Sparkling Sake

Sparkling sake is an effervescent sake variety that can be made by natural tank fermentation, by directly adding carbonation, or by adding yeast and then allowing sake to undergo the second fermentation in the bottle. They can vary from light-flavored and fruity styles to more intense and earthy varieties, but they often have lower alcohol content than traditional sake—around 10% ABV, but usually below that.

Depending on the filtration method, sparkling sake can be clear or cloudy. This sparkling variety is a relatively new invention created in an effort to make sake more palatable and approachable for those who consider regular sake too potent and overpowering.

The drink was heavily promoted, especially during marketing campaigns for the 2020 Summer Olympics, influencing more sake producers to venture in the production of this light, fizzy style, and to introduce novel techniques such as maturation and oak-aging.

Sparkling sake is a great pairing with food, and despite differences in style, it will mostly work well with seafood, sushi, tempura, fresh fruit, and desserts. It should always be served chilled.