Drink of Choice: Nihonshu 日本酒 (also known as Sake) 🍶
Sake existed as early as 500 BC, but the sake as we know it today originated in the 8th century. Sake production began as a government monopoly until the 10th century when temples started brewing their own. They quickly became the primary distilleries of sake for centuries to come. By the 14th century, sake had become the most ceremonious beverage in Japan, often associated with celebrations, spiritual rituals, and festivals.
Importance of alcohol in Japanese culture.
Alcohol is an important part of Japanese culture and is bound by many social protocols. While sake is the major historically significant alcohol in Japan, beer is widely consumed in social and business drinking settings.
Reciprocity is a common theme woven into the Japanese drinking etiquette. In large groups, the Japanese participate in "nomikai", which is a drinking party often held in izakayas (which are like Japanese gastropubs) by coworkers as a way to bond together. As a gesture of hospitality and unity, the Japanese begin with a custom of pouring drinks for others before themselves, establishing harmony in the group.
PRO TIP: Keep your glass full to signal that you don’t want to continue drinking but still want to be social.
If you’re ever in Japan, be sure to follow these social drinking norms:
👍 Do these things
KANPAI!
Remember to clink your glasses and “Kanpai” in any social drinking setting.
ORDER WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS ORDERING.
...for the first round. Generally, the drink of choice for the first round is beer, and it makes the server’s job easier when everyone has the same drink to kick off the evening.
👎 Don't do these things
DON'T DRINK BEFORE EVERYONE HAS BEEN SERVED.
Make sure everyone has something in their glass before starting off the night.
DON'T POUR YOUR OWN DRINK.
As a sign of respect, always pour drinks for others around you, and then wait for them to return the favor. If you’re out in a business setting, it’s expected that you pour a drink for your boss.
Let’s make a Japanese cocktail!
Chuhai (チューハイ, 酎ハイ)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup club soda
- 1/4 cup shochu
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 tsp yuzu juice
- Lemon slices
Directions
- Combine club soda, shochu, simple syrup, yuzu juice, and ice in a glass and mix well.
- Garnish with lemon & serve immediately.
- Kanpai!