Saketini: The Chic Japanese Martini You Need to Try Tonight

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Few drinks better capture the new spirit of international Japan than the Saketini: a refined twist that borrows the iconic English Martini and transports it to the atmospheres of the finest izakayas. Born in the 1990s in the wake of the globalization of mixology, it has become one of the emblems of cultural fusion.

Saketini isn’t just a fusion bar trend: it demonstrates how versatile sake can be, capable of replacing or complementing vodka or gin without losing its character, indeed adding elegance and typically Japanese floral notes.

Perfect as an aperitif, it’s also starting to appear on the menus of top Italian and international cocktail bars, where it’s often served with a lemon zest, a green olive, or a gherkin to echo the minimalist aesthetic of signature drinks.

The best part? It’s ready in minutes, easily customized, and has a lower alcohol content than a classic Martini—ideal for those who want to unwind without overdoing it.

Ingredients for 1 drink

• 60 ml sake (Junmai Ginjo or Daiginjo for an elegant version)

• 30 ml of quality dry gin (or vodka, if you want an even more muted variant)

• Ice

• 1 lemon zest or 1 green olive for garnish or a slice of cucumber

Procedure

1. Cool the cup by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice for a few minutes.

2. Pour sake and gin into a mixing glass with plenty of ice.

3. Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds, so that it cools well and dilutes slightly.

4. Strain into the cup.

5. Garnish with squeezed lemon zest on top (or a green olive, if desired).

Nutritional values per 1 drink

• Energy: 110 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 0.4 g

• Protein: 0 g

• Fat: 0 g

• Average alcohol content: 20–22% vol (depends on the gin and sake chosen)

Curiosities

Saketini originated in the United States, but has become a cult favorite in Tokyo bars that love to reinterpret Western classics with a local flair.

Choose a quality sake: floral or fruity aromas make a difference. Avoid cooking sake or cheap supermarket sake.

The gin adds botanical freshness and pairs well with the notes of the sake.

You can add a drop of orange bitters for an extra touch.

Saketini goes very well with sushi, tempura, edamame or fish tartare.

Preparation times

• Preparation: 2 minutes