A fun crew of friendly Qypers, lots of delicious food and a sneak peek at a new winter cocktail menu – now, that’s how to spend a Monday night! Chic lil Japanese restaurant, Tsuru, wowed a gaggle of Qypers last night with what seemed a never ending service of Japanese tapas accompanied by four new sake and shochu cocktails from Akashi-Tai Brewery.

I’ve been a fan of Tsuru since reviewing them for Londonist in June 2008. I love their katsu curry (which I reckon is the best in London) as well as their rockin’ agedashi tofu and hand-made sushi. And I really appreciate their commitment to using fresh ingredients from sustainable sources. Last night’s event only confirmed my love for Tsuru.

And the cocktails. Ooooh, they were gorgeous. I think my favourite was the Nippon-Fashioned, made with the award-winning Japanese whisky, Nikka, and clementines rather than oranges. But, it’s a tough call because the Tokiwa Honeytini (Tokiwa shochu with Drambuie and honey) was an equally engaging drink. The other two cocktails sampled were winners too! Both the Kappa Saketini (with shochu instead of vodka or gin, Akashi-Tai honjozo instead of vermouth and a slice of cucumber as garnish) and the Ume Hot Toddy (Umeshu plum sake with shochu. cloves and lemon slice) are worth keeping in mind as winter looms.

Yes, another brilliant Qype event at a fantastic venue (all for free!) accomplished! Keep an eye on the Qypers Love Events forum for outstanding opportunities to have a good time.