Elevate Your Cocktails: Why Sake Deserves a Spot at the Top!

Sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage, is often confined to sushi restaurants in many people’s minds, but it deserves a spot in the cocktail culture spotlight. Beyond its historical associations, high-quality sake can replicate the flavors of white wine and contribute a delightful fruity twist to various cocktails.

One brand leading this transformation is Sake ONO, which aims to elevate sake from just a dining accompaniment to a refined beverage option. Brewed in partnership with the Yoshi No Gawa brewery—one of Japan’s oldest—Sake ONO has launched in eleven U.S. states and is making strides in fine dining venues, including Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental hotels.

Sake’s versatility shines through in its pairing capabilities. While it complements traditional Japanese dishes, it also harmonizes well with umami-rich foods such as mushroom risotto and aged cheeses. Surprisingly, it pairs beautifully with desserts like cheesecake, which showcases its adaptability.

As Sake ONO’s CEO, Lana Buchanan mentioned, “We believe sake deserves a new chapter… it can be as sophisticated and versatile as any wine or spirit.” The time has come to shift perceptions and showcase sake’s cocktail potential.

The brand is excited to demonstrate sake’s ability to stand up against premium spirits in cocktails, providing a lower-alcohol alternative without compromising flavor. Below are two cocktail recipes featuring Sake ONO that you can try at home:

Sake Martini

• Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. sake
  • 1/2 oz. dry gin
  • 1/4 oz. vodka
  • 1 dash umami bitters

• Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice.
  2. Stir for 15 seconds.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lemon peel and olives.

Sake Highball

• Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. sake
  • 1/2 oz. lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz. bourbon
  • 1/4 oz. simple syrup
  • Club soda to top

• Instructions:

  1. Combine sake, lemon juice, bourbon, and simple syrup in a shaker.
  2. Add ice and shake for about 15 seconds.
  3. Strain over ice into a highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

With these recipes, it’s easy to appreciate the complexity and depth sake can bring to cocktails. So, next time you’re mixing drinks, consider elevating your cocktail game with a splash of this unique beverage. Cheers!