Chicago | Kumiko 🍸

For our first round, we chose the MOONRISE DAIQUIRI. This is a deconstructed cocktail, presenting the elements of the drink in three separate servings—one small cup of sake and another of hojicha (roasted tea). The taste was quite average; the novelty overshadowed the actual flavor. It was sweeter than I expected, and both the sake and hojicha tasted rather plain on their own. The main drink was very light, almost like a sweet water, and I couldn't really taste the dark rum or bitters. It was quite different from most American-style bars. I'd rate it 🌟🌟🌟. CLOUD HOPPER Chiyonosono “Yachiyo” shochu, Fidencio Mezcal Clásico, passion fruit, green cardamom, oat milk, Yakult, and lemon. I asked AI about shochu and learned something new! Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled liquor with an alcohol content of around 25%, lower than sake. It’s a diverse spirit, unlike sake (a fermented wine), which is a distilled liquor. This cocktail had a much richer flavor than the first one—it was very refreshing with a fruity and slightly tart aftertaste. Even though Yakult might have played a big role, I really enjoyed this drink. I’d give it a solid 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. ROUND TWO FUKUBUKURO Priced at $30 a glass, this is pretty expensive by American standards. It’s described as apple-flavored, but it actually tasted more like rice vinegar with a hint of bitterness. I believe the bartender did their best, but I think it might be a bit disappointing if you’re just trying it out. I’m still a fighter, though—I convinced someone to let me taste their drink and got a free sip. Haha! I’d rate it 🌟🌟. OLD FASHIONED This one was really, really good. It had that classic old-fashioned taste with a smooth entry and a pleasant aftertaste. You could clearly tell it was an old-fashioned, but it had an added touch of elegance. The aroma and balance were just right, and the large ice ball made it visually appealing. I’d highly recommend it with 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. The last drink we chose was from the “to start” section of the menu: UMÉBOSHI SWIZZLE. It featured pickled plum, brown rice vinegar, lemon, sesame, and shichimi (seven-spice powder). The flavor was nice and refreshing. I’d give it 🌟🌟🌟🌟. In summary, this Japanese-style bar focuses more on the atmosphere, with moderate service and compact seating arrangements. The drinks were clear and light-bodied. Part of the bar was hidden behind a screen, so you couldn’t see everything. The drinks were served quickly, and all five we tried had a light feel, almost like we hadn’t drunk anything. Surprisingly, they had a niche Armagnac that I had recommended before. I was excited, but it was too expensive at $50, so I’ll have to try it next time. #USA #Chicago #Cocktails #Drinking #Bar #NorthAmericanBar #ChicagoDining #BarRecommendation #DrinkingNotes