Mizuwari: The Art of Japanese Highball

If you are uninitiated to “highball”, the Japanese art of drinking, the word might bring to your mind a game played at casinos. But, interestingly, it is a cocktail with a spirit base which is mixed with a larger percentage of non-alcoholic mixer and served with ice in a tall glass. Since 1920, the Japanese have been making whisky. They love to combine their meals with alcohol. However, it was difficult to drink whisky straight during a meal. The Japanese art of drinking whisky is known as “Mizuwari”, which means mixed with water.

This cocktail became popular in 1950 when the Japanese were recovering from war and witnessed financial constraints. It was an inexpensive way to drink whisky. However, there was a slump in whisky consumption in 1980 and early 1990s. One important factor which led to the resurgence of the highball was the Suntory campaign. To rival beer, it came up with highball in a can. With the attention which Japanese whisky is getting these days, it’s not a surprise that highball is making a comeback.

For a perfect Mizuwari, first fill your glass with ice, add a dose of whisky for every 2 to 2.5 doses of mineral water. The “highball” is that version of Mizuwari where sparkling water is used with whisky. It is one of the most revered cocktails in Japan. The modern Mizuwari recipes recommend using more water than before.

To make the Mizuwari, add ice to a highball glass. Next stir the ice with a bar-spoon to chill the glass. Make sure that you discard the melted water. Next, add whisky and stir 13 and half times clockwise. Carefully add the sparkling water and again stir 3 and half times clockwise. Make sure that you do not spill and spoil the drink. When you are highballing, go with a light whisky such as Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony or Nikka Coffey Grain. Your magical potion is ready.

Take a Break on No Dishes Day

Ok, this is for real. On No Dishes Day on May 18, you can choose to give a miss to the mundane task of washing dirty dishes. Grab life by the collar on this day, show it your disapproving face and sternly say, “Today you cannot boss me around. I’ll do just what I please.” If there’s one thing that all of us can relate to, it is the drudgery of housework. On this day give yourself a break, take a moment, sit back and marvel at what life has to offer. The breakup which made you wiser, the tough manager who increased your coping skills, the fleeting friendships which made you realize the importance of being emotionally independent. Or, in the sheer bliss of not having to do the dishes, you could simply celebrate. Get the entire family together and go out for a good meal in a plush restaurant, or order a takeaway and opt for disposable dishes. In case you plan to host a house party, fetch that dishwasher which was lying in your loft unused. At least, eat things which do not require utensils. Whatever you do, just don’t create dirty dishes which make you stay up late and brood.

Honouring Dad: Whiskies for Father’s Day

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Father is a treasure”. On Father’s Day, we want to express this emotion and honour fathers for their contribution to their children’s lives. And a good father deserves a whisky that makes them feel admired and loved at the end of the day. So, this Father’s Day, you can gift him a whisky that complements his personality, wrapped in a fancy wrapper with a bow tied around it, to make the occasion more special.

The Glenlivet Vs Macallan Single Malt Whisky

The Glenlivet Whisky & Macallan whisky are the important single malt whisky of Speyside region. Being from the same region they have different loyal fan base. Click to know the comparison between the two to settle The Glenlivet Vs Macallan battle once and for all.