Looking for your latest tipple? Savvy pseudo-sommeliers should set their eyes on saké right now, as Waitrose reports online searches of the tipple have jumped 241%. Last year was the year for rum, and of course gin has been top pick off the shelf for aeons. But now it’s time for this versatile import to have its moment in the sun, as part of the UK’s long-running love affair with all things Japanese, from the soothing cherry blossoms and amazing kitchenware to inspiring gardens and beyond.
What kind of alcohol is saké?
A drink that’s sipped like whisky, referred to as a wine, yet produced more like beer, saké is a totally unique alcohol that comes in myriad different varieties, from clean and neutral to cloudy and potent, still, sparkling and flavoured – often with traditional Japanese ingredients, such as yuzu or umeshu (plum) – and its variety plays a huge part in its appeal.
With an alcohol content traditionally sitting around 12-20%, it’s a drink to savour, rather than quaff, but with the rise in interest hitting at the same time the low/no movement is growing, there is an increasing array of lower-alcohol options such as spritzes.
There’s a saké for every price point, too, as it varies every bit as much as wine or whisky, from bargain basement options more suited to cooking to bottles you’d need to remortgage your house to buy.
Not sure where to start? Our experts at the GHI quaffed 14 affordable and mid-range options to bring you our top picks.
How do I drink saké?
Most sakés can be enjoyed both chilled and warmed – warming saké is said to bring out some of the earthier, more umami notes in the wine – and if neat alcohol isn’t your thing, it also makes an absolutely cracking cocktail.
For lovers of a short, punchy drink, try our vodka Saké-tini, or for a longer sip go for this fruity Saké Winter Sunrise. Or make both and throw in some suitably themed canapés as well – be fishy with our tuna-topped Crispy Sushi Rice Cakes, please the meat-eaters with Chicken Katsu Bites or go veggie with some surprisingly simple Teriyaki Mushroom Maki Rolls, pop Shogun on Disney+ and plan your next far-flung holiday.
100+ of the best canapé recipes - delicious party food for every occasion
Emma is Cookery Editor for Good Housekeeping and loves nothing more than sharing her bottomless enthusiasm for all things food and drink with anyone who wants to learn (and even those who don’t!). From super simple one pan suppers to showstopping wedding cakes and everything in between, there’s very little that doesn’t come out of her kitchen. When not developing recipes, writing features or styling food for photography she can be found hiding behind the mountain of cookery books that’s slowly overtaking her house, or exploring restaurants, food shops and festivals in search of the next big thing to share with readers. On the rare days when she’s not thinking about food, you’ll find her in a cosy pub at the end of a long walk with her dog and expert food taster, Angua.
