Mark Murphy is in Glasgow for this ambitious chain launch.
A sushi chain doesn’t scream great cocktails but Sticks ‘n‘ Sushi has a basement bar with a ‘nanajuni’, Japan’s 72 micro seasons, theme, so ingredients can change every five days.
This means a cocktail at the start of the conventional season is different by the end – but when exactly is carbonated lapsang souchong coconut water in season?
Drink names are more poetic than Negroni or Manhattan but the Salmon Swim Upstream is the bar’s concession to a Dirty Martini. Comprising Sake Ono with Cocchi Americano, Ukiyo vodka and Muyu Jasmine yet somehow smelling like durian.
Spring’s Thaw, made with Hakushu 12 Year Old whisky, cheese, white tea and Calpis, had a pungent Parmesan aroma. I love cheese but I can’t imagine this is everyone’s cup of tea.
I admire something different and there’s nothing quite like it around, so I would return for more cocktail roulette. For the less adventurous, there is a ‘normal’ cocktail menu upstairs.
★★★★☆
» 7 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DY