Sake is often linked to sushi restaurants, but there’s much more to this Japanese beverage than many realize. When made with quality ingredients, sake can mirror the flavors of fine white wines, adding unique fruity notes to cocktails.

One brand making waves in the sake community is Sake ONO, which strives to transform sake from a traditional Japanese staple into a sophisticated ingredient for fine dining and cocktails. Situated in proximity to the Yoshi No Gawa brewery—the oldest in Niigata prefecture—Sake ONO specializes in a type known as Junmai Daiginjo. This sake has been gaining traction in major U.S. markets and luxury hotels, including locations like the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental.

Sake ONO CEO Lana Buchanan emphasizes that sake should be celebrated beyond its conventional contexts. She notes that it pairs excellently not only with Japanese cuisine but also with umami-rich dishes like mushroom risotto, beef carpaccio, and even cheesecake for dessert.

Buchanan highlights the versatility of Sake ONO in crafting cocktails, stating its deep flavor allows it to compete with premium spirits. Its 15% ABV makes it a lower-alcohol alternative that can still elevate cocktails.

For mixing enthusiasts, here are two cocktail recipes featuring Sake ONO:

Sake Martini

• Ingredients

  • 2 oz. sake
  • 1/2 oz. dry gin
  • 1/4 oz. vodka
  • 1 dash umami bitters

• Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in a mixing pitcher and add ice.
  2. Stir for 15 seconds.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lemon peel and olives.

Sake Highball

• Ingredients

  • 2 oz. sake
  • 1/2 oz. lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz. bourbon
  • 1/4 oz. simple syrup
  • Club soda to top

• Instructions

  1. Combine sake, lemon juice, bourbon, and simple syrup in a shaker.
  2. Add ice and shake for about 15 seconds.
  3. Strain over ice into a highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Experiencing high-quality sake opens a world of possibilities beyond sushi, inviting drinkers to explore its diverse potential in both food pairings and cocktails.