As summer approaches, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink to beat the heat. And what better way to do so than with a cool glass of sake-based cocktail? In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 unique and delicious sake drink recipes that are perfect for sipping on a hot day or enjoying at your next backyard BBQ.
From classic combinations like sangria and bellinis, to more adventurous creations featuring flavors like matcha and yuzu, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re a seasoned sake connoisseur or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to quench your thirst and leave you feeling revitalized.
So grab your favorite glassware, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of refreshing sake drinks!
Sake Sangria with Citrus and Berries
A refreshing twist on traditional sangria, this Japanese-inspired recipe combines the smooth flavors of sake with the brightness of citrus and the sweetness of berries. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of sake (cooled to room temperature)
– 1 cup mixed citrus juice (orange, lemon, lime)
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sliced fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Fresh fruit slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled sake, citrus juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the mixed berries to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add ice cubes and sliced fresh mint leaves to the pitcher.
5. Serve the sangria in glasses over ice and garnish with additional fruit slices and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Lychee and Sake Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique fusion of sweet lychee and savory sake, perfectly balanced in a refreshing martini glass.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz sake
– 1 oz lychee liqueur
– 1 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Salt for rimming the glass
– Lychee fruit and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a martini glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine sake, lychee liqueur, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lychee fruit slice and a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Yuzu Sake Spritzer
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful spritzer featuring yuzu sake, a Japanese citrus-infused spirit. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a sophisticated apéritif.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz yuzu sake
– 4 oz sparkling water
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– Slice of yuzu fruit, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the yuzu sake and honey syrup.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of yuzu fruit.
Cooking Time: None! This spritzer is ready to serve immediately.
Peach Sake Bellini
Combine the sweetness of peaches with the subtle taste of sake for a unique and delicious twist on the classic Bellini cocktail. This recipe is perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, pureed
– 1 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the peach puree and sake until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, pour the chilled peach-sake mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
5. If desired, add a drizzle of honey on top for added sweetness.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Matcha Sake Cocktail
Combine the subtle bitterness of matcha green tea with the smooth, creamy taste of sake and a hint of citrus for a unique cocktail experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz sake
– 1/2 oz matcha liqueur (or 1 tsp matcha powder + 1 oz simple syrup)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed yuzu juice (or substitute with lemon or lime juice)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Ice
– Green tea-infused simple syrup (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add sake, matcha liqueur (or matcha powder + simple syrup), yuzu juice, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a green tea-infused simple syrup drizzle, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (as it’s a cocktail!)
Ginger Sake Mule
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic Moscow Mule. The addition of ginger sake adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the crispness of the lime and mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Ginger Sake
– 3 oz Vodka (preferably Japanese)
– Juice of 1 Lime
– 1/2 cup Ice
– Slice of Lime
– Sprig of Fresh Mint
– Club Soda
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the ginger sake, vodka, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in a slice of lime and add a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.
5. Top with club soda and stir briefly.
Cooking Time: None
Strawberry Sake Mojito
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito, featuring sweet strawberries and rich sake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/2 cup mint leaves
– 1/2 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the sliced strawberries and sugar with a spoon or a muddler until the strawberries are well-crushed.
2. Add the lime juice and mint leaves to the pitcher. Muddle gently to combine.
3. Add the sake to the pitcher and stir to combine.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Strawberry Sake Mojito mixture over the ice.
5. Top each glass off with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pineapple Sake Punch
This unique punch combines the sweetness of pineapple with the subtle flavor of sake, perfect for hot summer days or special gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be sipping this refreshing drink in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup sake
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of fresh pineapple for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, sake, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the punch over ice in glasses and garnish with fresh pineapple slices.
Cooking Time: None!
Cucumber Mint Sake Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing Cucumber Mint Sake Cooler, perfect for hot summer days. This light and crisp drink combines the cooling properties of cucumber and mint with the subtle sweetness of sake.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups sake
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges and sprigs of mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine sake, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the diced cucumber and let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in the fresh mint leaves.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Mint Sake Cooler over the ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold drink.
Spicy Mango Sake Margarita
Combine the sweet and spicy flavors of mango with the smoothness of sake in this unique twist on the classic margarita.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz sake
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 cup fresh mango puree
– 1-2 dashes of sriracha sauce (depending on desired level of heat)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, sake, lime juice, agave syrup, and mango puree.
3. Add 1-2 dashes of sriracha sauce, depending on desired level of heat.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Cherry Blossom Sake Fizz
This refreshing cocktail combines the delicate flavors of cherry blossom and sake with a fizzy twist, perfect for springtime gatherings or special occasions. With its light and floral taste, it’s sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Japanese sake
– 1/2 oz Cherry Blossom liqueur (or substitute with a floral liqueur like Lillet Blanc)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 oz sparkling water
– Slice of orange or cherry blossom for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add sake, Cherry Blossom liqueur, and lemon juice.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry blossom for added flair.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Honeydew Sake Slush
Beat the heat with this unique and refreshing drink that combines the sweetness of honeydew melon with the subtle flavor of sake. This slushy treat is perfect for hot summer days or as a unique twist on traditional cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed honeydew melon
– 1 cup sake
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the honeydew melon, sake, and simple syrup.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the fresh mint leaves and blend until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into glasses filled with ice cubes.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (just puree and serve!)
Passion Fruit Sake Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful drink that combines the sweetness of passion fruit with the tanginess of sake. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Sake
– 3/4 oz Passion Fruit Puree
– 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add sake, passion fruit puree, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Lemongrass Sake Collins
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Collins. The subtle citrus and herbal notes of lemongrass complement the sweetness of sake, making it perfect for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz sake
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz lemongrass-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Club soda
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
– Fresh lemongrass sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add sake, lemon juice, and simple syrups.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel and a fresh lemongrass sprig.
Cooking Time: None
Black Sesame Sake Shake
This refreshing drink combines the nutty flavor of black sesame with the smoothness of sake, perfect for a hot summer day or as a unique cocktail for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz sake
– 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tsp black sesame paste
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Whipped cream and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine sake, ice cream, milk, and black sesame paste.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add crushed ice and blend until well combined and frosty.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon Basil Sake Refresher
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of watermelon with the bright flavors of basil and sake, perfect for hot summer days. With only a few ingredients, you can create a unique and revitalizing beverage that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth.
2. Add the basil leaves and blend until well combined.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
4. In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon-basil mixture, sake, and lime juice.
5. Stir well to combine.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve over ice and garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Earl Grey Sake Tea Cocktail
Elevate your tea-time with this unique blend of Earl Grey’s citrusy charm and sake’s smooth sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Earl Grey-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 2 oz sake
– 1 oz freshly brewed green tea, chilled
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lemon twist or sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Earl Grey-infused simple syrup, sake, green tea, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make Earl Grey-infused simple syrup, steep 1 Earl Grey tea bag in 2 cups boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Then, combine the cooled tea with 1 cup granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool before using.
Vanilla Coconut Sake Colada
This tropical drink combines the creamy richness of coconut milk, the smoothness of sake, and the sweetness of vanilla for a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz sake
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the sake, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes!)
Enjoy your Vanilla Coconut Sake Colada!
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing sake drink recipes. From classic cocktails to fruity twists, there’s something for every taste bud. Try the Sake Sangria with Citrus and Berries or the Lychee and Sake Martini for a sophisticated vibe. Or go bold with the Spicy Mango Sake Margarita or the Watermelon Basil Sake Refresher. Whatever your mood, these 18 recipes are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
