Let’s call the Japanese Caucasian ($12) at Hojoko what it really is — espresso martini: the next generation. It’s the cooler (literally — it’s frozen), hipper offspring of that foamy late ’90s favorite. A delightfully slushy blend of cold brew coffee, New England-made Allen’s Coffee Flavored Brandy, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s just the thing to wake you up enough to enjoy winding down after a long, hot summer’s day. Sip the creamy, Coolatta-esque beverage on the patio adjacent Fenway pre-Sox game, or sit by the pool at the attached Verb Hotel. The best part about this dessert-disguised-as-drink? It’s equally delicious before or after a parade of bold small plates from the restaurant’s izakaya-style menu: spicy tuna poke, the Japanese savory pancake okonomiyaki, or crispy chicken tails with black truffle salt. Order up and party like it’s 1999. Hojoko, 1271 Boylston St., Boston, 617-670-0507, www.hojokoboston.com CATHERINE SMART

Catherine Smart can be reached at cathjsmart@gmail.com.