Plum Sake

Plum Sake in the USA:

What is it?

- Plum sake is a sweet, fruity alcoholic beverage made from fermented plums.

- It's popular in traditional Japanese cuisine and is often found in Japanese restaurants in the USA.

Flavor & Taste:

- Plum sake has a smooth, sweet taste with subtle notes of plum, honey, and vanilla.

- The alcohol content is usually between 18-20%, making it slightly stronger than most other liqueurs.

How it's made:

- Ripe plums are soaked in sugar and/or other flavorings.

- Yeast is added to the mixture, which ferments the sugars into alcohol.

- The resulting liquid is then aged in barrels for additional flavor.

Common ways to serve it:

- Warmed: Served in a preheated cup with a slice of lime or lemon.

- Cold: Served in a glass over ice.

- Plum punch: Mixed with other juices or cocktails.

Pairings:

- Sushi or sashimi

- Japanese appetizers like edamame or gyoza

- Desserts like mochi or green tea ice cream

Where to find it:

- Many Japanese restaurants in the USA offer plum sake.

- Some specialty liquor stores and online retailers also sell it.

Some things to keep in mind:

- Plum sake is not typically served with meals in traditional Japanese culture. It's typically consumed as an apéritif or dessert.

- When ordering plum sake, be aware that it is usually stronger than it appears.

- Many restaurants offer plum wine, which is different from plum sake. Plum wine is usually sweeter and less alcoholic.