Did you know? . . . About Sake

Sake is an alcoholic drink made from fermented rice with origins in Japan. According to Wikipedia, 

"Sake is often referred to in English-speaking countries as rice wine; however, this term is a misnomer. Unlike wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting sugar that is naturally present in grapes, sake is produced by means of a brewing process more like that of beer. Thus, sake is rice beer rather than rice wine."

Interesting, huh? It's important to note, however, that sake has higher alcohol concentrations than beer traditionally does. And, it takes a special rice to make this drink (don't try it at home with your Uncle Ben's!).


We were surprised to find a sangria with sake as the added component. Most often sangria gets its extra kick from rum. We admit we do not have much experience with sake but plan to expand our knowledge of it in future, particularly at sushi bars. 

A sake barrel, offered to Meiji Shrine, in Yoyogi Park.

photo by Stéfan on Flickr