Mizuwari
The Mizuwari is a beautifully simple highball cocktail that showcases the elegance and subtlety of Japanese whisky. With just whisky, water, and ice, this drink emphasizes balance and appreciation for nuanced flavors, offering a refreshing, contemplative experience perfect for slow sipping.
Mizuwari
The Mizuwari is a beautifully simple highball cocktail that showcases the elegance and subtlety of Japanese whisky. With just whisky, water, and ice, this drink emphasizes balance and appreciation for nuanced flavors, offering a refreshing, contemplative experience perfect for slow sipping.
- Japanese whisky60 ml (2 oz)Choose a smooth, high-quality brand like Suntory or Nikka
- Chilled still water120 ml (4 oz)Filtered or bottled water for the cleanest flavor
- Ice1 noteUse one large ice cube or high-quality clear cubes
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Ice tongs
Fill a highball glass with a large ice cube or several clear, hard ice cubes.
Pour 2 oz of Japanese whisky over the ice.
Gently stir the whisky and ice for about 10 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the spirit.
Add 4 oz of chilled still water to the glass.
Stir gently again, about 10-15 times, to combine and further chill the drink.
Optional: Add an additional small ice cube if desired. Sip slowly and enjoy.
- Showcases the delicate flavors of Japanese whisky
- Light, refreshing, and perfect for slow sipping
- Low alcohol content makes it easy to enjoy over a long evening
- Elegant and simple presentation
- Great introduction to Japanese whisky for newcomers
Mizuwari, which means 'mixed with water' in Japanese, traces its roots back to Japan’s whisky bars and izakayas, where it became a popular way to enjoy whisky in the 20th century. The technique highlights the delicate complexity of Japanese whisky, which is often softer and more nuanced than other styles. By diluting the whisky with chilled water, the drinker unlocks subtle aromas and flavors that might otherwise go unnoticed. The Mizuwari ritual is as much about the preparation and appreciation as it is about the drink itself, making it a beloved tradition in Japanese drinking culture.
A thin lemon peel or twist—expressed over the drink and placed on the rim. The citrus oils delicately enhance the whisky's aroma without overpowering its subtlety.
Approximately 100 calories per serving, with negligible fat and sugar. Low in carbohydrates; calories primarily come from the whisky.