A couple of weeks ago, we were among the first to announce a new release from TY KU Spirits, with their Silver Sake (which won the Hot New Now Award for 2011 at WSWA in Orlando, FL). For those not yet familiar with TY KU, their line of sake and Asian spirits may be just the punch your back bar needs for the summer.
As the weather warms up, and clothes get lighter (and substantially less when you live in the Sunshine State!), getting bikini and beach ready is on the minds of many consumers.
TY KU’s silver junmai sake is not only an affordable option, but also gluten free and substantially lower in calories than many other options on the market. Sake is made from polished rice-the higher the polishing, the more impurities are removed, leaving a clean, crisp taste with half the calories of vodka, and a great base for many cocktail recipes. Retail prices on TY KU silver will range from $9.99 for a small bottle, to $15.99 for a standard 750 ml.
In the spirits market, TY KU comes to the table with Soju. Produced from barley, TY KU Soju can provide a great alternative to weight-conscious guests, or those with wheat or corn allergies. Soju also has nearly 50% less calories than vodka, and mixes easily with fresh fruit juices like pineapple, mango, or citrus fruits. Add agave nectar or stevia for sweetener, and your bar menu can stay healthy, natural, and creatively fresh.
TY KU liqueur is another rockstar in the skinny martini and low-cal drinks series. Not only is the bottle gorgeous when lit up by its built-in LED light, it’s unique flavors of mangosteen, goji berry, honeydew, and green tea provide a not-too-sweet addition to any beachside cocktail.
A few recipes to try:
Superfruit Mojito
98 calories (calories in an average Mojito: 162)
2 oz TY KU Premium Liqueur
Fresh Mint Leaves
Fresh Berries or Pineapple
Splash of Diet Citrus Soda
Squeeze of Lime
Muddle fruit, mint and lime in the bottom of a shaker. Shake all ingredients, except diet soda. Pour over ice, in a rocks glass, top with chilled soda, with a lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish.
TY-Bikini Tini
98 calories (vs. average 300 calorie-martini)
1.5 oz TY KU Premium Liqueur
ΒΌ Citrus Vodka
Squeeze of Lime
Splash of Soda
Shake with ice, and strain into a martini glass. Serve chilled, with a starfruit slice or lemon wheel for garnish.
Want to find TY KU near you? Contact your local spirits distributor, or you can find retail locations that carry TY KU Premium Asian Spirits here. If you want an expert cocktail mixologist to create a bar menu that will keep guests coming back, Paul Sevigny and his group are some of the best in Florida, and around the country.
To learn more about TY KU and sake, here’s a little info from WSWA 2011.