The Scarlet Spectrum of Bitters

Scarlet Bitter Liqueur, Orange, Radice, Verde, Fernet, and Menta — and How We Use It in Our Negroni

If you love Japanese cocktail culture or want to explore the deeper side of bitters, it is time to meet Scarlet. This small-batch series from Iseya Distillery in Kanagawa, Japan has become a favorite among bartenders and cocktail lovers who appreciate balance, depth, and a little edge.

At Izakaya Juraku in New York City, we use Scarlet Bitter Liqueur to create our signature Scarlet Negroni, blending it with Malasanta Ensamble Mezcal and Umeshu. The result is a drink that feels both familiar and surprising, smoky yet bright, with a Japanese sense of harmony.

Follow us on Instagram @izakayajuraku for photos and seasonal cocktail updates.

What Is a Bitter Liqueur or Amaro?

Amaro refers to a family of herbal liqueurs known for their bittersweet character. They are made by infusing herbs, roots, citrus peel, and spices into alcohol, then adding sugar and sometimes aging the mixture. Italy may have started the tradition, but Japan has given it a new life through ingredients like yuzu, sansho pepper, roasted tea, and shiso leaf.

The Scarlet Line

Scarlet is the creation of Tatsuya “Moto” Motonaga, who trained in Tokyo and Taipei before founding Iseya Distillery. He grows many of his botanicals himself, crafting each bottle with precision and respect for both Japanese and Western traditions.

• Scarlet Bitter Liqueur (Scarlet Aperitivo)
  The original expression. A mix of over 25 botanicals including lemon balm, sage, licorice, cinnamon, jasmine, and blood orange peel. Perfect in Negronis and spritz-style drinks.

• Scarlet Orange
  Focused on citrus, especially blood orange. Bright, aromatic, and great for lighter cocktails.

• Scarlet Radice Amaro
  Earthy and root-driven with angelica, chicory, and black cumin. Smooth yet complex.

• Scarlet Verde Amaro
  Herbal and green with wormwood, sage, and marjoram. Clean, grassy, and refreshing.

• Scarlet Fernet Amaro
  Deep, bitter, and bold. Notes of chicory and aloe give it a traditional fernet structure.

• Scarlet Menta Amaro
  Mint-forward and cooling, ideal for after-dinner drinks or a twist on a Mojito.

You can read more about Scarlet on Skurnik Wines or High Road Spirits.

The Scarlet Negroni at Izakaya Juraku

Our Scarlet Negroni is built with Scarlet Bitter Liqueur, Malasanta Ensamble Mezcal, and Umeshu instead of the usual gin and vermouth. The mezcal brings smoke, the umeshu adds delicate sweetness, and the Scarlet binds it all with a bright, herbal bitterness. It is balanced, warming, and pairs beautifully with dishes like Brown Butter Ramen, Kakuni, Oden, or Nikujaga.

This cocktail reflects what we love most about Japanese mixology: balance, seasonality, and a respect for quiet intensity.

Why Bitterness Matters

Bitterness brings structure. It turns sweetness into sophistication and transforms a drink into an experience. In Japanese cooking, the concept of shibumi refers to understated elegance — a flavor that lingers rather than shouts. Scarlet captures that perfectly.

As the weather cools, these bitters fit the season. They feel alive, warm, and perfect for cozy nights in the Lower East Side.

Visit Izakaya Juraku

Come by the bar to try our Scarlet Negroni or ask our bartenders about the other Scarlet expressions we carry, such as Radice Amaro or Verde Amaro. We often feature them in limited seasonal cocktails, so there is always something new to discover.

Stay updated on specials, events, and new drinks by following us on Instagram @izakayajuraku or visiting our website www.izakayajuraku.com