Sake Martini

Instructions

1. Chill your Martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice cubes.

3. Pour the sake and gin into the ice-filled shaker.

4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

5. Discard the ice water from your Martini glass if used.

6. Double strain the mixture through a cocktail strainer (and optionally a fine-mesh strainer) into the chilled Martini glass.

7. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber.

Trivia

• What is a Sake Martini?

  A Sake Martini, sometimes called a Saketini, is a modern cocktail variation of the classic Martini. It primarily uses Japanese sake instead of, or alongside, traditional dry vermouth, paired typically with gin or vodka. This substitution results in a smoother, often subtly sweeter, and less intensely botanical flavour profile compared to its traditional counterpart.

• How does a Sake Martini taste?

  A Sake Martini offers a delicate, smooth, and clean taste. The flavour depends heavily on the type of sake used (ranging from dry to slightly sweet) and whether gin or vodka is the base spirit. Generally, it's less sharp than a classic Martini, with subtle notes of rice and sometimes fruity or floral undertones from the sake, complemented by the botanicals of gin or the neutrality of vodka.

• What type of sake is best for a Sake Martini?

  A dry to semi-dry Junmai or Ginjo sake is often preferred for Sake Martinis. Junmai sake offers a full-bodied, slightly acidic profile that pairs well with gin or vodka, while Ginjo sake tends to be lighter, more aromatic, and sometimes fruitier, adding elegance to the cocktail. Avoid overly sweet or cloudy (Nigori) sake unless you're specifically aiming for that profile. Experimenting with different types can help find your perfect balance.

• Is a Sake Martini strong?

  Yes, a Sake Martini is typically quite strong in alcohol content, similar to a traditional Martini. It combines sake (usually 15-20% ABV) with a high-proof spirit like gin or vodka (around 40% ABV). While the flavour might seem smoother or more delicate, the overall alcohol volume is significant, so it should be enjoyed responsibly.

• How do you make a Sake Martini at home?

  Making a Sake Martini at home is straightforward. You'll need sake, gin or vodka, ice, a shaker, a strainer, and a chilled Martini glass. Simply combine 6 cl of sake and 1.5 cl of gin (or vodka) in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 15-20 seconds). Strain the mixture into your pre-chilled Martini glass and garnish, often with a cucumber slice or a lemon twist.

• What is the difference between a Sake Martini and a regular Martini?

  The key difference lies in the use of sake. A traditional Martini typically consists of gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth. A Sake Martini replaces the dry vermouth partly or entirely with sake. This change significantly alters the flavour profile, making it generally smoother, less dry, and introducing the subtle, nuanced flavours characteristic of Japanese sake.