Hakutsuru, Amazake, 190ml

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Japan's Sweet Fermented Rice Drink, Virtually Non-Alcoholic Amazake (甘酒, "sweet sake") is the traditional Japanese fermented rice drink, naturally sweet, comforting and nourishing, with next to no alcohol. Its gentle sweetness comes from rice and koji rather than added sugar alone, which is why it has long been treasured in Japan as a warming winter drink and a natural pick-me-up. Made by Hakutsuru, the 1743 Nada brewery, this 190ml serving is ready to warm through or chill. A wholesome, alcohol-free taste of the sake brewery. Why You'll Reach For It Virtually non-alcoholic: under 1% ABV, so it can be enjoyed by almost anyone, any time of day Naturally sweet: the gentle sweetness comes from fermented rice and koji, not just sugar Comforting and nourishing: Japan's traditional warming winter drink and natural pick-me-up From a great brewery: made by Hakutsuru, the 1743 Nada sake house How to Enjoy Warm: heat through gently and drink hot, the classic winter serve Chilled: serve cold over ice for a refreshing summer version With ginger: a little grated ginger is the traditional garnish In the kitchen: use as a natural sweetener in smoothies, dressings and desserts 甘酒 — Amazake, the sweet drink of the sake brewery Amazake (甘酒) means "sweet sake", though despite the name it is essentially non-alcoholic. It is made from fermented rice: koji mould converts the rice starch into natural sugars, producing a thick, sweet, lightly savoury drink without the need for much added sugar. It has been drunk in Japan for centuries, sold hot at winter shrine festivals and valued as a nourishing tonic, so rich in rice-derived nutrients that it is sometimes nicknamed a "drinkable IV drip". This one comes from Hakutsuru, a brewery that has worked with rice and koji in Nada since 1743, which is exactly the expertise a good amazake needs. Product Details Type 甘酒 — Amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) Brand Hakutsuru (白鶴), founded 1743 Alcohol Under 1% (virtually non-alcoholic) Volume 190ml Best Enjoyed Warm or chilled, with optional ginger Origin Japan Is amazake alcoholic? Barely. Despite its name, "sweet sake", amazake is essentially non-alcoholic, with under 1% ABV, so it is enjoyed by all ages in Japan and at any time of day, including breakfast. Its sweetness comes from the natural sugars that koji creates as it ferments the rice, not from alcohol. Anyone avoiding alcohol entirely should always check the label on the product, but it is treated as a soft drink rather than a sake. What does amazake taste like? Naturally sweet and gently savoury, thick and comforting, with the soft, milky flavour of fermented rice. It is sweet without being sugary, with a wholesome, rounded character. Served hot it is warming and soothing; served cold over ice it becomes light and refreshing. A little grated ginger is the traditional addition and cuts through the sweetness beautifully. How should I store it? Keep it cool and out of direct sunlight, and refrigerate once opened, drinking within a couple of days as it is a natural fermented product. It can be warmed gently on the hob or served chilled straight from the fridge. Give it a stir or shake before serving, as the rice solids naturally settle. Show more