Contrary to collegiate belief, there are better ways to consume sake than in "bomb" form.
The traditional Japanese beverage, usually served either warmed or cooled, is made of fermented rice. The alcohol content typically runs a little lower than 40 proof, making it about half as potent as spirits like whiskey or vodka. As a result, many sake cocktails are crafted with light, fragrant flavors that enhance the natural flavor of the sake, rather than bury it.
While sake comes in many distinct flavors, similar to the variations between wines, bartenders frequently turn to cucumber, lemongrass and lychee to compliment its basic palate.
There's always room for a little creativity, however, as evidenced by the 10 sake cocktails below. Go ahead and get out of your gin-and-tonic rut this summer.
Get the Grapefruit, Ginger, and Lemongrass Sake Cocktails recipe from The Bojon Gourmet
Get the Raspberry Sake Tea Cocktail recipe from Pass the Sushi
Get the Tangerine Ginger Sake Sangria recipe from Cooking Stoned
Get the Zucchini Sake Cocktail recipe from Healthfully Ever After
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