Sake Sangria? A Delicious Surprise

Craving Sangria? How about a different take on this refreshing pitcher-friendly drink that counts variety as its main ingredient. Traditionally made with Rioja as the base and nuanced with citrus, strawberries or any other fruit, there have been many variations, including rum, brandy or even vodka. So, why not try a Sake twist? Gekkeikan sakes and plum wines are light, not sweetened and all natural making them an ideal base for sangria. Sake Sangria also pairs well not only with Asian foods but any fare. Here are a few recipes to get you in the mood:

Peach and Plum Sake Sangria

28 oz Gekkikan Sake

14 oz Kobai Plum Wine

2 Fresh Peaches, sliced

2 Fresh Plums, sliced

2 oz Soda Water

Muddle the fruit, add the sake and plum wine and let infuse. Add ice and stir well. Top with soda water.

Summer Sake Sangria

24 oz Gekkeikan Sake

12 oz Gekkeikan Plum Wine

¾ cup fresh watermelon, cubed

1¼ cups fresh honeydew melon, cubed

Muddle ½ cup watermelon with 1 cup honeydew melon. Add the sake and plum wine and let infuse. Add the remainder of the melon, ice and stir well. Top with ginger ale.

Sake Berry Punch

32 oz Gekkeikan Sake

½ cup fresh blueberries

½ cup fresh raspberries

1 bunch fresh mint leaves

4oz simple syrup

1oz ginger ale

Lightly muddle the berries, mint and simple syrup. Add the sake and let infuse. Add ice, stir and top with ginger ale.

For more about  Gekkeikan Sake visit:       http://www.gekkeikan-sake.com/home.cfm

Remember: Always serve and drink responsibly.

Delicate Cherry Plumtini

A little history before the toast--In an effort to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan, 98 years ago, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo  gifted the United States with 3,000 Japanese Cherry Trees to the city of Washington. 

 Cherry trees were originally planted in Japan for their beauty to adorn the grounds of the nobility of Kyoto as early as 794.  Flower viewing was a social practice the Japanese emulated from China where the imperial households, poets, singers and other aristocrats would gather and celebrate under blossoms.  

  

Gekkeikan Sake Company, Ltd., based in Kyoto, Japan, is the world’s most popular sake brand and was founded in 1637 by the Okura family. With nearly 400 years and 14 generations of sake brewing experience, Gekkeikan, one of the oldest-family operated businesses in the world and one of the most respected names in sake, has proudly been the official sake of Japan’s Imperial Household for almost a century.  Their delightful offerings include 14 sakes and plum wines, including Gekkeikan Traditional, the world’s most popular Junami, Horin, the award-winning Junmai Daiginjo and the acclaimed Zipang Sparking Sake. Have your sake the traditional way or try something new.

Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival, which starts on March 27^th , and Spring in general, with this cocktail  from Gekkeikan:

Cherry Blossom Tini (by Allen Katz)

2 ¼ parts Gekkeikan Sake

¾ part Cointreau®

¾ part cranberry juice

¼ part fresh lime juice

2 dashes orange bitters

 http://www.gekkeikan-sake.com/

As always, drink and serve responsibly.