Warming Sake
One of the most unique characteristics of sake compared to other alcoholic beverages is its ability to be enjoyed at a wide range of serving temperatures. In Japan, there are over 10 different names for specific sake drinking temperatures.
There will be some people that tell you that only low quality sake is heated or that “real” sake drinkers don’t drink hot sake but don’t believe that haters! There ARE benefits to heating sake and even high quality sake can reap those benefits. When you heat the right sake, it can improve flavors and overall drinking experience. Warming sake activates aroma components to make them richer and fuller. Warming also mellows the texture. Just avoid heating sake ginjo sake with vibrant fruit and floral aromas.
Best Choices for Warmed Sake
Rich Junmai, Kimoto, Yamahai: Best at around 40°C (104°F).
Honjozo and Futsu-Shu: Best at around 45 °C (113 °F).
The best method is using a hot water bath. Place a tokkuri (ceramic carafe) or chirori (metal warm sake server) in the hot water bath. The water bath should be off the heat source. It is best to use a thermometer to determine the precise temperature (104 °F ~ 131 °F).
*If you have a sous vide stick, you can use it to heat the water to an even and consistent temperature!
Hot Water Bath Method
Can you use a microwave to heat sake? Yes. Is it our preferred method? No. If you do decide to use a microwave, take extra care! The microwave will heat quickly but unevenly. You risk overheating and alcohol evaporation.
Make sure to use a microwave-safe vessel like a tokkuri and slowly heat. Each microwave is different so try heating in 30 second intervals while checking the temperature.
Microwave
Use plastic wrap to cover the opening of tokkuri
(thick tokkuri recommended for even temperature)
Microwave ~1 minute for 180ml sake.
Warm Sakeware
Sake Thermometer
Copper Chirori
Ceramic + Tokkuri Ochoko
Aluminum Chirori
Other Options
For those cooking enthusiasts who have a sous vide stick/immersion circulator in their arsenal, use this helpful gadget to heat your sake to a consistent temperature.
Ceramic sake server and warmer are designed to keep your sake at the optimum temperature, cool or warm. Simply fill the inner server with your favorite sake and the outer bowl with boiling water to warm.