Japan's swashbuckling baristas making coffee 'sexy'

Tokyo

NEED a pick-me-up?

Try a lychee-flavoured coffee infused with jasmine, or a "Chardonnay" espresso served in a wine glass - whatever your taste, Japan's swashbuckling baristas are bringing some serious sex appeal to the drink.

In a country famous for its tea, the Japanese are increasingly turning to coffee as a quick-fix to help ease the daily grind. Hipster cafes are popping up everywhere, offering exquisitely curated beverages to satisfy even the fussiest of caffeine addicts.

Japan imports over 430,000 tonnes of coffee a year - behind only the United States and Germany - and boasts some of the world…