A refreshing, cold drink becomes increasingly appealing as the summer heat intensifies. Sake is no exception. This article will explore various ways to enjoy sake during the summer, from selecting the perfect summer sake to creating delightful cocktails and pairing it with delicious food.
Choosing the Perfect Sake for Summer
The Allure of Cold Sake
When it comes to the perfect sake for summer, chilled sake is undoubtedly the best choice. Chilling sake accentuates its fruity aroma and refreshing taste. In particular, fragrant varieties like Junmai Ginjo and Daiginjo sake are highly recommended to be enjoyed chilled.
For those seeking the ultimate experience, we suggest "Bubble," a premium sparkling sake, and "No Nature No Life," a health-conscious option made with rice cultivated without pesticides or fertilizers.
Summer-Only Sake Varieties
During the hot season, many sake breweries release limited-edition summer sake. They are characterized by their light, easy-drinking, refreshing flavor. Trying summer-only sake is a fun way to experience the diversity of sake.
Let us introduce you to some sake that is only available at Sakura Town and is perfect for chilling and enjoying.
"As Fruity As Possible" is recommended for beginners, made only with rice but has a fruity flavor. "Kamihotoke" is a sake made from a 500-year-old recipe that has been enjoyed by Shinto and Buddhist priests. "Sake de Swan" is a low-alcohol sake intended to be paired with food. It goes well with meat dishes.
Summer Sake Cocktails
Easy Sake-Based Cocktail Recipes
Sake-based cocktails are the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. Simple and refreshing options like "sake soda" (a mix of sake and soda water) and "sake juice" (sake with fruit juice) are easy to make at home. For more ideas and recipes, please refer to the article "Enjoy Sake Cocktails At Home".
Pairing Sake with Fruits
Sake pairs exceptionally well with fruits. You can create delightful variations such as "sake sangria" by infusing sake with sliced fruits. Or, simply enjoy sliced bananas, pears, or grapes as a side with your sake. The possibilities are endless.
Sake and Summer Cuisine Pairings
Sake and Summer Staple Dishes
A classic summer dish, Caprese salad, features tomatoes rich in potassium and citric acid, making it a great way to prevent and recover from summer fatigue.
The combination of fresh tomatoes and soft mozzarella cheese provides a delightful texture and flavor. Sake, being a fermented beverage, pairs exceptionally well with cheese, another fermented food. Ginjo sake, in particular, offers a fruity aroma reminiscent of white wine, making it an ideal match for cheese.
Enjoying Sake at BBQs
Summer is a time for BBQ. A refreshing sparkling sake is the best way to enjoy a backyard BBQ, and BUBBLE is low in alcohol and perfect for chilling. Let the unique taste of sake enliven your summer BBQ!
Endless Ways to Enjoy Sake This Summer
There are countless ways to enjoy sake during the summer. Whether you prefer it chilled, mixed into cocktails, or paired with food, there is a sake out there for everyone. Why not explore the world of sake and discover your new favorite summer drink?
