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Sparkling Sake Spritz Recipe

Sparkling Sake Spritz Recipe

By What’s Baking

A refreshing fusion of floral Japanese sake, tangy citrus, and effervescent bubbles that delivers elegant simplicity with every bright, effervescent sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An elegant highball glass filled with ice captures the crystalline clarity of this Sparkling Sake Spritz, where delicate bubbles rise continuously through the pale straw-colored liquid. Golden afternoon light streams through the glass, highlighting the drink's subtle iridescence and the glistening droplets of condensation on the exterior. A thin slice of cucumber and a sprig of fresh shiso leaf garnish lean artfully against the rim, creating a striking visual contrast with their vibrant greens. The drink sits on a minimalist stone coaster, surrounded by small dishes of traditional Japanese snacks, emphasizing its authentic fusion concept and perfect pairing potential.

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>

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>
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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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 hand pie
🔥 Calories: 320 calories
🥑 Fat: 18 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 11 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 38 g
🍭 Sugar: 19 g
🍗 Protein: 3 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 65 mg
🧂 Sodium: 215 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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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