Sake is having a moment, here's how to drink it
Looking for your latest tipple? Savvy pseudo-sommeliers should set their eyes on sake right now, as Waitrose reports online searches of the tipple have jumped 241%. Last year was the year for rum, and of course gin has been top pick off the shelf for aeons. But now it’s time for this versatile import to have its moment in the sun, as part of the UK's long-running love affair with all things Japanese, from the soothing cherry blossoms, amazing kitchenware, inspiring gardens and beyond.
What kind of alcohol is sake?
A drink that’s sipped like whisky, referred to as a wine, yet produced more like beer, sake is a totally unique alcohol that comes in a myriad of different varieties, from clean and neutral to cloudy and potent, still, sparkling and flavoured - often with traditional Japanese ingredients such as yuzu or umeshu (plum) - and its variety plays a huge part in its appeal.
With an alcohol content traditionally sitting around 12-20%, it’s a drink to savour rather than quaff, but with the rise in interest hitting at the same time the low/no movement is growing, there are an increasing array of lower alcohol options such as spritzes.
There’s a sake for every price point too, as it varies every bit as much as wine or whisky, from bargain basement options more suited to cooking, to bottles you’d need to remortgage your house to buy.
Not sure where to start? Our experts at the GHI quaffed 14 affordable and mid-range options to bring you our top picks.
How do I drink sake?
Most sakes can be enjoyed both chilled and warmed – warming sake is said to bring out some of the earthier, more umami notes in the wine – and if neat alcohol isn't your thing it also makes an absolutely cracking cocktail.
For lovers of a short, punchy drink, try our vodka Sake-tini, or for a longer sip go for this fruity Sake Winter Sunrise. Or make both, and throw in some suitably themed canapés on as well – be fishy with our tuna-topped Crispy Sushi Rice Cakes, please the meat-eaters with Chicken Katsu Bites or go veggie with some surprisingly simple Teriyaki Mushroom Maki Rolls, pop Shogun on Disney+ and plan your next far-flung holiday.
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