Japanese Mocktails: Drinking Well Without Alcohol at Aji
Japanese cuisine offers a rich palette for non-alcoholic drinks: yuzu, matcha, shiso, hojicha, and umeshu-inspired preparations all pair naturally with sushi and counter-style dining.
The Journal · Pillar
Sake & drinks
Sake guide, Japanese mocktails, and drink pairings to complement your meal.
Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo: The Types of Sake Explained
Japanese sake is classified by how much the rice is polished and whether distilled alcohol is added. Knowing six regulated categories, from junmai to daiginjo, gives you a reliable map of what is in the glass.
Hot vs. Cold Sake: Which Should You Choose?
Delicate sake, such as ginjo and daiginjo, is best served cold. Simpler sake, including many junmai and honjozo, can be warmed without losing character. Temperature is a tool, not a rule.
Sake for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
Sake is a unique fermented rice beverage, not rice wine. Made with koji, polished rice, and water, it reaches about 15% alcohol and ranges from dry and earthy to fruity and floral.