu Islands. Believed to be one of the secrets to the longevity of the Okinawan people, this fruit is similar to a calamansi but unique in flavour. Fresh juice and a neutral white spirit is blended with fructose syrup to create a smooth and aromatic product. Shikuwasa has been consumed by the local population for many years.
Signature Serve: Kiyoquiri – 50ml Kiyomi Rum, 20ml La Okinawa Liqueur, 20ml Lemon Juice, 10ml Sugar cane syrup – shaken & strained/old fashioned glass/lime for garnish.
Looking to build on the trend for unique Japanese flavours such as yuzu and drinks with absolute authenticity, the ‘La’ launch closely follows the roll out by Love Drinks of three ranges from Japan’s Kurayoshi Distillery in November last year.
Greg Kimber, Director for UK & Ireland at BBC Spirits, said: “With Japan’s National Day approaching and the British springtime not far behind, it’s great to roll out this unbelievable trio of high-class Japanese liqueurs. The quirky ‘La’ brand already has a fanatical following amongst some of Japan’s best and most imaginative mixologists so we’re looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the growing cocktail occasion in the UK.”
For more information visit www.lovedrinks.com or to speak with someone, call 0207 501 9630.
