HOW TO DRINK SAKE
ETIQUETTE
Sake is super versatile, there is a lot of fun to be had by playing around with it. There also can be a lot of ceremony and etiquette surrounding sake, below are a few simple pointers to help you navigate this. But most importantly, sake is there to be enjoyed, so get exploring!
Our pointers are - If you’re with somebody else when drinking sake it’s customary to pour for one another, when doing this it’s respectful to pour and receive with both hands, and most importantly always toast by saying ‘Kanpai’ - cheers!
Warming
When warming up sake, step away from the microwave! It’s best to put the sake in a vessel (like a jug) and put that in a pan of hot water. If you have a thermometer, aim to hit something between 40 and 50. Or just pop your thumb in it until it’s a bit warmer than you are! The heat will generally open up the sake, giving way to sweeter and bolder notes.
For each of our different sake we provide at least one recommended serving temperature - these can be found on both the bottle label and in the sake description in our online shop.
Serveware
Simply enjoy chilled sake in a stemmed wine glass. If you do have some beautiful ceramic cups, they work well for warmed sake to hold its heat, plus the different textures of material and whether they are a gloss or matt finish can add another dynamic to the experience. Above all, there are no rules here, find what you like and have fun!
We even have our own branded glassware - perfect for a junmai, aged sake or your favourite daiginjo.
Food-pairing
Sake doesn’t fight with food, so it’s hard to go wrong with a food pairing. It will naturally enhance what you’re eating thanks to it being full of amino acids (umami). Sake works well with all food, however there are certain pairings it works super well with - these tend to be fresh meat, fish and shellfish, cheese, cured meats, and chocolate.
For each of our sakes, we recommend certain types of food for best enjoyment - these can be found on both the bottle label and in the sake description in our online shop.
Sake is also amazing to cook with. For this reason we created our ‘Fermented From Sake’ food range.
COCKTAILS
Sake can be also be used as an incredible cocktail ingredient. Its unique profile can add something no other drink can. Plus its low acidity and high umami can compliment and enhance traditional cocktail ingredients. So here are a few of our house favourites to tickle those tastebuds and open a whole new treasure chest in your cocktail arsenal.
ESPRESSO SAKE-TINI
50ml KUMO - Cloudy Nigori Sake
25ml espresso shot
25ml coffee liqueur
Add to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake hard and strain into a martini glass
Top with grated dark chocolate
