Every year on October 1st, sake lovers around the world raise a glass to mark World Sake Day. This celebration is more than just an appreciation of a beautiful drink—it is steeped in history, culture, and craftsmanship that stretches back centuries.
At DrinksOne we have some particularly exciting bottles of sake available, perfect for discovering the elegance and diversity of this incredible Japanese tradition. Whether you’re a long-time sake enthusiast or just curious to try it for the first time, World Sake Day is the perfect occasion.
The Origins of World Sake Day
World Sake Day was first officially recognised in 1978 by the Japan Sake Brewers Association, chosen because October marks the beginning of the traditional brewing season. Before modern refrigeration, sake brewing followed the natural calendar, with cooler autumn temperatures creating the ideal conditions for fermentation.
For centuries, sake has held an honoured place in Japanese life—from Shinto rituals to family celebrations. Over time, this reverence spread across the world, with sake now enjoyed in fine dining restaurants, cocktail bars, and homes everywhere. World Sake Day has become a moment for enthusiasts globally to toast this shared appreciation.
What Exactly Is Sake?
Sake, sometimes referred to as “Japanese rice wine,” is quite different from both wine and beer. It’s brewed, not distilled, but uses a unique double fermentation process where rice starch is converted into sugar and then into alcohol simultaneously. The result is a drink of astonishing depth and variety, with flavours that range from clean and crisp to rich, nutty, and savoury.
A few key categories to know:
- Junmai Daiginjo: The pinnacle of premium sake. Highly polished rice, delicate aromas, and a refined finish. Best enjoyed chilled. Our picks Sake Ono Junmai Daiginjo with flavours of honeydew melon and white flowers or for a Californian take on premium sake try SoGood Sake.
- Junmai Ginjo: Elegant and aromatic, with subtle fruit and floral notes. Perfect for pairing with seafood and lighter dishes. Heavensake Label Azur is an excellent example with bright fruit flavours and notes of cream soda.
- Junmai: Full-bodied, umami-rich, and versatile. Can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, depending on the season. Heavensake Junmai 12 is great for experimenting with food matches thanks to it savoury and caramel notes.
- Nigori: Unfiltered, cloudy sake with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet profile. A playful style that’s great for newcomers.
- Koshu: Aged sake, offering deep, layered flavours—think caramel, spice, and even whisky-like notes.
- Yuzushu: A refreshing citrus sake made by blending sake with Japanese yuzu fruit. Bursting with bright lemon, lime, and grapefruit notes, it’s zesty, lightly sweet, and fantastic chilled as an aperitif. Île Four Yuzu is our top pick for intense Yuzu freshness!
- Umeshu: A much-loved plum sake with a balance of tartness and sweetness. Juicy, smooth, and often enjoyed over ice—it’s an approachable style perfect for those discovering sake for the first time. Try Île Four Ume for a delicious sipper when served over ice.
Each style has its own story and personality, making sake a drink that rewards exploration.
How to Enjoy Sake on World Sake Day
One of the joys of sake is how versatile it is in both serving and pairing. Here are a few ways to make the most of your World Sake Day celebrations:
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Chilled in a wine glass: Premium styles like Daiginjo show off their fragrance and clarity best when served cold.
- Warmed gently: A tradition that goes back centuries. Junmai sake in particular gains body and richness when gently heated.
- Cocktails with a twist: Modern bartenders are experimenting with sake in classics like the Sake Negroni, Saketini, or even a sake spritz for a lighter, fresher alternatives for cocktail lovers.
- Food pairings beyond sushi: While sushi and sake are a timeless match, sake also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, creamy cheeses, charcuterie, and even desserts like dark chocolate or cheesecake.
Why Sake Belongs in Your Drinks Cabinet
Sake is often seen as something to enjoy in a Japanese restaurant, but more and more people are discovering how well it belongs at home. With lower acidity than wine and a naturally smooth texture, sake is a fantastic alternative for dinner parties, tastings, or simply unwinding after a long day.
It’s also a wonderful way to explore Japanese culture. Many breweries are family-owned, with centuries of knowledge passed down through generations. Each bottle represents not just a drink, but a piece of history, terroir, and artistry.
Raise a Glass on 1st October
This World Sake Day 2025, take a moment to experience sake in all its beauty. Whether you’re enjoying a chilled glass with friends, experimenting with a new cocktail, or pairing it with a home-cooked dinner, sake has a way of elevating any occasion.
Explore our Sake collection at DrinksOne and discover the elegance, versatility, and timeless artistry of Japan’s most iconic drink.
Kanpai! (Cheers!)
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