You can’t think of Japan and not think of sake, the rice wine that’s won hearts worldwide. But did you know, it’s possible to make delicious cocktails out of it too? So stop taking shots of sake (but they’re so good, I know), and save some for these recipes. We promise you won’t regret it.
It’s going to get deliciously weird with this Zucchini Sake cocktail that’s, if nothing, extremely memorable. This refreshing drink uses zucchini water and pairs it with the slightly sweet sake to create magic.
What you’ll need:
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 tbsp lemon simple syrup
- 1/4 cup sake
Instructions:
- Shred zucchinis with grater and squeeze through cheesecloth to obtain water
- Mix zucchini water, lemon simple syrup and and sake in a cocktail shaker with ice
- Pour into glass filled with ice and add zucchini ribbon for garnish
I’d heard of Singapore Slings, but never before did I know something as amazing as a Japanese Sling existed. It’s got cherry, lemon, sugar and of course sake, but it’s not sickeningly sweet – it’s just right!
What you’ll need:
- 45 ml Hakushika sake
- 15 ml cherry brandy
- 20 ml lemon juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- Splash of soda
- Maraschino cherry and orange slice as garnish
Instructions:
- Pour all ingredients except soda into a shaker filled with ice and shake gently
- Strain into tall glass and add ice cubes
- Fill with soda
- Garnish with cherry and orange slice on a cocktail pin and serve with straw
It’s a granita, it’s a cocktail, it’s slush and it’s a whole lotta sake! This one’s got my heart, solely because something this cold and fresh would save me from Bombay heat. Eat it or drink it but definitely try your hand at this.
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups melon cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 30 ml lime juice
- 30 ml honey
- 60 ml sake
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend well for 30 seconds
- Pour into a wide metal pan (preferably 9″x9″) and freeze until solid
- When ready to serve, gently scrape with fork until fluffy
- Serve in a small glass
When drinking Japanese liquor, do as the Japanese do. This eggnog-like cocktail is a traditional Japanese flu remedy, believe it or not. I can’t guarantee that it tastes brilliant but it does its job brilliantly well, and I’m guessing a few of these would get you drunk too.
What you’ll need:
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3/4 cup sake
Instructions:
- Mix egg and sugar in a small bowl
- Pour sake into microwavable cup and microwave until hot at 50°C
- Add sake into egg mixture gradually and mix well
A unique twist on a Bloody Mary, this cocktail is named after a popular nightlife district in Tokyo so you know it’s good. It’s a great way to use your sake in a way that doesn’t deviate from the original. You could also use some other variant of a hot sauce instead of Tabasco if that’s not to your liking.
What you’ll need:
- 60 ml vodka
- 45 ml sake
- 60 ml tomato juice
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 3-5 dashes tabasco sauce
- 2 dashes soy sauce
- Pinch (or two) ground pepper
Instructions:
- Pour all ingredients except pepper into shaker filled with ice
- Shake well and pour into glass
- Add fresh pepper on top
Of course I saved the best for last! The sake bomb is a great way to get any party started. You’re going to have to go through a full-on procedure for this so be prepared, but honestly, it’s worth it to see your friends drunk, smiling and screaming.
What you’ll need:
- 1 shot sake
- 1 point beer (preferably a Japanese one like Sapporo)
Instructions:
- Fill 3/4 of a pint glass with beer, leaving enough space for sake so it doesn’t fizz out
- Balance chopsticks on top of the glass
- Fill shot glass with sake and place on top of the chopsticks
- Now, pound the table next to the glass till the shot falls in (For an authentic touch do the chant – ‘Ichi…ni…san…sake bomb!’ along with the pounding)