Saigo Collins

You may have heard of the Irish revolutionary, Michael Collins, who shares the last name of of the famous John and Tom Collins cocktails. Saigo Takamori is a Japanese revolutionary figure honored in this mashup of drink styles, the Saigo Collins.

This is the perfect combo for a Cherry Blossom festival coinciding with St. Patrick's Day green drinks. 

It is an Irish whiskey John Collins with the addition of sake and matcha powder. The bitterness of matcha goes well with sweet Irish whiskey. This is a very green and earthy drink, which sake helps to usher along. And surprisingly it is very fizzy and refreshing. Check out the green maraschino cherry. It is there more for looks than flavor, but it tastes like bitter almond, so have at it if you like.

• 2 oz. Irish whiskey
• 1 oz. sake
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. matcha powder
• orange wedge
• green maraschino cherry

Combine matcha and liquid ingredients in a shaker and shake to combine the matcha evenly. Add ice and shake to chill and pour into a Collins glass. Top with soda and stir. Garnish with cherry and orange.