Chizakaya revamps its cocktail list

Chizakaya—the "Japanese pub" from Harold Jurado—has received an unusually varied set of reviews since it opened in September. The disagreement was mostly over the quality and consistency of the food but involved the drinks as well: Kevin Pang of the Tribune thought the cocktail program "shined"; I found it "lackluster"; Sky Full of Bacon's Mike Gebert said they "seemed okay (but mostly on the sweet side)." In any event, the restaurant has decided to take things up a notch, enlisting the consulting team Bittercube—which includes Violet Hour vet Ira Koplowitz, Nicholas Kosevich (of the pretty awesome Town Talk Diner in Minneapolis), and "assistance from" the Whistler's Paul McGee—to create a new cocktail menu, which combines the craft-drink mindset these dudes are known for with some Japanese ingredients (and at least one reference to the movie Lost in Translation). The cocktail menu (each $9) follows.

Shibuya Station
Old Weller Bourbon, Okinawa Kobuto Cider Syrup, Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters
Tasting Notes: An Autumnal Old Fashioned Whiskey cocktail flavored with a syrup made from Mutsu Apple Cider from Seedling (Michigan) and a rich, unrefined sugar from Japan.

Tsuyu Doki
Sakura Kyoto Tea Infused Broker's Gin, Lime, Egg White, Plum Juice
Tasting Notes: A refreshing cocktail with floral notes coming from the Japanese tea and slight sweetness from the plum juice.  This cocktail has an added frothy texture from the egg white.

The Yasaka Shrine
Yamakazi 12 yr., Lemon, Ginger-Honey Syrup, Angostura Bitters
Tasting Notes: A light whiskey sour made with Japanese whiskey (milder than American whiskies) with a nice spiciness and richness from the ginger honey syrup.

Yokohama 21
Cocchi Americano, Amontillado Sherry, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Bittercube Orange Bitters
Tasting Notes: An aperitif style cocktail (made to whet one's appetite) with a dry, nutty finish.  Lower in alcohol as well.

Pampelmuse
Rehorst Milwaukee Gin, Lime, House-made Grapefruit Liqueur
Tasting Notes: A bright, gimlet style cocktail made with a gin from Milwaukee and a housemade grapefruit liqueur.

The Poor Cousin
Tariquet Armagnac, Lemon, Ginger Syrup, Sparkling Wine
Tasting Notes: Our sparkling cocktail is flavored with Armagnac (French Brandy) and has a subtle citrusy, spicy finish.

Hong Kong Connection (by Kazuo Uyeda)
Cognac VS, Lime, Yellow Chartreuse, Blue Curacao
Tasting Notes: An original cocktail from Kazuo Uyeda (the legendary bartender at Tender Bar in the Ginza district of Tokyo). This cocktail has a great color expressed from the Yellow Chartreuse (French herbal liqueur) and Blue Curacao (orange liqueur), something Mr. Uyeda strongly expresses in his colorful, well balanced cocktails.

A Loose Riff
Flor de Cana 4yr., Lemon, House-made Shochu Melon Liqueur, Maraschino
Tasting Notes: A citrusy cocktail with a hint of honeydew melon (housemade).

Bob Harris
Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, Cynar Italian Bitter, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
Tasting Notes: Bill Murray's character in Lost in Translation. A robust whiskey cocktail with strong flavors coming from the American Rye Whiskey and Cynar (Italian bittersweet liqueur flavored with artichokes).