Name: Sparkling Sake Cocktail Recipe – Light, Effervescent & Ready in 3 Minutes
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 3.5 oz sparkling sake, chilled; 1.5 - 2 oz orange juice; Citrus garnish - an orange slice, lemon twist, or even a sprig of mint

Table of Contents

How to Make a Sparkling Sake Cocktail (3-Ingredient Recipe)

Fancy a light, fizzy, cocktail that tastes like something from a trendy rooftop bar and ready in under 5 minutes? I first discovered this combo on a Tokyo bar crawl in 2024. One sip of that crisp, fizzy pour and I was hooked. It felt like tasting the sparkle of the city itself in a glass. This low-alcohol sparkling sake cocktail is perfect for brunch or a relaxing night. Think of it as a Japanese inspired twist on the classic mimosa – with more subtlety, less alcohol and plenty of bubbles.

I taste-tested three sparkling sakes for this recipe, Zipang stood out with its crisp pear notes and gentle fizz. Sparkling sake typically has an ABV of 5–7%, significantly lower than traditional sake, which often ranges between 12–15% [source]. That makes this cocktail perfect for when you want something light yet festive. This bright, slightly fruity drink is based on sparkling sake – very similar to sake mimosa or sake spritz – bubbly, simple and wildly refreshing.

Fizzy Sparkling Sake Cocktail in a glass with a lemon slice and mint garnish served on a wooden tray with flowers and a bottle of sake on a buzzy evening.

The Journey of Sparkling Sake: From Japanese Innovation to Global Delight

Sparkling sake, known as “awa-zake” (“bubble sake”), traces its roots to the early 2000s. In 2004, Sho Chiku Bai’s MIO debuted in Japan, inspired by wine’s success as a carbonated alternative, naturally bubbly, made via secondary fermentation in its bottle, not through added CO₂.

By 2005 – 2010, it captured international attention. Distributors and sommeliers in the U.S. noticed its appeal to wine and cocktail drinkers seeking lower-alcohol, flavorful alternatives. From Seattle mixologists (like Jake Lee at Tippsy Sake) to NYC sushi bars, sparkling sake was transformed into imaginative cocktails, pairing gin, citrus, tropical fruits, even tea.

Today, sparkling sake cocktails – think sake “negroni”, “spritz”, or even saketinis – are enjoyed around the globe for their playful effervescence and sake-forward twist.

Ingredients

3.5 oz sparkling sake, chilled
1.5 – 2 oz orange juice
Citrus garnish – an orange slice, lemon twist, or even a sprig of mint

Instruction

Start with a chilled glass: Champagne flute or stemless wine glass goes best with this drink
Orange juice: Pour the orange juice first
Sparkling sake: Pour the sparkling sake slowly to keep the fizz alive
Garnish: Garnish with your choice of citrus garnish to perfectly balance the drink and serve immediately

Pro Tips

Chill everything ahead of time – including your glass if you’re feeling fancy.
Don’t over-stir – it’ll flatten the bubbles fast.

Sparkling Sake Cocktail on a champagne flute glass and a highball glass, both garnished with mint and a slice on lemon and topped with ice, presented on a tray with a handful of flowers lying by the side.

Fun Variation

Try Yuzu juice, a spoon of yuzu purée, grapefruit juice or pear nectar for a flavor twist
Sub in fresh juice based on what’s available (think pomegranate in winter, watermelon in summer).
For a zero-proof version, sub in non-alcoholic sparkling wine and skip the sake—same vibe, no buzz.

What to Pair It With

Sparkling sake cocktails, with their lively bubbles and delicate sweetness, pair wonderfully with:

Light appetizers: Edamame, shrimp summer rolls, or vegetable tempura
Fresh seafood: Oysters, ceviche, or sushi rolls (like spicy tuna or cucumber maki)
Bright salads: Citrus avocado salad, or arugula with yuzu vinaigrette
Cheese plates: Soft cheeses like burrata or French brie, with honey-drizzled grapes
Fruity desserts: Panna cotta, lychee-mango sorbet, or sorbet floats
Brunch classics: Toast, quiche, or smoked salmon bagels — great for weekend mimosas with a sake twist

Why It Works

It’s low-ABV, so you can enjoy more than one without feeling heavy.
The flavor is clean, lightly fruity, and crowd-pleasing.
It’s a conversation starter—especially for guests who haven’t tried sparkling sake before.
You don’t need to be a mixologist to make it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is sparkling sake suitable for beginners?
Definitely! Its smooth, fruity, and aromatic profile makes it more accessible than traditional dry sake, often enjoyed chilled like prosecco.

2. Can I use sparkling sake in food recipes?
Yes. Sparkling sake can enhance light dishes like seafood ceviche, vinaigrettes, or even fruit-based desserts. Its subtle sweetness and acidity bring balance to dishes without overpowering them.

3. How should I store it?
Keep bottles refrigerated and upright. Once opened, consume within 2 – 3 days to maintain fizz.

4. Is sparkling sake the same as regular sake?
Not quite. While both are brewed from rice, sparkling sake undergoes additional fermentation to naturally produce bubbles. It’s lighter, sweeter, and often lower in alcohol compared to most traditional sakes.

Interesting Facts About Sparkling Sake

1. Naturally Sparkling Through Bottle Fermentation
High-quality sparkling sake is often produced using the champenoise method, just like champagne, where a second fermentation happens inside the bottle. This creates a finer, more natural effervescence than artificially carbonated versions.

2. A Relatively Modern Innovation in a 1,000-Year-Old Tradition
While traditional sake dates back over a millennium, sparkling sake is a 21st-century development, first crafted to appeal to a younger, international audience seeking lighter, trendier beverages.

3. Protected Under Japanese Brewing Standards
In 2016, the Japan Awasake Association set strict criteria for what can be officially labeled as “awa-zake”, including natural carbonation, Japanese rice, and traditional brewing methods, ensuring authenticity and quality.

4. Lower in Sulfites and Additives
Unlike many wines or commercial sparkling beverages, most sparkling sake is low in sulfites and has minimal additives, making it a cleaner, often more digestible choice for sensitive drinkers.

5. Served in Wine Glasses, Not Sake Cups
Because of its bubbly nature and floral aroma, sparkling sake is often best appreciated in a tulip-shaped wine or flute glass, allowing its effervescence and bouquet to shine, much like sparkling wine.

Final Sip

This sparkling sake cocktail recipe is what happens when minimal effort meets maximum vibe. With just three ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for casual entertaining or solo sipping. Reach for it anytime you crave something sparkling and light without going full-on boozy.

Tried it? Drop your version or twist in the comments, we’d love to hear it!

Yield: 1