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Photo by Jesse Ballantyne on Unsplash
Japanesedrinkveganvegetariangluten-freedairy-free
Umeshu Sake Spritz
The Umeshu Sake Spritz is a refreshing Japanese cocktail originating from izakayas in Osaka, where bartenders began combining traditional plum wine with sparkling water to create a lighter, effervescent drink. This elegant spritz balances the sweet-tart depth of umeshu with the subtle rice wine notes of sake and a bright citrus finish.
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Instructions
- 1
Chill four tall glasses or wine glasses in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
- 2
Fill each chilled glass with 2 to 3 ice cubes, leaving enough room for all the liquid components.
- 3
Pour 60ml (1/4 cup) of umeshu into each glass as the base layer, allowing it to settle over the ice.
- 4
Add 60ml (1/4 cup) of chilled junmai sake to each glass and stir gently twice to lightly combine with the umeshu.
- 5
Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh yuzu juice or lemon juice into each glass, and add 1/2 tablespoon of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- 6
Slowly pour 120ml (1/2 cup) of chilled sparkling water into each glass over the back of a spoon to preserve the carbonation.
- 7
Stir once very gently with a bar spoon to combine all ingredients without losing too much effervescence.
- 8
Garnish each glass with a thin lemon or yuzu slice on the rim and optionally place one umeboshi or a sprig of fresh mint into the drink.
- 9
Serve immediately while cold; note each serving contains approximately 8 to 10 percent ABV based on standard umeshu at 12 percent and sake at 15 percent diluted with sparkling water.
- 10
For a non-alcoholic variation, replace the umeshu with 1/4 cup of white grape juice mixed with 1 teaspoon of ume (plum) extract or plum jam, and replace the sake with chilled white tea or lychee juice, then proceed with the same steps.
