The Shape of Cocktail Innovation: Introducing the Rick Cube at Hipster-Meets-Historical “Hide and Secret” Speakeasy at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

What do you get when you add one of Japan's most exciting bartenders to an 800-year-old pond garden, and infuse it with the Japanese essence of yugen, a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe?

The answer can only be found in the intriguing five-seat “Hide and Secret” speakeasy in The Lounge & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, where front row mixologist magic comes courtesy of Barcelona born Head Bartender Raul Navarro, in the shape of sublime signature Rick Cube cocktails.

Open since 2016, The Lounge & Bar is a sleek, sophisticated space that takes on an inventive new energy as dusk falls.  From live music every Friday to the nightly shaking and stirring behind the Italian-marble and glossy mahogany wood bar counter, the space is defined by the passion and vitality of the craftsmen who work there.

Renowned for creating cocktails that are more “signature journeys” than mere drinks, Head Bartender Raul is ever on hand to share the stories that lie behind each of his inspiring creations. The tale of his Yuzu Gimlet has its roots in a waft of citrus fragrance during his travels, while the inspiration for The Bar’s signature Rick Cube blends – brought to complex life in cube-shaped oak barrels kept on top of the bar – hails from his wanderings through the back streets of Singapore.

More often than not, however, Raul draws on local ingredients, Japanese artistry and Kyoto’s fusion of modernity with tradition to inject his creations with a vivid vibrancy. Four Seasons Kyoto 75 is a local take on the classic French ‘75, in which bubbles of sparkling sake dance to Raul’s unique tune with an aromatic and colourful decoration of purple hojiso flower and zingy fresh yuzu peel. The Yuzu Gimlet calls on the in-vogue Japanese citrus delicacy, yuzu fruit, to draw out the fragrant layers of KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin.

And for the ultimate sippable story of Kyoto, look no further than Smoky Old Fashioned, recalling the classic cocktail combo of spirit, syrup and bitters. Layered in front of the guest, tantalising tales of local whisky, homemade bitters, maple syrup, and the dry smokiness of sakura (cherry) wood chips – beautifully presented with romantic rose shaped ice and yuzu peel – whisper the secrets of the city via a waterfall of smoke that cascades in a mesmerising dance into the glass.

While Raul’s alchemic approach to blending and magic-making has an air of whimsy, its roots lie in years of painstakingly perfected precision: the key to the ultimate blend of beauty and balance.

“I love the alchemy, the aromatics, the underlying stories and the theatre of cocktail creation,” explains Raul. “Take the Smoky Old Fashioned, which establishes a sensory connection from the first aromatic essence and intriguing visuals even before you have tasted it. Then the ecstasy comes with the actual flavour and the surprising showpiece of opening and closing with the smoky wafts of sakura. It’s Kyoto in a glass.”

Commenting on The Bar as Kyoto’s cocktail destination of choice, General Manager Alex Porteous says: “Guests and locals know The Lounge & Bar for its tranquil daytime ambience and Afternoon Tea, but at night it takes on an altogether different vibe, largely energised by the artistry and passion of Raul and his team. It’s a great place to pull up a seat and tap into the stories of the destination in arguably one of Kyoto’s most secret and scenic settings.”

• The Lounge & Bar is located on the Hotel's Lobby Floor (3F)
• Lounge open from 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight; bar hours are 6:00 pm – 12:00 midnight
• Live Jazz Music every Friday with three sets at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 pm
• Bar Counter available on a first come, first served basis