Inspired by Katsushika Hokusai's iconic “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”, Kanagawa is a cocktail that blends smoky mezcal, bright citrus, floral notes, and striking presentation into a drink that feels as dynamic as the artwork itself. Equal parts visual spectacle and balanced cocktail, it transforms a famous piece of art into a memorable drinking experience.
As part of unsobered's newest IP, Bar Talks, a space where bars, bartenders, and signature cocktails take center stage through stories, recipes, and the personalities behind them. For this edition, Bar Talks heads to Foo, India No.1 Pan Asian Tapas Restaurant, to explore the story behind Kanagawa and the creativity that brings it to life.
Inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the cocktail captures movement, emotion, and balance through both flavor and presentation. Built with blue pea rested mezcal, homemade citrus curaçao, floral liqueur, fresh lemon juice, vegan foamer, and saline solution, Kanagawa delivers a layered drinking experience with fruity, smoky, and floral notes.
The cocktail is visually striking as well, featuring a vibrant purple hue topped with smooth white froth and an intricate wave-patterned meringue garnish. Served in a waved Old Fashioned glass over a block of ice, Kanagawa is designed to bring together flavor, texture, and visual artistry in every sip.
Step 1: Start by adding the blue pea rested mezcal, homemade citrus curaçao, floral liqueur, fresh lemon juice, vegan foamer, and saline solution to a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Dry shake the mixture to create texture and build the desired foam.
Step 3: Add ice and shake again until thoroughly chilled, then fine-strain the cocktail into a waved Old Fashioned glass over a large block of ice.
Step 4: Finish with the signature egg white meringue garnish designed to resemble ocean waves.
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Akash Singh serves as the Beverage Manager at FOO and has built a reputation for combining storytelling, technique, and creativity within his cocktail programs. His approach focuses on creating drinks that deliver both flavor and emotional connection, often drawing inspiration from culture, art, and personal experiences.
Over the years, Akash has participated in several prestigious bartending competitions, including Monin Cup, Diageo World Class, Diplomatico, Elite Martini Master, Iwai Bartender Competition, World American Whiskey Competition, and Bacardi Legacy. These experiences have helped shape a cocktail philosophy rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and immersive guest experiences.
For Kanagawa, that philosophy is evident in every detail, from the ingredients and flavor structure to the visual presentation and narrative behind the drink.
FOO is one of India's most recognizable Pan-Asian dining brands, known for balancing serious flavors with a fun and approachable personality. The restaurant has built a loyal following through its combination of contemporary Asian cuisine, energetic hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere.
From sushi and dim sum to inventive cocktails and bold small plates, FOO focuses on creating experiences that extend beyond the plate or glass. The venue's playful yet polished identity makes it a natural home for cocktails like Kanagawa, where creativity and storytelling play just as important a role as technical execution.
Kanagawa proves that great cocktails can be both technically impressive and emotionally engaging. Through smoky mezcal, bright citrus, floral accents, and a presentation inspired by one of Japan's most celebrated artworks, the drink captures movement, balance, and beauty in every sip.
Whether you're drawn to its striking appearance, its layered flavor profile, or the story behind its creation, Kanagawa serves as a reminder that cocktails are often at their best when they become more than just a combination of ingredients. At FOO, that philosophy takes shape in the form of a purple-hued wave that is every bit as memorable as the masterpiece that inspired it.
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