Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. For centuries, it has been enjoyed on its own or paired with sushi or other Japanese cuisine.
However, in recent years, bartenders and mixologists have been experimenting with sake to create unique and delicious cocktails.
Sake's versatility as a mixer makes it a great addition to any cocktail recipe. Its subtle sweetness and smooth texture make it an excellent base for fruity and floral flavors.
Its umami taste also pairs well with savory ingredients like soy sauce and miso.
Sake cocktails are becoming increasingly popular in the cocktail scene, and for good reason. They offer a unique twist on classic cocktails and introduce a new flavor profile to the mix.
Whether you're a sake enthusiast or a cocktail lover looking to try something new, sake cocktails are a must-try.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best sake cocktail recipes out there. From classic cocktails with a sake twist to entirely new creations, we've got you covered.
Get ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through some of the most delicious sake cocktails around.
1. The Southside
"The Southside" is a unique and refreshing cocktail that combines the traditional Japanese rice liquor, sake, with the classic gin-based cocktail, the Southside. The addition of lemon, lime, and fresh mint adds a bright and intriguing complexity to the neutral flavor of sake.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to experiment with sake in mixed drinks and impress their guests with a fusion-style drink. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed on any occasion. If you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy sake, "The Southside" is definitely worth a try.
2. Sparkling Elderflower Sake Cocktail
The Sparkling Elderflower Sake Cocktail is a bubbly and bright sipper that's perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.
The smooth elderflower notes complement the subtle sweetness of sake, and the cocktail finishes with a bright burst of pomegranate and citrus. It's a fantastic introduction to sake if you're not familiar with it, and a great way to enjoy it if you are.
3. For Goodness Sake
"For Goodness Sake" is a unique and refreshing sake cocktail that combines the tangy flavors of pickled ginger with a smooth and slightly sweet Junmai sake. The addition of fresh lime juice and simple syrup balances out the ginger's bite, making it a perfect summer drink.
The garnish of pickled ginger not only adds a beautiful visual element but also gives an extra hit of ginger. This cocktail is a must-try for those who love sushi and sake or anyone looking for a tangy and refreshing drink.
4. Grapefruit Honey Sake Cocktail
The Grapefruit Honey Sake Cocktail is a refreshing and bright drink that is perfect for a hot summer day. This cocktail is made with Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori sake, which adds a creamy flavor without overpowering the citrus base.
The sweetness of grapefruit and honey is light and refreshing and tastes like sunshine feels. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good mixed drink. So, if you're looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy sake, this cocktail is definitely worth a try.
5. Tropical Blueberry Sake Sunshine
"Tropical Blueberry Sake Sunshine" is a refreshing and unique cocktail that combines the delicate flavors of sake with blueberry, almonds, lime, and mint. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that showcases the versatility of sake as a cocktail ingredient. The almond flavor is highlighted through the orgeat syrup, while the blueberry adds a subtle sweetness to the drink.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and different from the usual cocktail offerings. With its bright colors and tropical flavors, it's sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. So why not give it a try and discover the wonders of sake cocktails?
6. Cucumber and Coconut Sake Martini
The Cucumber and Coconut Sake Martini is a refreshing and unique cocktail that stands out from the rest. With its delicate notes of Gekkeikan Sake, this cocktail is perfect for those looking for a low-alcohol solution without sacrificing flavor. The addition of Dry Vermouth ties in the martini theme and adds a subtle complexity to the drink.
The use of cucumber and coconut flavors perfectly complements the sake, creating a light and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for spring and summer months. Overall, the Cucumber and Coconut Sake Martini is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious sake cocktail.
7. The Benefit
"The Benefit" is a beautiful pink sake cocktail that is perfect for small gatherings. This cocktail is a refreshing blend of ginger, lemongrass, grapefruit, and high-quality Junmai Gingo sake called Momokawa Silver.
The name of the cocktail is inspired by the charity auctions where Umami Girl donates cooking parties. This cocktail is a perfect fit for a dinner party, especially when paired with the famous Nobu dish, miso black cod. The Benefit is a unique and delicious cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
8. Raspberry Sweet Tea Sake Cocktail
The Raspberry Sweet Tea Sake Cocktail is a refreshing and light drink that is perfect for a midday sip. This cocktail is a blend of fruity raspberry tea and mild Sake, which creates a smooth and sippable beverage. The fruity notes of raspberry complement the tea, and the addition of Sake adds a subtle warmth to the drink.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and unique. If you're looking for a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for spring weather, then the Raspberry Sweet Tea Sake Cocktail is a must-try.
9. Cucumber Saketini
The Cucumber Saketini is a must-try for anyone who loves a smooth and boozy cocktail. Made with vodka, sake, and muddled cucumber, this drink has a refreshing and crisp taste that will make you dance in your seat. The combination of vodka and sake is perfectly balanced, with the sake adding a soft, floral taste to the mix.
The muddled cucumber adds a refreshing touch that makes this cocktail perfect for any occasion. If you're new to sake, this cocktail is a great way to start. Overall, the Cucumber Saketini is a delicious and unique cocktail that you won't want to miss.
10. Blue Skies Ahead
"Blue Skies Ahead" is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that is perfect for the peak of summer or to transport yourself to warmer months during colder seasons. This brilliant blue cocktail features a combination of rum, peach, a splash of blue curacao, and bubbly MIO Sparkling Sake. The sparkling sake used in this cocktail is a sweet, mildly floral sake that pairs well with peach, melon, elderflower, and other floral flavors.
The cocktail has a gentle, fruity sweetness and is best enjoyed between 32 and 41 degrees F. The contrast between the fruity sweetness of the peach and the sake against the more aggressive liquor is top-notch. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing and unique cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
11. The Sake Lychee Martini
"The Sake Lychee Martini" is a refreshing and elegant cocktail that is perfect for any party or romantic date night. With just two simple ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and impressively delicious. The sweet and juicy flavor of lychee pairs perfectly with the smooth and crisp taste of sake.
The cocktail is garnished with a pretty lychee fruit, making it a beautiful addition to any gathering. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for springtime.
12. Tokyo Mule
The Tokyo Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, incorporating sake, cucumber, ginger syrup, and lime juice. It's garnished with fresh lime zest and candied ginger, adding an extra pop of flavor and color.
The addition of sake gives it a unique twist that sets it apart from other cocktails. It's a perfect drink for those who enjoy the flavors of cucumber and ginger.
13. Sake, Pear and Sage Martini
The Sake, Pear and Sage Martini is a unique and intriguing cocktail that is perfect for those who want to try something new. This low ABV martini features the delicate notes of pear and the subtle herbaceousness of sage, all brought together by the star of the show, Sake.
The Cocchi Americano and rare pear liqueur add depth and complexity to the drink, making it a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cool summer night or as a pre-dinner drink during Dry January. Overall, the Sake, Pear and Sage Martini is a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail that is sure to impress.
14. Winter Rose Cocktail
The Winter Rose Cocktail is a unique and refreshing drink that combines the flavors of Haikara Sake's Momo, a Japanese peach sake, with the tartness of cranberry juice and the sweetness of rose syrup. This cocktail is perfect for those who are looking for something different from the usual sake cocktails.
The Haikara Momo adds a delicate and sweet flavor to the drink, while the cranberry juice provides a tangy kick. The rose syrup adds a floral note that balances out the flavors of the other ingredients. The Winter Rose Cocktail is a great choice for those who want to try something new and exciting in the world of sake cocktails.
15. Caipisake
Caipisake is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is a twist on the classic Brazilian drink, caipirinha. This version of the cocktail is made with sake instead of cachaça and is often mixed with kiwi, strawberry, or lime. The drink is not as strong as a traditional caipirinha, making it a great option for those who want a lighter drink.
Caipisake is a popular drink in Brazil, where it goes by different names depending on the region. This cocktail is perfect for those who love fruity and refreshing drinks, and it is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of sake cocktails.
16. Sparkling Sake Sangria
If you're looking for a unique and refreshing twist on traditional sangria, look no further than the Sparkling Sake Sangria. This cocktail combines the sweetness of plum wine with the bubbles of sparkling sake, creating a light and fruity drink that is perfect for warm weather.
The addition of pineapple and cucumber gives it a tropical twist that will transport you to a beachside paradise. While it may sound complicated, this cocktail is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal effort. If you're looking to impress your guests with a creative and delicious cocktail, the Sparkling Sake Sangria is definitely worth a try.
17. Carob Mango Sake Cocktail
The Carob Mango Sake Cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with ripe and juicy mangoes, real vanilla, Junmai Ginjo Sake, carob syrup, and sparkling water, this cocktail is a fruity twist on a classic highball. The simple ingredient list may be deceiving, but the combination of flavors creates a pure harmony that is sure to please any palate.
The addition of sparkling water gives the cocktail a refreshing fizzy finish that is perfect for sipping poolside. If you're looking for a summertime drink that packs a punch of bright flavor and color, the Carob Mango Sake Cocktail is definitely worth a try. So, grab a glass and cheers to a delicious and refreshing cocktail!
18. Sake Fizz Cocktail
The Sake Fizz Cocktail is a refreshing and unique twist on a classic cocktail. Featuring a blend of vodka and sake, this cocktail is sweetened with peach syrup and balanced with the tartness of yuzu juice, which adds a delightful punch of acidity and a slightly floral flavor.
The cocktail is then topped with soda water, giving it a fizzy profile, and finished with a beautiful yellow to lavender color gradient from the addition of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea. This cocktail is perfect for those looking for a refreshing and sophisticated drink that is sure to impress. Whether you're a sake lover or just looking to try something new, the Sake Fizz Cocktail is a must-try.
19. The Damiana Valentine Cocktail
The Damiana Valentine Cocktail is a unique and exciting sake cocktail that is perfect for Valentine's Day. It features Damiana tea, a potent aphrodisiac, which is steeped in sake overnight and mixed with raspberry and pomegranate juice. A spritz of rose water adds a delicate touch to this already tantalizing drink.
This cocktail is a must-try for those looking to add a little spark to their Valentine's Day celebrations. Its unique combination of ingredients promises to create a steamy and delightful evening for you and your sweetheart. Don't miss out on this opportunity to try something new and exciting with your loved one.
