Little Tokyo by Nick Amano Dolan | Westland Cocktail Collective

Westland Distillery's Cocktail Collective draws its next piece of inspiration from San Francisco, partnering with the acclaimed Nick Amano Dolan of Trick Dog bar. When we asked Nick to create an easy-to-replicate cocktail for people bartending at home, Nick conjured up The Little Tokyo, a reimagined version of the classic Manhattan cocktail. The Little Tokyo offers a bright and fruit-forward take on a Manhattan cocktail with ester notes singing alongside the rich Westland Flagship Whiskey.

Great cocktails can be simple. And Amano Dolan tells us “When I’m making cocktails at home, I want no fuss, I want efficient and cocktails that have a lot of flavor and don’t take a ton of time. When you have a good spirit like Westland Whiskey, you want to make sure you let the spirit shine.”

The Manhattan is a timeless classic, but the Little Tokyo adds a different dimension to the drink while nodding to Nick’s Half Japanese heritage. The sweetness of the umeshu plays beautifully against the floral notes of the elderflower, while the Westland whiskey provides a robust backbone that ties everything together. This meticulously balanced cocktail is designed to be enjoyed and easily replicated at home, and, Dolan shares, “Westland does all of the heavy lifting.”

Recipe: The Little Tokyo
Ingredients:
1.75 oz Westland American Single Malt Whiskey
1.0 oz Choya Single Umeshu
0.25 oz St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir gently until well-chilled.
Strain into a Nick and Nora glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes:
Umeshu: This Japanese plum liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and a delicate fruity note to the cocktail. Its unique character complements the complexity of the Westland whiskey.
Nick and Nora Glass: The elegant curves of this classic cocktail glass enhance the drinking experience, allowing the aromas to unfold gracefully.
Lemon Twist: A fragrant lemon twist adds a final touch of brightness and citrusy aroma, further enhancing the cocktail's refreshing character.

The Little Tokyo offers a sophisticated and refreshing take on a beloved classic. It’s a testament to Nick Amano Dolan's creative vision and the remarkable versatility of Westland whiskey. With each sip, you'll discover flavors in whiskey you did not expect – a meeting of tradition and innovation. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the Westland Cocktail Collective, where collaboration and creativity come together to change the way we see whiskey cocktails.