Let us fantasize for a minute here: we're in the Yucatan, having drinks on chaise lounges by the infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. In this fantasy, I have a hot JLo bikini bod. Hell yah! Reality: the "Gulf of Mexico" is actually a kiddie pool I...
What a crazy roller coaster ride these last few weeks have been. And it ain't over yet, folks, so strap in. Most of us now, across the globe, are advised to stay put. And we don't know what to do with ourselves. Our daily routines have gone...
Louis Anderman, founder of Miracle Mile Bitters, used to make Celery Bitters in very limited quantities only. We love his rendition of these bitters, savory and earthy, and have been begging him for years to make this a part of his regular line-up. And it's finally here! Made with celery...
In celebration of Yoko's most recent honey harvest, I've come up with a simple recipe for the iconic cocktail, Bee's Knees, but with a Japanese twist of course. So we'll call it Hachee's Knees! In Japanese, hachi means bee – I can't take credit for the clever...
Our bartender Brad has been with us since we first opened our bar in May. He had been a longtime customer of ours in our old space, and Sake Gumi member! When we started looking for a bartender, Brad naturally came to mind, and we...
Our move to a new location was motivated mainly by one thing: opening a bar! The Umami Mart Bar, located inside our shop, is an intimate space where you can enjoy sakes, shochus, and beers from Japan. And cocktails too! We've put a couple of our favorite...
Recently, Japanese gin distillery Ki No Bi released Ki No Tou Old Tom Gin, and Ki No Bi Sei Navy Strength Gin, here in California. This is a momentous occasion not just for Japanese spirits, but for the gin world as well. Ki No Bi is...
When Yoko told me that this month's Sake Gumi theme was genshu sakes, I was so excited. This was a prime opportunity to develop some new cocktails! Since genshu sakes are tank strength, they have not been diluted (most sakes are diluted with water to bring down the ABV) –...
I seriously suck at gardening. I've even been known to kill succulents – that's how bad I am at keeping plants alive. Luckily, I'm surrounded by people with green thumbs, and I get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This...
If we were in Japan right now, Yoko and I would shut down Umami Mart for a week and spend our days hanami-ing – picnicking under sakura (cherry blossom) trees with bentos and sake with friends, joyful that spring is here while blossoms flutter all around. Just look at...
I found this cocktail inside Ted Haigh's Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails book that we carry at Umami Mart. Aptly named the Mother-In-Law cocktail, it is indeed a stiff enough drink to prepare you for a visit with the in-laws. There's nothing...
This is a refreshing cocktail that is low in alcohol. I hope that it excites and inspires passion and love this Valentine's Day!
A simple stirred cocktail, made with Cognac, Cardamaro, and Sour Cherry Bitters. Add sparkling wine to make it extra festive.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make a cocktail using with fresh passion fruit, barley shochu, ume bitters, and honey.
This elegant sake-based cocktail is light on its feet and brought together with a barspoon of Genepy. Also contains Michter's Rye whisky.
My best friend Sara wrote a book and it just came out! It's called Never Ever and it is a young adult fiction novel recreating the story of Peter Pan. I just finished the book yesterday and I must say that...
Scroll to the bottom for updated recipe notes and photo! - Kayoko, 6/30/2020Ah, Mexico. We went to Cabo San Lucas over New Year's and had a magical time. We were captivated by the sea breeze... ... the abundantly fresh seafood...
A play on the classic French 75 cocktail recipe using yuzu juice, sparkling wine, and umeshu (plum wine) substituting for gin.
Don't Call This a Saketini is a take on the traditional Martini, using a dry sake instead of vermouth.
Turn sweet and sour kumquats into a delicious and refreshing liqueur with this easy, step-by-step recipe.
