The Burning Mandarin at Katsuya by Starck | #Cocktail #Recipe

Last week, I was at the opening of Katsuya by Starck in Jumeirah Al Nasseem hotel. Phillipe Stack has been my one of my design heroes for as long as I can remember, so seeing his latest collaboration with the Master Chef Katsuya Uechi come to life was beyond exciting.

Immediately I arrived at the stunning venue, I was ushered in by the perfectly made up geishas and then offered a drink. "How convenient" I thought, it had been a long week and I was ready to loosen up, so I took my first sip as I weaved through the glamorously clad Dubai "elite" to my friend who was waiting on the terrace. I paused mid-step and almost choked. I was not expecting the intense hit of spice that exploded on my tongue, gathering myself I continued walking before curiously taking a second sip. First I tasted the sweetness of the rimmed glass, then a mild hit of tangy citrus and finally again that same burning heat.  "What is this?" I said to my friend holding up my drink glass as soon as I reached her. She laughed cheekily and said, "It's the Burning Mandarin and I'm on my second glass".

As the night wore on, the cocktail was a constant topic of conversation. I can barely remember all the details but it seemed to be a mix of hits and misses among the party. If you don't like spice then this is not for you, but if you have a more complex palette or you're simply seeking culinary adventure then head down to Katsuya by Starck and ask for The Burning Mandarin while you wolf down expertly crafted Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna or the melt in your mouth Miso-marinated Black Cod. However, If you're not in Dubai or you would like to have conversation piece at your next dinner party, then try the recipe the Katsuya team has graciously shared with me.

You'll need: 
Orange Juice - 45ml
Lemon Juice - 45 ml
Cranberry Juice - 35 ml
Simple Syrup - 30ml
Serano Pepper - 2 pcs

Garnish
Caster Sugar, to rim
Serrano Pepper, sliced  

Directions
Rim the Glass with an Orange & add a Fine Sugar Rim
Muddle 2 Serrano Peppers in a Boston Glass
Add Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, Cranberry Juice & Simple Syrup
Add Cubed Ice - Shake & Strain into a Martini Glass (no seeds)
Garnish with Serrano Pepper

Katsuya By Starck
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah
Timings: 7 days a week - 12 PM to 1 AM
For Reservations: +971 4 419 0676
[email protected]
www.katsuyarestaurant.com
Social Media: @katsuyauae