Cheers

The Fusion

Where: Sushi Roku. 1401 Ocean Ave.,

Santa Monica; (310) 458-4771.

Also in Hollywood and Pasadena. $8.

What do you drink with a delicate tray of sushi? Is beer too heavy? Wine too complex? In the bar at Sushi Roku there’s an alternative that’s as light and cool as a spring zephyr. It’s called “The Fusion,” and its mix of soju, vanilla Stoli and sake, infused with pineapple and watermelon, is served on the rocks or straight up. Although it sounds like a fruit salad, it tastes more like cucumber juice, but with a definite kick that will stand up to the fire of that spicy tuna roll.

-- Anne Valdespino