As the festive season approaches, a London restaurant has unveiled the perfect make-ahead cocktail that doubles as a thoughtful homemade gift. Humble Chicken in London's West End has shared its signature Yuzu Vesper recipe, a citrussy, martini-style union of spirits that can be batched and stored for up to three weeks.
The Recipe: A Fusion of London and Japanese Flavours
Created by Aidan Monk, the restaurant and beverage manager at Humble Chicken in London W1, this cocktail is a sophisticated blend of British and Japanese ingredients. The recipe serves eight or more people and combines 300ml of a herbaceous London dry gin (the venue uses Sapling), 200ml of Junmai Daiginjo sake from Kanpai Urban Brewery in Peckham, and 100ml of Japanese Haku vodka.
The distinctive citrus kick comes from 50g of yuzu juice, a prized Japanese citrus fruit, while the floral notes are provided by a homemade jasmine syrup and a cold-brewed jasmine silver needle tea infusion. The process involves making a simple syrup from brewed jasmine tea and cane sugar, and separately steeping tea leaves in cold water for at least four hours to create a delicate cold brew.
Batch, Bottle, and Gift: The Ultimate Festive Prep
The beauty of this Yuzu Vesper recipe lies in its convenience as a pre-mix. Once all components are combined in a large jug, the mixture is poured into a clean one-litre glass bottle and sealed. It must be stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three weeks.
This makes it an ideal solution for spontaneous festive entertaining, ensuring an ice-cold, professional-quality cocktail is always ready to pour. Alternatively, the bottled premix presents a unique and personal Christmas gift idea for a loved one or friend, offering a taste of a top London bar at home.
How to Serve Your Yuzu Vesper
To serve, simply pour between 90ml and 120ml of the premix into a chilled martini glass and enjoy it straight, just like a classic martini. For those who prefer a slightly fresher, more diluted drink, it can also be poured over ice. The cocktail balances the botanical notes of gin, the clean precision of Japanese vodka, the umami depth of sake, and the vibrant, tart aroma of yuzu.
With its elegant fusion of flavours and practical make-ahead format, Humble Chicken's Yuzu Vesper is set to become a standout feature of the festive party season and beyond.
