Japanese-Inspired Whiskey 5 Cocktail

Just when we got all excited about the Whiskey 4, a cocktail with fennel fronds and peppercorns encased in its ice cube, here comes Whiskey 5, testament to the hyper-seasonality of the cocktails at new Solstice—officially Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar in Irvine. The new iteration, inspired by head bartender Dylan Dinsmore’s trip to Japan, presents that country’s Suntory Whisky Toki, Lillet Rose, cherry-blossom green-tea syrup, Peychauds bitters, and cherrywood smoke. “Japan is known for its cherry blossoms,” Dinsmore says. “Whiskey 5 suggests cherry blossoms both in the house-made syrup and smoke. Whiskey 6 comes in August; patron favorite Whiskey 4 might return—when the time is right. 18555 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, (949) 241-7088