The Cloud Strife Sour: A Final Fantasy VII-Inspired Cocktail
If you’ve ever picked up Final Fantasy VII, you know Cloud Strife: the brooding hero with a spiky blond mane, a massive sword, and a backstory as layered as Midgar’s slums. Released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII revolutionized RPG storytelling with its blend of futuristic dystopia, poignant character arcs, and a villain so iconic he still haunts our dreams (looking at you, Sephiroth). Cloud, torn between his true identity and the role he assumes, inspired this complex cocktail: bold, bright, and balanced, with hidden depths waiting to be explored.
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Why Japanese Whisky and Yuzu?
This drink starts with Japanese whisky—smooth, refined, and slightly smoky, mirroring Cloud’s exterior coolness. Suntory Toki or Nikka Days work beautifully here, offering delicate notes of vanilla, oak, and subtle spice. The addition of yuzu juice brings a unique tartness that distinguishes this sour from its classic lemon-heavy counterpart. Yuzu, a citrus native to Japan, adds complexity with its fragrant, floral acidity, echoing the balance between Cloud’s stoicism and his underlying warmth.
The egg white? That’s the soft, frothy texture you didn’t see coming—kind of like Cloud’s unexpected moments of vulnerability.
Use a glass that looks as timeless and established as Seventh Heaven itself like these cut crystal rocks glasses by Viski.
Dry Shake, Wet Shake: Mastering the Technique
For cocktails with egg white, the “dry shake” is key. Here’s how it works:
- Dry Shake: Combine all ingredients (minus ice) in a shaker and shake for 15 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white, creating a smooth, airy foam.
- Wet Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds. This chills the drink and further aerates the foam for that signature creamy texture.
- Double Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure no stray ice chips ruin your silky finish.
Egg Safety Note: Raw egg whites are commonly used in cocktails, but if you’re concerned about food safety, opt for pasteurized eggs or egg white substitutes.
The Cloud Strife Sour: Brooding, Bright, and Balanced
This cocktail delivers a striking balance of flavors: the smokiness of the whisky, the tangy brightness of yuzu, and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup, all tied together with a velvety egg white foam. A few dashes of Angostura bitters on top add a final flourish—almost like the swirls of Mako energy in the Lifestream.
When to Enjoy the Cloud Strife Sour
- Before your next boss fight: Whether it’s Sephiroth or just a stressful Tuesday, this drink will steady your nerves.
- During a night in Midgar: Cue up the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack and sip while reliving the epic story.
- When you’re feeling introspective: Cloud doesn’t always know who he is, but this drink knows exactly what it’s doing.
Cloud Strife Sour
A balanced whisky sour with Japanese whisky, yuzu, and egg white, inspired by Cloud Strife's duality in Final Fantasy VII.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Japanese whisky (like Suntory Toki or Nikka Days)
- 1 oz yuzu juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add Japanese whisky, yuzu juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker without ice.
- Dry shake for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again (wet shake) for 15 seconds to chill and aerate.
- Double strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, swirling them into a design if desired.
