How to Introduce Sake to Friends Who Know Nothing About Sake
Perhaps you have recently discovered the exciting world of sake and wanted to explore more options so you’ve ordered some from our digital bottle shop. Great (and thank you)! However, none of your friends drink sake, and you're now wondering when you'll get to crack open your new bottle.
Don't worry—this guide will show you how to introduce sake to friends who know nothing about it, helping them familiarise themselves with the drink. Before you know it, your friends will be the ones inviting you over for sake.
Here’s how to make their first sake experience enjoyable and memorable.
Start with the Basics
Before diving into tasting, give your friends a brief overview of sake, as they might have misconceptions that have put them off trying it in the first place. Explain that sake is a fermented beverage, not a spirit, and should be sipped and savoured like a fine wine. Mention that the alcohol content of sake is only slightly higher than wine, averaging around 15% ABV. Highlight that premium sake, which is the only category of sake available on our digital bottle shop, is made with only five ingredients: rice, water, yeast, koji, and a small amount of distilled alcohol. As a result, all premium sake is exceptionally pure, devoid of any preservatives, tannins, or sulfites—comprising only natural elements.
Glassware and Serving
Your friends may have seen sake served hot in small cups called ochoko, the traditional vessels used in Japan. However, you may not have ochoko at home, and many Japanese households no longer keep them either. Instead, many people now use wine glasses, and you should too. Wine glasses allow the drinker to appreciate the full spectrum of aromas and flavours present in sake. Additionally, instead of serving sake hot, start your friends' sake journey by serving it chilled, as many sakes shine at colder temperatures. This approach also helps demystify sake, showing that it’s not just a foreign beverage requiring special treatment, but one that can be enjoyed like any other alcoholic beverage with the glassware you already have at home.
Experiment with Food Pairings
Sake pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, not just Japanese cuisine! To drive this point home, prepare a selection of small dishes. Include sushi and sashimi, which your friends likely expect to eat with sake, but also offer other options such as a cheese and charcuterie board and even a chocolate fondant dessert. This variety will showcase how sake complements different flavours, enhancing the overall experience and demonstrating the versatility of sake.
By following these steps, we hope your friends discover sake like never before and that you form a new passion for it together! Trust us, the expansive world of sake is like a rabbit hole—the more you learn, the more you'll want to explore.
Kanpai to embarking on a new journey of discovery!
