Drink This Now: Smith Tower Bar’s Ji Wei Jiu
Boasting an array of Asian influences, this Smith Tower bar cocktail is as lovely as the 35th-floor views
By AJ Rathbun January 13, 2017
This article originally appeared in the January 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.
The Cocktail: Ji Wei Jiu
The Bar: Temperance at Smith Tower
The Bartender: Jay Gurney
DRINK HISTORY With a Chinese name that roughly translates to “cocktail,” the Ji Wei Jiu is an interesting match for the new Temperance Café and Bar, tucked into a cozy corner of the remodeled and recently relaunched space on the 35th floor of Smith Tower. Formerly known as the Chinese Room, the space still contains the ornate and legendary “Wishing Chair” and a delicately carved teak ceiling. But lead bartender Jay Gurney (formerly of Bay Café on Lopez Island and The Three Lions in Redmond) actually makes the drink with two Japanese stalwarts: Rock Sake Cloud, a faintly sweet nigori sake (slightly filtered, nigoris have a trademark cloudy appearance); and yokaichi kome, a rice-based shochu, the classic spirit of Japan. Together, they bring earthy notes, along with tropical traces of coconut and melon, which go brilliantly with another ingredient, Yakami Orchard yuzu juice. The juice delivers a flavor mélange of orange, lemon and tangerine, and a vinegary ginger shrub builds even more layers of spice and tang. A heady mix indeed.
THE TWIST Drinking at a fog-level bar is made better by sipping on a cloud, an effect rendered here with the addition of egg white. Egg white (well shaken with other ingredients) tops the drink with an exquisite and lush layer of foam that floats to the top after mixing. Eggs have been key ingredients in many cocktails since the late 1800s (make sure they’re fresh, since one in 20,000 may contain salmonella). The historic note ties in well with the bar’s speakeasy touches, a nod to the Prohibition years when the Smith Tower first opened (the bar staff sports snazzy vests and arm garters). Don’t miss the signs, stories and artifacts in the brief, self-guided tour that spotlights Smith Tower and Seattle history during that dry period. A trip to the 35th floor—including a visit to Temperance—requires a tour ticket ($12, or $10 with a Washington state ID when purchased on site), but it’s well worth the price for out-of-town visitors or for an after-work party, thanks to the atmosphere, drinks and the Asian-inspired food from chef Joshua Beckham (previously at Schooner Exact Brewing Company and Salish Lodge). The dumplings and house kimchi (the latter served on the Reuben sandwich) are divine when paired with the Ji Wei Jiu.
THE TOOLS Find Yuzu juice and other well-curated cocktail tools and ingredients at the Provisions store on the first floor.
Follow Us
Restaurant Roundup: Malay Food and Free Wine Tastings
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
It’s that time of year again. The sun is getting less and less shy, people are dining out more, and restaurants are opening right and left. It can be a lot to keep up with, but here are a few to give a try this weekend. Queen Nzinga is bringing Angolan food to the Chinatown-International…
5 Dishes to Try in May
New plates to put on your radar, from citrus olive oil cake to tableside French toast.
I’ve heard it said, and I believe it now, as a co-owner of a new restaurant: the first year is the hardest. There is a saying that describes a restaurant in its first year as “building the boat while sailing it.” You might find that the sails catch wind and you roar forward. Just as…
Restaurant Roundup: Mother’s Day Brunch Bonanza
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
What a mom wants, what a mom eats, whatever makes her happy sets you free. You don’t need a slightly misremembered hit song by Christina Aguilera to remember that this Sunday is Mother’s Day… right? In case this news is hitting you harder than Y2K, we’re here to throw you a lifeline, because there are…
Seattle’s Pizza Just Keeps Getting Better
New openings across the city make a strong case that Seattle can finally stop apologizing for its pies.
Complaining about Seattle’s pizza scene is a well-worn civic ritual, on par with decrying the sad state of the city’s sports teams. But wake up: It’s 2026, the Seahawks are world champs, the Sonics are coming back, and Seattle is awash in great pizza. Granted, this town of transplants has no “style” to claim as…