Tokyo Weekender - April 2016

Something for the weekend...A
cocktail guide for the most
discerning of drinkers
RAF SIMONS ADIDAS SNEAKERS
This may be one of the best collaborations this year: fashion genius Raf Simons (formerly
creative head of Dior) putting his unique, minimalistic touch on the iconic Stan Smith
Adidas Originals kicks. Look for the designer’s initial “R” replacing the usual perforated
stripes on the sides, and for the mesh lining. The shoes are crafted from premium
leather, and are the embodiment of Simon’s creative philosophy.
mrporter.com
WANT LES
ESSENTIELS
BACKPACK
WANT LES ESSENTIELS is a Montrealbased
accessories brand that harks
back to a bygone era of elegant travel.
The brand, which was started by twin
brothers, has amassed a cult following
over the past few years for its understated
yet practical goods, and can now
be found in stores from Manhattan to
Tokyo. If you’re not sure where to start,
their signature “Kastrup” backpack is
both timeless and versatile. Made from
cotton-canvas and lined with leather,
this sleek bag is all you need for those
daily commutes or weekend getaways.
wantlesessentiels.com
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
TROUSERS
While you may or may not want to
pair these dapper pants with the
matching blazer, they are a fashion
statement on their very own. Give
the classic black suit a contemporary
twist this season: the slim-fit trousers
are emblazoned with a light grey
flowery motif, which sets the item
apart. You can wear the Italian-made
item with a white or grey shirt, or
go all out and match them with the
jacket—just don’t forget the Oxford
shoes. mcq.com
April is upon us once more and gold
is most definitely the colour of
the month. April heralds the end
of the financial year in Japan and
the beginning of the Golden Week holiday. So
whether you are toasting a successful year on the
markets or drowning your sorrows after loosing
the shirt off your back, make sure you do it in
style, with an appropriately themed cocktail.
In this edition of the guide we shall be
taking a trip back to the 80s and knocking back
a few 24 Carat Gold cocktails. It’s fair to say
that the decade was a pretty low point on the
cultural spectrum—think Milli Vanilli, permed
hair, and shoulder pads—but a great decade for
synth pop and extravagantly camp cocktails.
Although not so popular these days, the 24
Carat Gold was a fixture on the cocktail menus
of chintzy wine bars, pretentious restaurants,
and hotel lounges from New York to London
back in the 80s. A favourite of moneyed-up city
boys and permed-haired office girls, this was the
cocktail to drink in the days when nobody had
the slightest idea what a Tweet was and Michael
Jackson was a popular family entertainer.
The popularity of the 24 Carat Gold was
mainly due to its extravagant appearance: a
strong golden hue garnished with sparkling
bits of real gold leaf. In actual fact it’s a very
well balanced cocktail; the tartness of the sours
blends well, offsetting the sweet fruitiness of
the Cointreau and brandy.
So this Golden Week, crank up the Spandau
Ballet, break out the cocktail shaker and be
thankful that we now live in a decade where
neon shell suits and leg warmers are just a
terrible distant memory.
Method:
Place some edible gold flakes on a small plate.
Lightly wet the rim of a martini glass with a
slice of lemon, and then dip the rim in the gold
flakes to coat. Add the Cointreau, Remy Martin
XO and sours mix to a shaker filled with ice,
shake thoroughly and strain into the glass.
Ingredients:
–25ml Cointreau
–50ml Remy Martin XO
–25ml sours mix
- Edible gold leaf
www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2016