A Sake Martini is the kind of cocktail that feels like a little luxury in a glass. It’s light, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a touch of earthiness from the sake and the crisp edge of dry vermouth. I’ve made this drink so many times for friends and quiet evenings at home, and it’s always a hit. Whether you’re new to sake or a longtime fan, this is a fun and easy way to enjoy it.
Sake Martini
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) sake
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: cucumber slice or pickled ginger
Equipment:
– Mixing glass
– Bar spoon (or a regular spoon works too!)
– Strainer
– Chilled martini or coupe glass
How to Make It
- Start by chilling your martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water. A cold glass makes all the difference!
- Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice cubes. Add the sake and dry vermouth.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds. You’re looking to chill the drink without making it too watery.
- Empty the ice from your martini glass (if you used ice water) and strain the drink into it.
- Top it off with your garnish—try a crisp cucumber slice for a refreshing touch or a piece of pickled ginger for a little zing.
That’s it! You’ve got a Sake Martini that’s smooth, light, and just a little fancy.
Tips for Success
– Chill everything: The sake, vermouth, and glass. This keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
– Use good sake: A premium sake, like Junmai or Ginjo, will give you the smoothest flavor. Save the cooking sake for, well, cooking.
– Customize the ratio: If you like a stronger sake flavor, use less vermouth. Prefer something lighter? Add an extra splash of vermouth.
Food Pairings
The beauty of a Sake Martini is how well it pairs with food. Here are a few ideas to take your sipping to the next level:
Sushi: The clean, crisp notes of the martini cut through the richness of sushi rolls beautifully.
Grilled Veggies: The smoky, charred flavors of grilled zucchini or eggplant are a great match for the drink’s light, earthy profile.
Soft Cheeses: Brie or camembert are dreamy alongside a Sake Martini. The creaminess of the cheese balances the drink’s crispness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re hosting a party, you can pre-mix a batch of Sake Martinis without the ice. Keep it chilled in the fridge and stir with ice just before serving. Leftovers? Store the mix in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a day, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Fun Variations to Try
This cocktail is a great base to experiment with. Here are some twists to change things up:
Green Tea Sake Martini
– Mix equal parts sake and green tea liqueur with a splash of dry vermouth. It’s a little earthy, a little sweet, and totally unique.
Spicy Sake Martini
– Add a kick by shaking sake with chili-infused vermouth and a touch of simple syrup. Perfect if you like a little heat in your drink.
Cucumber Sake Martini
– Muddle a few cucumber slices before mixing, or use cucumber-infused simple syrup for an extra refreshing twist.
Non-Alcoholic Version: For a mocktail, mix chilled sparkling water with a splash of rice vinegar and garnish with cucumber. It’s light, tangy, and just as elegant.
FAQs
Can I use any type of sake?
Yes, but a smoother sake like Junmai Ginjo or Daiginjo works best. These have a light, clean flavor that won’t overpower the drink.
Should I shake or stir?
Stirring is traditional and keeps the drink clear, but if you like it colder and don’t mind a little dilution, shaking works too.
How do I make it less dry?
Use a sweeter sake or swap dry vermouth for blanc vermouth, which has a touch of sweetness.
What’s the best garnish?
Cucumber slices and pickled ginger are classics, but you can also try a lemon twist or even a small sprig of fresh herbs like thyme.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix the sake and vermouth without ice and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just stir it with ice before pouring into your glass.
Why It’s a Favorite
The Sake Martini has become my go-to for evenings when I want something light and refined. It’s simple to make but feels special, like a little moment of indulgence. Whether you’re pairing it with sushi, serving it at a dinner party, or just enjoying it on your own, this cocktail is sure to impress. Cheers!
