Birdie G’s Innovative Shochu Cocktails Crafted with Nikaido's Finest
In the heart of Santa Monica's Bergamot Station, where the clink of glasses meets the aroma of culinary delights, lies Birdie G's—a sanctuary where tradition dances with innovation, and every sip is a journey through time and taste. Jeremy Fox, the visionary Chef/Owner from Cleveland, doesn't just run a restaurant; he orchestrates a symphony of unique flavors. And at the heart of this gastronomic marvel stands Bar Manager Stephanie Reading, infusing each cocktail with creativity and a hint of nostalgia.
Enter Nikaido, a titan in the realm of shochu crafting, hailing from Japan's esteemed Oita prefecture. Their brand is steeped in tradition, tales of dedication to quality, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of taste. Renowned for their 'new style' shochu, Nikaido sets the stage for an unparalleled drinking experience—a journey through boldness and complexity, crispness and depth.
Let's talk about the stars of the show: The Shiso Leaf and Kiwi Cooler
Crafted with meticulous care by the talented Stephanie Reading, these libations redefine the very essence of mixology. The Shiso Leaf delivers a harmony of citrus and herbal notes that tantalize the palate. Mixed with bitter orange juice, Shiso leaf syrup, and Nikaido shochu, these ingredients come together in a vibrant celebration of flavors—a journey to a Japanese garden in a single sip.
Next up is the Kiwi Cooler—a tantalizing fusion of tropical fruits and exotic liqueurs. Lime, kiwi, honey, green chartreuse, Cocchi Americano, and Nikaido shochu unite in a symphony of taste that transports you to a sun-kissed paradise—a journey through flavors as vibrant as they are unforgettable.
Still Thirsty?
Birdie G's has an entire menu of must-try cocktails, where each recipe is an adventure in flavor and craftsmanship. We recommend starting out with "Mum's an Old-Fashioned Gal," a timeless classic elevated with barrel-aged bitters, chamomile, and sazerac rye, or opt for the charitable delight of "Nearest & Dearest," featuring Meletti, Lo-Fi sweet vermouth, and Uncle Nearest 1856, with a hint of coffee tincture. For a taste of the lavender, reach for "Sky's the Limit," a tantalizing blend of maraschino, violette, dry vermouth, lavender bitters, and Aviation American Gin.
So whether you're in the mood for something refreshing, tropical, or indulgent birdie g’s la has something for every discerning palate. Here's to Birdie G's, where every sip is a celebration of heritage and innovation, and the possibilities are as endless as the night. Cheers!
About Nikaido
The Nikaido family has been brewing and distilling in Oita for 8 generations, since 1866. Independence and family ownership has enabled the Nikaido company to consistently follow a singular vision and pursue a chosen ideal without compromise. Honkaku shochu was revolutionized by the invention of 100% Barley shochu, an innovation pioneered by Akira Nikaido, producing a new lighter, cleaner taste prole which immediately gained popularity throughout Japan.
This new type of cleaner, smoother shochu hit a sweetspot, easy-drinking but still rich in flavor. It completely transformed what shochu meant to Japan from a regional speciality in the 70s and 80s to today being Japan’s favorite drink, putting Oita Mugi Shochu on the map. Despite being a company of only 50 people, Nikaido is the 5th biggest shochu producer,and one of very few independently owned companies of scale.
About Birdie G’s
“Named after my daughter Birdie and my grandmother Gladys, Birdie G’s is a fun, American restaurant inspired by childhood memories and family traditions. How do I define our style? Easy…it’s the product of an Eastern-European Jew who grew up in the Midwest and the Deep South, and then settled in Southern California. I don’t know how I can make it any clearer. At the end of the day, Birdie G’s is “where fine food and good people meet,” so please relax and have a great time!” – Chef/Owner Jeremy Fox
About Stephanie Reading Bar Program Director
Stephanie loves being able surprise and delight people through the marrage of unique flavors and untraditional ingredients. Her passion lies in creating and introducing people to cocktails they’ve never had or heard of before – the exact perfect drink for them that they didn’t even know they had wanted in the first place. A Northern California native, her love for flavor began with food. Her stay-at-home mom was an amazing cook and introduced Stephanie to all sorts of foods growing up with the help of her trusty Good Housekeeping cookbook (her favorite dish growing up was Spinach Quiche). She played with the idea of becoming a chef in her teenage years, but later turned to the world of spirits and found her true calling. According to her dad Michael, “Stephanie has the bartending skills, enthusiasm and imagination to craft amazing and unusual drinks to complete your dining experience.”