Know L

“Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.”  ―  Alan Turing

It’s Christmas in Karakuri Land! It should come as no surprise to hear that I’m a huge fan of the Karakuri Creation Group of puzzle box artists in Japan. The group routinely and frequently produces the most beautifully crafted pieces, and the varieties appear endless. It’s always wonderful to discover that a new craftsman or woman has joined the group, ensuring its longevity and continued presence. New designers often surprise us as well with ideas which stretch the imagination in different ways. This time of year everyone who participates as a member of the group is receiving the annual “Christmas presents”, their surprise creations which are eagerly awaited all year long.

Code Name "L" by Yasuaki Kikuchi

Artist Yasuaki Kikuchi burst on the scene with a real kickstart when he released his first offering, the Kickake box, a novel and dynamic creation. He has already produced some very interesting and visually appealing work, and has now raised the bar even further. With his Code Name “L” box, he sets the stage for a possible alphabet series, and only time will tell what he spells. I’m predicting the word “incredible”. Code Name “L” is an extremely creative box which will keep you guessing until you experience the wonderfully satisfying AHA moment. Unassuming in outward appearance, the walnut box is a standard cube with a few distinguishing marks and the obvious name inspiration, four “L” shaped characters which are featured prominently on each side. The solution is elegant and inspired, and very satisfying. This is one not to be missed – you really need to know “L”.

L-egent design  

I’ve created a seasonal Christmas cocktail to toast this new wonder from Kikuchi. It starts in the storied restorative town of Carlsbad, in the Czech Republic, famed for its healing spa waters. In 1807, Jan Becher began marketing a special herbal liqueur created with twenty local ingredients and based on a special recipe he acquired from his friend, the English physician Dr. Christian Frobrig. Becher’s “English Bitter”, purported to cure stomach illness, became wildly popular, and has stood the test of time. Unique and delicious, it has slowly gained popularity around the world over the past two hundred years. It’s particularly lovely this time of year, as the dominant flavors of cinnamon, clove, allspice, ginger and cardamom are the classic spices of the season. It’s been called “Christmas in a glass”, so what better base spirit to celebrate with could there be?

Jolly good flavors of the season

To the Becherovka I’ve added fresh lime juice – my favorite cocktail citrus – for just the right amount of tartness. Rounding out the holiday flavors, I’ve brought cranberry to the party as well, with Leopold Brother’s phenomenal New England Cranberry Liqueur. This family owned distillery in Colorado prides itself on fresh natural and locally sources ingredients, like the two varieties of New England cranberries found in this award winning spirit. Finally a touch more sweetness with cinnamon syrup, a secret ingredient which turns any drink into a holiday drink. It’s a wonderfully festive cocktail, a fantastic way to discover the beguiling Becherovka, and a sure crowd pleaser. Here’s to the spirit of the season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, all.

Have you been naughty or nice?

Czeching it Twice

2 oz Becherovka

1 oz fresh lime

½ oz Leopold Bros. New England Cranberry Liqueur

¼ oz cinnamon syrup

2 dashes Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters

Shake together with ice and strain into a festive glass. Garnish with a jolly old lemon wheel. Ho ho ho!

Joyeux Noel from Boxes and Booze 

For more from this artist:

For more Christmas cocktails: