Cocktail
Saketini
How to make a Saketini - the Japanese-inspired Martini of gin and sake, stirred ice-cold and garnished with olive or cucumber. Clear, dry and elegant.
4 minPrep time
easyDifficulty
Martini glassGlass
1Serving(s)
The Saketini is an elegant fusion of Western bar tradition and Japanese sake. Instead of vermouth, sake provides a mild, dry note that gently surrounds the gin. Stirred ice-cold and simply garnished, it is a refined aperitif.
Instructions
- Pre-chill the Martini glass with ice.
- Add gin and sake to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir cold for about 20 seconds.
- Empty the ice from the Martini glass.
- Strain the drink into the glass through a bar strainer.
- Garnish with an olive or cucumber slice.
Garnish: Green olive or cucumber slice
Pro tip: Sake replaces the classic vermouth here and makes the drink milder. A cucumber slice instead of an olive gives a particularly fresh, Asian-inspired note.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Saketini?
A Saketini is a Martini variation in which sake replaces the dry vermouth, giving the drink a mild, Japanese note.
Which sake works best?
A dry junmai sake harmonizes well with gin. Avoid sweet sake varieties, as they make the drink too sweet.
Gin or vodka for a Saketini?
Both work. Gin brings juniper notes, while vodka lets the sake come through more strongly.
Ingredients
- Gin (or vodka)5 cl
- Sake2 cl
- Green olive or cucumber slice1 piece
- Ice cubesas needed
