Oranges! Finally, an orange liqueur… In Japan, fruit liqueurs made with various citrus fruits like mikan, iyokan, amanatsu, and hassaku are everywhere, but it’s rare to find one made with classic, everyday oranges. This creation, crafted from navel oranges (the main variety behind Sunkist oranges), promises the most familiar flavor. And since it’s made by the highly regarded Yoko Bar, expectations are sky-high!

What is Yoko Bar? According to Tatenokawa Shuzo, Yoko Bar is a hidden spot deep in the mountains of Mount Chokai (exact location undisclosed), never open on weekdays and only occasionally on weekends, serving a select group of regulars. The owner, Ms. Yoko, is a bold, adventurous bartender known for her creativity, often sharing illustrated tales from her bar on Instagram.

This orange liqueur was developed by a woman named Navel (her silhouette is featured on the bottle). The story goes that Navel once visited Yoko Bar with a demanding gentleman, agreeing to all his requests. Ms. Yoko, unable to watch any longer, gave her some advice: “Don’t let indulgence be mistaken for kindness.” Inspired, Navel joined the Yoko Bar staff.

A self-confessed sweet tooth, Navel was moved by Yoko’s words and started adjusting the sweetness in her drinks. She eventually created this bittersweet liqueur from navel oranges—less sugary than most, carrying a touch of melancholy behind its sweetness. Even Ms. Yoko was impressed!

Bring the glass to your nose—it’s just like freshly squeezed orange juice! The fragrance is sweet, lively, and carries a hint of citrus acidity, with barely any alcohol aroma. The first sip is pure, bright orange sweetness, gradually followed by a subtle bitterness and citrus tang, creating a complex bittersweet finish that lingers.

If you love the natural sweetness of oranges but also want a grown-up liqueur with some depth, don’t miss this one. Give it a try!