The Aladdin Sane, a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar nestled within the recently renovated Book Tower in downtown Detroit, is offering a unique twist on the traditional cocktail experience: The bar has introduced a cocktail omakase — a tasting experience inspired by the Japanese dining tradition where guests leave their selections entirely in the hands of the expert mixologists.
Guests embark on a carefully curated journey through a selection of cocktails tailored to their preferences. The experience begins with an amuse-bouche cocktail — lighter in alcohol — to prepare the palate, followed by a progression through three to four menu cocktails or smaller versions of them. The mixologists adjust the selections based on the tastes and preferences of each guest, creating a bespoke experience.
“We’re making the experience familiar and making it new,” Patrick Jobst, beverage director for Method Co., tells Metro Times. “We’re working in some Japanese ingredients and tweaking the profiles into a familiar structure.”
The cost for this cocktail adventure ranges from $75 to $95 per person, with tastings lasting approximately an hour to an hour and a half. Unlike many tasting menus, reservations or advanced notice are not required. The omakase experience is offered "a la minute" to those who inquire or to regulars in the know.
For patrons new to Japanese-inspired cocktails, an omakase is a fun way to experience the diverse array of drinks, Jobst says.
The cocktail menu includes sake, whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, and other alcohol. The spicy margarita, for example, includes tequila, yuzu koshu, lime, vanilla, and yuzu curacao.
“There are some really amazing products that are very unique,” Jobst says.
The Aladdin Sane’s cocktail omakase adds a new layer of sophistication to Detroit’s growing bar scene, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and an element of surprise for adventurous drinkers.
“It’s a beautiful space, and we’re excited to continue to push the cocktail scene a little in Detroit and make a really wonderful experience that inspires our guests and leaves them enriched in a way maybe they hadn’t expected,” Jobst says.
