Cocktail of the week: Seed Library’s cloud sour – recipe

This is a simplified version of a drink we serve at Seed Library, and its freshness makes it a lovely way to welcome the long-overdue arrival of spring. Shio koji is a funky, umami-rich Japanese ingredient made from fermented rice, and is more commonly used in marinades and for seasoning, much as miso and soy sauce are – look for it in specialist food stores and online.

Cloud sour

50ml botanical-heavy gin – we use The Botanist
15ml melon liqueur – we use Briottet Crème de Melon
20ml fresh lemon juice
20ml standard 1:1 sugar syrup
1 tsp liquid shio koji
2 dashes miraculous foamer, such as Ms Better’s, or 15ml egg white

Measure everything into a shaker filled with ice and give it a good, hard shake. Strain into a chilled coupe and serve – no garnish required.

• Ryan Chetiyawardana, Seed Library, London E1