An Amazing Discovery at TORC
What a delight to discover a drink featuring Totoro. Yes! The same beloved character from My Neighbor Totoro, the 1988 film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki with animation by Studio Ghibli. I was excited and pleased to find a nod to one of my favorite films. It felt like I had discovered a secret.
At TORC in Napa, the Totoro Kuencha appeared on the non-alcoholic drinks menu. The word “Kuencha” is a Japanese riff on “Quencher,” suggesting something refreshing.
The ingredients are Seedlip Grove, orgeat, lemon and lime. Not familiar with Seedlip Grove? Neither was I.
Seedlip Grove 42 is a non-alcoholic spirit distilled from citrus botanicals (oranges, lemons, ginger, lemongrass with Japanese sansho peppercorn).
This is paired with orgeat, a syrup made from almonds, sugar, and orange blossom or rose water. (Wikipedia link). The orgeat gives a creamy texture and hint of floral sweetness that softens the citrus.
It was a refreshing citrus-almond celebration with a zip from the sansho. I didn’t miss the alcohol one bit. I had two.
I’m sharing the secret of Totoro Kuencha at TORC so you too can experience the joy of Totoro!
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