Sparkling Sake Spritz Recipe

Learn how to make this refreshing homemade Sparkling Sake Spritz that's perfect for summer entertaining. This easy cocktail recipe combines premium sake with bright yuzu, cucumber, and sparkling water for a light, refreshing craft cocktail that's both sophisticated and approachable. The best low-ABV spritz for elegant gatherings!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml premium junmai sake</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml yuzu juice (or mix of lemon and lime juice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">90ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 thin cucumber slices</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 shiso leaf for garnish (or mint leaf)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus press</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Fill your highball glass halfway with ice cubes. Using larger ice cubes rather than crushed ice will prevent the cocktail from becoming diluted too quickly, maintaining the delicate sake flavors longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add 2 cucumber slices to the glass and gently press with your bar spoon to release the essence without fully muddling - cucumber's subtle freshness should complement, not overwhelm the sake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and pour 60ml of premium junmai sake into the glass. Choose a good quality sake as it forms the foundation of this cocktail; junmai varieties tend to offer cleaner, purer flavors that work beautifully in cocktails.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add 15ml of yuzu juice and 10ml of simple syrup. The balance between tart citrus and subtle sweetness is crucial for complementing sake's natural umami notes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently stir the mixture with your bar spoon for about 10 seconds, using a smooth up-and-down motion to integrate the ingredients while preserving the delicate sake character.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Slowly pour in 90ml of chilled sparkling water along the inside of the glass to maintain carbonation. The bubbles should create a gentle, effervescent lift that brightens the subtle sake flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with the remaining cucumber slice and a shiso leaf (or mint if shiso is unavailable). Position them to release their aromatic qualities with each sip, enhancing the drink's sensory experience.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Sparkling Sake Spritz?

The Sparkling Sake Spritz combines premium junmai sake, yuzu juice, simple syrup, sparkling water, cucumber slices, and a shiso leaf (or mint) for garnish. This refreshing cocktail balances delicate sake flavours with bright citrus and cooling cucumber.

How to make Sparkling Sake Spritz at home?

Learn how to make Sparkling Sake Spritz by filling a highball glass with ice, gently pressing cucumber slices, adding sake, yuzu juice and simple syrup, stirring gently, topping with sparkling water, and garnishing with cucumber and shiso. The key is using premium junmai sake and maintaining the proper dilution to preserve the cocktail's delicate flavour profile.

What's the best type of sake to use in a spritz cocktail?

Premium junmai sake works best in spritz cocktails as it offers clean, pure flavours without added distilled alcohol. Look for varieties with subtle fruitiness and good umami notes. Avoid very sweet nigori (cloudy) sakes as they can make the cocktail overly heavy and unbalanced.

Can I substitute yuzu juice with something more readily available?

Yes! If yuzu juice isn't available, mix equal parts lemon and lime juice for a similar flavour profile. For extra complexity, add a small drop of grapefruit juice. Meyer lemon juice also works well as it has subtle floral notes that complement sake nicely.

How can I create variations of this Japanese-inspired spritz?

Experiment with seasonal fruit like strawberry, peach or pear purees (1 tbsp), try different herbs like lemongrass or basil instead of shiso, or substitute sparkling water with prosecco for a boozier version. For a sweeter profile, replace simple syrup with elderflower liqueur or honey syrup.

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