There's something nice about trying out new liquors every once in awhile. Everyone has "their drink," but expanding your drinking horizons is a great way to mix things up. Gin and tonics have their time and place, but this weekend, get a bottle of sake and try out a sake cocktail.
Somewhere between a wine and a liquor, sake is the best of both worlds. It's a wonderful drink on its own, hot or cold, and its many forms allow for a vast variety of flavor. However, we love it when it's mixed in cocktails. So many fruits and herbs complement its simple flavor profile, and the cocktail options are endless.
Sake is made of fermented rice, and it's been enjoyed as Japan's national beverage for over 2,000 years. It's often served in beautiful ceramic decanters called "tokkuri" and matching ceramic cups called "choko," or in cups on top of wooden boxes. It can range in alcohol content from nine to 20 percent, so make sure you know what you're getting before you pour!
Ginger Cucumber Sake Cooler: Ginger is frequently paired with sake, as the fresh and slightly spicy flavor enhances the sake. Cucumber smooths everything out.
Pear and Sake Martini: If you want to shake up your martini game, try this combination. Use asian pears for a less sweet, more balanced martini.
Lychee Sake: Sake's subtlety works beautifully with the equally light lychee, whose flavor is slightly sweet and never overwhelming. Garnish with a whole lychee to eat at the end.
Peach and Plum Sake Sangria: Fresh peaches and plums mix with sake and Japanese plum wine and a splash of soda to make the perfect alternative sangria. Next time you're craving sangria, put away the red wine and give this a shot.
Grapefruit, ginger, and lemongrass sake cocktail: Freshly-squeezed juice, lemongrass and fresh-grated ginger makes for a perfectly balanced, not-too-sweet pink cocktail. It's perfect for an afternoon drink.
Tokyo Rose: It's like a lighter, classier and more worldly Cosmopolitan, with orange, cranberry and peach flavors. Peach schnapps brings a sweet, candy-peach flavor.
Sake Bomb: It's no surprise that North America loves sake bombs. This cocktail is the rowdiest way to drink sake, and the mix of beer with sake is unique and delicious. The chanting and banging on the table is tons of fun, too.
