Sake Meets Thanksgiving: 15 Perfect Pairings for a Culinary Adventure

This year, we’re taking a leap into uncharted yet delicious territory for Thanksgiving, inviting a new guest to the table: sake.

This shift might not immediately become a tradition, but integrating sake into your Thanksgiving dinner is a promise of broadening your culinary landscape.

Unlike wine, derived from grapes, sake’s rich palette emerges from fermented rice, offering a spectrum from the delicately aromatic Ginjo to the deep, umami-filled Junmai. Consider, for instance, how the intricate notes of a Junmai Ginjo could potentially overshadow turkey’s subtler flavors, while a lighter, slightly sweet Namazake seems tailor-made to complement savory dishes.

Hakutsuru Excellent Junmai Sake – $19-20

Perfect with: Roasted Turkey

Its light and smooth taste complements the turkey without overwhelming it.

Gekkeikan Black & Gold – $15

Perfect with: Cranberry Sauce

The balanced sweetness and acidity of this sake cut through the tartness of the sauce.

Tozai Snow Maiden Nigori – $12-18

Perfect with: Mashed Potatoes

The creamy texture of this Nigori sake echoes the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.

Kikusui Perfect Snow Nigori – $16

Perfect with: Sweet Potato Casserole

Its rich and slightly sweet profile pairs beautifully with the casserole.

Ozeki Platinum Junmai Daiginjo – $20

Perfect with: Green Bean Casserole

A refined and crisp sake that complements the green beans’ freshness.

Fukucho Moon on the Water Junmai Ginjo – $50

Perfect with: Herb-Roasted Chicken

Its floral notes and smooth finish are great with herbed poultry.

Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo – $30

Perfect with: Grilled Salmon

The clean and elegant flavors of this sake enhance the richness of salmon.

Momokawa Silver Junmai Ginjo – $12

Perfect with: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Its dry and crisp profile cuts through the earthiness of the sprouts.

Sho Chiku Bai Classic Junmai – $8

Perfect with: Stuffing

A versatile and earthy sake, perfect for the complexity of stuffing.

Kubota Senju Ginjo – $22

Perfect with: Pumpkin Pie

Its light sweetness and smoothness pair well with the spiced dessert.

Rihaku Wandering Poet Junmai Ginjo – $25

Perfect with: Roast Beef

The sake’s robust body matches the beef’s richness.

Ty Ku Coconut Nigori Sake – $15

Perfect with: Glazed Ham

The coconut infusion adds an exotic twist to the sweet ham.

Hakkaisan Tokubetsu Junmai – $28

Perfect with: Grilled Vegetables

Its clean and light taste complements the smoky veggies.

Tentaka Hawk in the Heavens Junmai – $41

Perfect with: Cheese and Crackers

The earthy tones of this sake balance the richness of the cheese.

Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo – $35

Perfect with: Apple Pie

A premium sake with a fruity aroma to match the pie’s sweetness.