Congratulations to Chris Wagner and Heather McGhee, winners of the 3rd Annual JASSTL Sake Cocktail Contest! Platypus hosted the event on Sunday, October 19 and arranged perfect weather for us!

The annual contest is intended to highlight the versatility and adaptability of Japanese sake as a cocktail ingredient. This year, we added a "People's Choice" element to the contest, allowing ticket holders to taste each of the five cocktails and vote for their favorite. Heather McGhee's (of The Royale) Go Touch Grass proved the most popular, while Chris Wagner's (of Platypus) Melon Baller, Shot Caller earned the "Judges' Selection" prize.

McGee's Go Touch Grass featured Kawatsuru Olive Junmai-Ginjo Sake, olive-oil-washed Citadelle dry gin, lemongrass, and cucumber. The drink was served warm with a cool cocktail foam garnish and came with a sake-glazed cookie  (perhaps showing that The People can be bribed as well as judges).

Wagner's Melon Baller, Shot Caller featured Tozai's Snow Maiden nigori (unfiltered) sake, Citadel dry gin, honeydew melon, lemon, celery bitters, and egg white. Wagner said he wanted to pair a couple of underdogs in his cocktail: sake is underrated outside of Japan, while honeydew is the "last pick of a fruit salad."

We are planning to bring this contest back for a fourth year on Sunday, April 19, 2026.