“This light and refreshing spiced drink is inspired by the holiday drinks typically enjoyed in Japan, since we are a Japanese-style listening bar. It is the perfect combination of warmth from spices, effervescence from the soda and a splash of citrus.”—Jake Rose, bartender, ESP HiFi
Pink Moon
Ingredients
3/4 oz Suntory Whisky Toki
3/4 oz awamori
1 oz spiced cranberry shrub
2 dash Angostura bitters
2 dash orange bitters
Directions
Shake all the above ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour over an ice spear in a highball glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a rosemary sprig and orange slice. Light the rosemary with a torch and serve.
Ask the Bartender: Jake Rose
What was the inspiration for ESP HiFi?
The bar is modeled after Japanese jazz bars called kissa bars, where the focus is on listening to the music. A lot of care and intention went into curating everything in our space, from the lighting to the sound system to the glassware.
What makes ESP HiFi special?
At the core, we are a records- only listening bar, one that does its best to hold to the principle of less is more. This shows up everywhere from the untouched patina walls to the low-watt tube amps to the minimally intervened wine on our walls. Less is more when the ‘less’ is highly considered. In essence, ESP is an invitation to slow down for a listen and a drink among friends.
Are bartenders here also DJs?
Yes, we are making drinks, taking food orders and playing music all at once. It can be hectic at first, but you get into a rhythm. We have a really robust collection of records with everything from Fleetwood Mac to obscure Japanese ambient sounds.
Tell us more about yourself.
I have been in hospitality for 10 years. I also really love music and collect records, with about 400 records in my personal collection. Music is in every aspect of my life and part of why working at ESP is so rewarding for me.
