As the festive season approaches, a London restaurant has unveiled the perfect make-ahead cocktail that doubles as a thoughtful Christmas gift. Humble Chicken in London's West End has shared the recipe for its signature Yuzu Vesper, a citrussy, martini-style pre-mix that can be stored for up to three weeks.
The Art of the Batch Cocktail
Created by Aidan Monk, the restaurant and beverage manager at Humble Chicken, this cocktail is designed for convenience and celebration. The premise is simple: prepare a large batch, store it in a glass bottle in the fridge, and it's ready to serve ice-cold whenever guests arrive. Alternatively, it can be bottled elegantly and given as a festive present to friends or loved ones.
The drink is a sophisticated union of spirits with a distinct Japanese influence. It combines 300ml of a herbaceous London dry gin (the venue uses Sapling), 200ml of sake from the Kanpai Urban Brewery in Peckham, and 100ml of Japanese vodka (Haku). The unique citrus kick comes from 50g of yuzu juice, while homemade jasmine syrup and a cold brew jasmine tea infusion add floral, aromatic depth.
Crafting the Yuzu Vesper at Home
The recipe, which serves eight or more people, involves two key preparatory steps. First, a jasmine syrup is made by gently heating 25ml of brewed jasmine tea with 25g of cane sugar. Second, a cold brew tea is created by infusing two teaspoons of jasmine silver needle tea leaves in 200ml of cold water in the fridge for at least four hours.
Once these elements are ready, the premix is assembled by combining all the liquid ingredients in a large jug. The mixture is then decanted into a clean one-litre glass bottle for storage. Aidan Monk recommends serving 90-120ml of the premix straight into a chilled martini glass, just like a classic martini, or poured over ice for a slightly fresher take.
A Festive Drink with Lasting Appeal
This recipe highlights the growing trend for high-quality, batchable cocktails that don't sacrifice complexity for convenience. By using premium ingredients like Tori 'Bird' Junmai Daiginjo sake from a London-based brewery and specialist yuzu juice, it brings a touch of restaurant expertise into the home.
The three-week shelf life of the Yuzu Vesper premix makes it an exceptionally practical choice for the busy holiday period. It allows hosts to prepare a sophisticated drink in advance, ensuring more time is spent with guests rather than at the drinks cabinet. Its suitability for gifting also offers a personalised and memorable alternative to traditional Christmas presents.
