Crafted in the autumn of 2022, Kusaki  Lemon Sour is a seasonal take on our signature Real Lemon Sour—blended with wild herbs and tea leaves from Amami to create a botanical flavor with an addictively bitter twist.

The base liqueur, Real Lemon Sour, is our bottled version of the lemon sour served at OPEN BOOK. It’s handmade in collaboration with Tomita Shuzojo on Amami Oshima, without any preservatives, flavorings, artificial sweeteners, or colorings.

To give it a taste of autumn, we infused it with local Amami botanicals: lemongrass, lemon verbena, and shell ginger (Gettou)—bringing a refreshing herbal aroma. We also added banjiro-cha, a tea made from guava leaves, to deepen the flavor and give it a smooth, mellow finish. Each bottle has subtle variations in character—part of the charm.

The bottle is sealed with natural beeswax, dyed softly using leftover leaves from the blend. The label is made from handcrafted Nao washi paper from Saga, giving it a uniquely traditional touch.

Of course, it’s perfect with soda, but mixing it with tonic brings out even more of its distinct bitterness.
You can also enjoy it straight and chilled—it’s surprisingly smooth.
Think of it like a modern herbal tonic (we’re not naming names, but you get the idea). Add your favorite herbs for extra flair. It pairs beautifully with ethnic dishes or Chinese cuisine.

Each bottle makes approximately 12 servings of Kusaki Lemon Sour.
We recommend refrigeration after opening, but it can also be stored at room temperature as long as it’s kept away from heat and humidity.
30% ABV, so it’s shelf-stable and perfect for long-term enjoyment.

Orders usually ship within 2–3 business days.
(Delivery may take longer for remote islands.)