It’s Not Just “Hot Wine”: How to Order and Drink Sake Like a Pro
“I don’t like Sake. It tastes like warm vodka.” I hear this from tourists all the time. And it breaks my heart.
If you have only had cheap “Hot Sake” back home, you haven’t tasted real Japan. Premium Japanese Sake (Nihonshu) is closer to white wine. It can be fruity, floral, dry, or sweet. And usually, the best stuff is drunk cold.
But the menu looks like a spellbook of Kanji characters. As your friend, I’m here to decode it for you. Here is how to order without fear.
1. The “Cold” vs. “Hot” Rule
- Reishu (Cold): Most premium Sake (Ginjo / Daiginjo) is served chilled. This brings out the fruity aromas (melon, apple, pear). Order this first.
- Atsukan (Hot): Warm sake is delicious in winter or with oily foods, but heat can destroy the delicate flavors of expensive sake. Save this for a cozy Izakaya night with Oden.
2. The Vocabulary Cheat Sheet (The 3 Words You Need)
You don’t need to be a sommelier. Just look for these words on the bottle or menu:
- 1. “Junmai” (Pure Rice):
- Made only from rice, water, and Koji mold. No added alcohol. It tastes rich, earthy, and full-bodied. Good with heavy food.
- 2. “Ginjo” (Premium):
- The rice is polished more. It tastes lighter and fruitier.
- 3. “Daiginjo” (Super Premium):
- The rice is polished down to 50% or less. It is incredibly smooth, aromatic, and expensive. Drink this like a fine wine.
Friend’s Hack: If you see “Junmai Daiginjo,” just order it. It is the gold standard.
3. “Sweet” or “Dry”?
The staff might ask you: “Amakuchi or Karakuchi?”
- Amakuchi: Sweet. (Easy to drink, dessert-like).
- Karakuchi: Dry. (Crisp, refreshing, goes well with Sashimi).
4. The “Masu” Surprise (Why is it overflowing?!)
You order a glass. The waiter brings a small glass inside a square wooden box (Masu). They pour the sake… and keep pouring until it spills over into the box.
Don’t panic! It’s not a mistake. This is a sign of generosity and hospitality. They are giving you “extra.”
How to drink it:
- Don’t lift the glass yet (it’s too full). Lower your mouth to the glass on the table and slurp the top bit. (Yes, it looks silly. Do it).
- Once there is space, lift the glass and drink.
- The Finale: After the glass is empty, pour the sake from the wooden box into your glass. Or, drink straight from the wooden box for a cedar flavor!
5. Where to Buy Bottles (Souvenirs)
Don’t buy sake at the convenience store (unless it’s an emergency). Go to the Depachika (Department Store Basement) we talked about! They have tasting counters. Or, visit a specialized “Sake Center” like the ones in Tokyo Station or Omotesando Hills.
What to buy: Look for a 720ml bottle (wine bottle size). It fits in your suitcase perfectly.
Summary: Sip, Don’t Shot
Sake is about aroma and relaxation. It is not tequila. Do not shoot it. Sip it. Smell it. Eat some Sashimi.
You are now part of a 2,000-year-old tradition.
Want to visit a real Sake Brewery just outside Tokyo, or go to an “All-You-Can-Taste” Sake bar with 100 varieties? Our Nightlife Tours can take you to the best hidden Sake bars where the masters will help you find your perfect bottle. Kanpai!
