Properly Sauced: Eastern Medicine at Union Sushi + Barbeque
By Sarah Freeman in Food on Apr 6, 2012 7:30PM
We hear a lot about the culinary offerings at Union Sushi + BBQ Bar, from the grilled alligator to their recently launched menu of black rice sushi. It is easy to get distracted by the sharp knives and spontaneous eruption of flames behind the sushi and BBQ bars, but it was their new spring cocktail menu that caught our eyes, and led us to take a closer look at what is going on behind the almost-hidden corner bar.
Japanese legend says Momotaro was found floating down in a river in a giant peach. Along with his sidekicks - a talking dog, monkey and pheasant - conquered a fort ruled by demons and sealed his place in folklore. Ken Griggs' cocktail of the same name is a heroic combination of 5-year Plantation Rum, Briottet Crème de Peach, peach, Okinawan Black Sugar, line, fennel, egg whites and Bolivar Bitters. The sweetness of the peach balances the strength of the whiskey, while the egg white ties everything together with a creamy texture. 
You've probably enjoyed cocktails that taste like orange cream-sickles and stout that lingers with the taste of a chocolate milkshake, but how about a drink inspired by pumpernickel bread? Akuma's Wind is a devious concoction created by Peter Kim. Redemption Rye Whiskey, Galliano Ristretto, caraway tincture, honey and lemon create a complex cocktail. The American whiskey, honey and lemon blend into a smooth earthiness while the espresso liquor and caraway add a deep flavor resembling slow-cooked bread.
We do not advise you to import white peach liquor or make your own caraway serum, but you can make the Eastern Medicine - a kitchen-friendly cocktail. Sean O'Halloran designed this drink to revive you from a weary winter with an herb infused lemon cocktail that gets its kick from 12-year Japanese whiskey.
The Eastern Medicine
1.5 oz. Yamazaki Japanese Whiskey
¾ oz. Shochu
¾ oz. ginger syrup
¾ oz. lemon juice
Shake well, serve over ice, top with soda water and garnish with lemon.
Union Sushi + BBQ Bar is located at 230 West Erie St.