Saketini

Bring the elegance and modern sophistication of Japan to your next ‘Tini with this aromatic and robust tipple.

“Oh, no. I like sake. Especially when it’s served at the correct temperature: 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit, like this is.”

In 1967, secret agent James Bond went to Japan in the movie You Only Live Twice. Investigating the abduction of manned US and Russian space capsules from Earth’s orbit, 007 had his work cut out for him. Thankfully he had strong allies on his side. This iconic film introduced audiences all over the world to Tiger Tanaka and his mysterious and deadly ninjas that helped Bond in his quest to avert World War III. And who could forget Ken Adam’s massive and legendary Volcano Lair set… monorail, launchpad and everything. Seriously, if you’ve never seen it, that set is incredibly large and worth the price of admission alone.

Tiger also expertly keeps the British secret agent entertained and relaxed as they work together to save humanity. We know 007 loves his vodka martinis – which he has “stirred, not shaken” in this adventure, curiously enough – but we learn of his love and knowledge of Japan’s national drink, sake, when Tanaka serves it to him. Bond knows quite a bit about everything, much to his superior’s chagrin and our amusement.

What if we combined James Bond’s cocktail of choice with sake? That’s exactly what tonight’s drink is, the Saketini. Take your gin or vodka – or both if you’re making a Vesper-style Saketini – and replace the vermouth with sake. It’s just that simple. And it has an amazing flavor. Familiar, yet different enough to feel as though you yourself are having an adventure.

Said to have been invented by a Japanese chef from Queens named Matsuda San, the Saketini made its debut at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. However, there’s another claim to this cocktail’s creation. Hiroaki Aoki was only 25-years-old when he founded the famous Benihana restaurant in New York City on West 56th Street. He also said he invented the Saketini for his establishment the first year it opened… in 1964.

Sometimes a little mystery and history adds something special to the drinks we make that we can’t quite put our finger on. That’s where the magic is.

What is Sake?

Many people assume that sake is a type of wine, because for years it has often been referred to as Japanese rice wine. But this is incorrect. Sake is its own type of alcoholic beverage, neither being wine, whiskey or beer. In wine, alcohol is created by fermenting sugar that is in the grapes that are used. Sake is made using a method closer to brewing beer. And one usually doesn’t drink wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages at warmer temperatures, whereas sake is best when hot, but can be enjoyed at any temperature.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Saketini?

You’ve picked out your preferred gin or vodka; I love gin martinis, so I’ll often choose a good London Dry like a No. 3 or Bombay Sapphire for more traditional juniper-forward notes, or a stone fruit infused Grand Cabaret for something a little more colorful. For a vodka-style cocktail, try a smooth, clean and crisp Japanese Nikka Coffey spirit. This pairs amazingly well with whatever sake you choose to go with. And, as far as that goes, you need to look at your sake’s polish rating, as the rice used is polished before the fermentation process. A good rule of thumb is to pick a bottle that has a rating somewhere between 50% and 70%.

FAQs & Tips

Saketini Variations

If you live for cocktails served in elegant, long-stemmed glassware, there are numerous mixtures of varying colors and flavors which have adopted the name “martini” that you can sip on. While these aren’t considered to be a true martini – that would be gin and vermouth – that doesn’t mean they aren’t any less delectable or potent. If you’re wondering where to start with this style of drink, Twist & Toast has you covered. Here are a few you can try out the next time you get thirsty.

• Gin Martini – Classic, iconic and legendary. This simple and timeless recipe is a must-have for your repertoire.
• Vodka Martini – James Bond’s favorite cocktail in his cinematic adventures. Shaken, not stirred.
• Vesper Martini – Another notable James Bond tipple, named after the tragic and beautiful Vesper Lynd.
• Vermouth Cocktail – Vermouth takes center stage in this robust and eye-opening beverage.