On the Rocks Premium Cocktails has unveiled a new limited-edition collection in collaboration with The House of Suntory and renowned Japanese bartender Hidetsugu Ueno. The partnership marks a notable expansion of the brand’s ready-to-drink (RTD) offerings, emphasizing innovation and cultural influence in the bottled cocktail space.
Founded in 2015, On the Rocks is known for crafting classic cocktails in a convenient, bottled format. The new Harmony Collection includes two distinct drinks: the Yuzu Matcha Martini and the Japanese Boulevardier. Both cocktails aim to elevate the RTD experience through complex ingredients not easily replicated at home.
Ueno, the award-winning mixologist and proprietor of Tokyo’s acclaimed Bar High Five, brings his expertise and creativity to the project. A previous recipient of the “World’s Best Bartender” award at Tales of the Cocktail, Ueno was inspired by a unique moment involving actor Keanu Reeves. During the filming of a movie scene at Ueno’s bar, Reeves requested a custom drink to celebrate Suntory’s 100th anniversary. Ueno responded with a blend of yuzu and matcha, marking the first time he combined those ingredients — a pairing that would later inspire the Yuzu Matcha Martini.
The Yuzu Matcha Martini (20% ABV) features Haku Vodka and a harmonious blend of green tea and yuzu, delivering a slightly bitter, tangy profile balanced with bright citrus and earthy tea notes. The result is a light, sessionable cocktail that’s become popular among bartenders.
The Japanese Boulevardier (32.5% ABV) offers a creative twist on the classic, substituting bourbon for Suntory’s Toki whisky. Known for its smooth and elegant profile, Japanese whisky poses unique challenges when paired with bold ingredients. Instead of traditional vermouth and Campari, Ueno opted for a sweet wine and a local amaro, producing a lighter yet layered cocktail with bittersweet and dark fruit characteristics — appealing even to those typically averse to stronger whisky-based drinks.
While the bottled format means missing out on Ueno’s renowned techniques — such as his signature diamond-shaped ice sculptures or his “hard shake” method using cobbler shakers — the flavors still reflect his precision and artistry. He also notes a preference for fine chipped ice in shaken drinks, a common expectation among Japanese patrons.
The Harmony Collection is now available for a limited time in select markets across the U.S., sold as a two-pack of 375ml bottles for $29.99. The release continues to push boundaries in the RTD category, offering consumers a refined and culturally rich cocktail experience with the convenience of a pour-and-serve format.
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