Journey into a relaxing evening with the tart, tangy and terrific Sake Grapefruit cocktail.
“No, no. I like sake. [sip] Especially when it’s served at the correct temperature, 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit, like this is.”
“For a European, you are exceptionally cultivated.”
In the 1967 James Bond adventure You Only Live Twice, 007 finds himself in Japan as he works to thwart SPECTRE’s attempts at igniting World War III. His ally, the enigmatic Tiger Tanaka, offers the British agent sake while quipping about his preferred choice of cocktail, the Vodka Martini. But Bond knows his alcohol, which Tanaka discovers as 007 smirks his way through the famous quip above.
Tonight’s cocktail would, I imagine, get a glowing recommendation from the super spy, him being exceptionally cultivated and all. The Sake Grapefruit is a fizzy mixture of gin, sake and grapefruit juice, topped with an effervescent sparkling water. But unlike the traditional method of serving the Japanese libation, this tipple is cold and imbibed over ice.
And if you haven’t seen You Only Live Twice in a while, shake up a few Sake Grapefruit cocktails, sit back and take a journey with Little Nellie to Blofeld’s volcano lair.
What Is Sake?
Sometimes referred to as Japanese rice wine, sake is a cultural staple in the Land of the Rising Sun, and is indeed fermented from rice. It can be floral or fruity, and is in a category all its own, being neither wine, beer or spirit. For tonight’s cocktail, I’m going to suggest using a sparkling sake, which will add some lovely extra effervescence to each sip, and help soften the tartness of the grapefruit juice.
What Is The Best Gin To Use In A Sake Grapefruit Cocktail?
You don’t want a gin that will overwhelm or compete with the sake and grapefruit juice, as you’re trying to achieve some balance in every serving you craft. A London Dry spirit, like Beefeater or Tanqueray, will help deliver a crisp, tart tipple every time. For something more complex, try a Hendrick’s Oasium, which is a desert botanical and fruit-infused gin, and will meld nicely with the grapefruit flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces sake
- 1 ounce gin
- 3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- Soda water to top
- Fresh grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the sake, gin, and fresh grapefruit juice. Shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top each glass with a splash of soda water. Garnish with fresh grapefruit if desired and enjoy.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a highball glass with ice, pour your cocktail in and garnish with a fresh wedge of grapefruit on top.
What is the best soda water to use in this recipe?
I personally love Fever-Tree club soda, which is made with sea salt and has the right amount of bubbles and bite. And each can is the right amount you need for any given cocktail that calls for it.
Other Cocktails Similar To The Sake Grapefruit
Grapefruit isn’t just a nice option for a lean and healthy breakfast. It’s also one of the most popular elements in many mixed drinks. And by mixed drinks, I mean adult beverages, of the giggle juice variety. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I’m speaking of course of cocktails. And here at Twist & Toast, we have some of the tastiest and tangiest grapefruit-flavored libations that’ll make your mouth water.
- Jet Pilot – Take flight with this potent and punchy libation.
- Grapefruit Martini – Satisfying, tart and sweet, the Grapefruit Martini is a great sipper on a Sunday afternoon.
- Lonkero Long Drink – A Finnish tradition, and a cool treat on a hot day.
- The Hemingway Daiquiri – The legendary author’s preferred version of the classic Daiquiri.
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