This pairing bite—as seen on our favorite Netflix cocktail competition!—is an ode to Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana’s hometown of Asakusa, Tokyo, known for the Sensoji Temple and all the Kaminari Okoshi. To achieve the same look that he did on the show, use a circular cookie cutter to cut out small circles before the cracker hardens. You can also optionally sprinkle a little nori on top!

Kaminari Okoshi

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp genmaicha tea leaves
• 3 Tbsp demerara sugar
• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 1/4 cups puffed rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
• 1 tsp powdered or freshly grated ginger

Instructions

1. Brew a pot (or 3 mugs) of genmaicha tea by adding tea leaves to 3 cups boiling water and steeping for 2–4 minutes (depending on desired strength). Enjoy your tea, setting aside the spent tea leaves. Dry the leaves in a toaster oven for 15 minutes at 350°F.
2. Heat a small saucepan on medium-low heat and add the sugar. Let the sugar start to liquify (without stirring)—it should take 5–6 minutes. 
3. During those 5–6 minutes, thoroughly combine the puffed rice, dried genmaicha leaves, and ginger in a bowl—mix well. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
4. Going back to your saucepan: when the edges of the sugar start to liquify, stir with a heat-resistant spatula, and keep stirring every few seconds until all the sugar has just melted.
5. Once all the sugar has just melted, carefully add the butter to the pan. You may want to lower it in with a spoon to be extra careful. Stir in the butter until just melted (for about 30 seconds). Remove from heat.
6. Immediately pour the mixture of puffed rice, genmaicha, and ginger into the saucepan with the butter-sugar mixture. Combine thoroughly using the spatula, then quickly pour onto the wax paper–lined baking sheet. Spread and press into a 1/4 inch–thick layer. Cover with another piece of wax paper and flatten the top with a second baking sheet placed on top.
7. Let set to room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then cut or break into small shapes and serve one alongside the Ichi-Go-Ichi-E cocktail.