A PDT drink that you can’t get in New York. That’s what I was told when the bar manager recommended this beverage at PDT Hong Kong. Short for “Please Don’t Tell,” PDT New York was the tip of the spear for the speak easy and craft cocktail revolution that’s been running for the past decade. Many who visit for the first time are looking for that authentic PDT NY experience. So it’s interesting to get recommended a recipie that’s unique to Asia.
And what makes it so special? Apparently, it’s a sake — namely, the Senkin “Modern Muku” Junmai Daiginjo Sake — and a plum, which are difficult to acquire stateside. The drink also features a Belvedere Lake Bartezek Vodka, and the Yagi “Tsukigase no Umegenshu” Umeshu. It’s basically inspired by the Vesper, the drink that James Bond “designs” on the fly in Casino Royale, except with a plum and sake twist. The name “Evening Star” is actually the Latin translation of “Vesper.”
Just like a Vesper, it’s strong and packs quite an alcohol punch. The plum notes are very present, rounding out a traditionally aggressive drink, and you taste all of the elements in layers and in harmony.
