Today marks World Sake Day, a celebration that coincides with the beginning of the sake brewing season in Japan. Officially designated by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS), 1 October has become a global occasion to appreciate and raise a glass to this ancient Japanese spirit.
Edinburgh residents and visitors looking to mark the occasion have two exceptional venues to explore, each offering their own unique approach to sake appreciation.
SUSHISAMBA at W Edinburgh: Sake cocktails with a view
The award-winning Japanese fusion restaurant SUSHISAMBA, within the five-star W Edinburgh hotel, is celebrating World Sake Day with an exclusive cocktail collection that runs until Sunday, 5 October.
The restaurant’s expert mixologists have crafted four premium sake-based cocktails that reimagine classic serves while showcasing the versatility of this Japanese staple. With unparalleled views across the city, SUSHISAMBA’s limited-edition menu offers something for every palate, from rich and chocolate flavoured to bright with citrus notes.
The World Sake Day Cocktail Collection
The Hikari Martini takes the classic vodka martini in a floral direction, combining Grey Goose vodka with Kwai Fei lychee liqueur, two varieties of sake (Tamagawa tokubetsu junmai “heart of oak” and Akitabare daiginjo “winter blossom”), Cocchi vermouth di Torino extra dry, and fresh cucumber. Shaken and served in a Nick & Nora glass with a delicate cucumber ribbon garnish, it’s a refreshing reinterpretation of a timeless favourite.
The Last Matinee draws inspiration from the classic Last Word cocktail, creating a herbaceous serve with Masumi Shiro “sake matinee”, Roku gin, Green Chartreuse, and lime juice. Presented in a snifter glass and adorned with Brazilian daisies, this shaken cocktail balances botanical complexity with sake’s subtle character.
For those seeking something richer, Yoru no Mikan delivers an elegant fusion of chocolate and citrus. This stirred cocktail features chocolate noir tea syrup, Mozart dark chocolate liqueur, Akitabare daiginjo “winter blossom” sake, and Grey Goose L’Orange, served over a large ice cube in a rocks glass with an orange peel disc.
Emerald Shogun offers a playful twist on the Japanese Slipper cocktail, combining Ukiyo yuzu gin, Akitabare daiginjo “winter blossom” sake, Midori melon liqueur, and yuzu juice. Served in a Nick & Nora glass with seaweed powder decorating the rim, this vibrant creation showcases Japan’s signature citrus alongside premium sake.
Nishiki: Edinburgh’s sake-dedicated Izakaya experience
For a more traditional approach to sake appreciation, Nishiki on Morrison Street represents Edinburgh’s newest Japanese Izakaya and one of Scotland’s first sake-dedicated bars. Created by the team behind Yamato, one of Edinburgh’s leading Japanese restaurants, Nishiki introduces the city to a modern Izakaya-style experience – Japan’s answer to the gastropub.
The venue is the vision of chef-owner Max Wang, a Taiwan native who developed his passion for Japanese cuisine from a young age. His expertise in nigiri and sashimi, honed since opening Yamato in 2018, now extends to this new venture focused on sharing plates and authentic Japanese flavours throughout the day.
What sets Nishiki apart is its bar, which features a seasonal selection of premium sakes alongside over 30 wines and Japanese whiskies. The cocktail menu highlights shochu-based creations, whilst the venue also serves its own signature IPA for those seeking something beyond sake.
Nishiki is currently open Friday to Monday from 9 am to 9 pm, offering Edinburgh diners a new place for both daytime and evening Japanese dining experiences.
Whether you prefer your sake shaken into innovative cocktails high above the city skyline or served traditionally in an intimate Izakaya setting, there’s some exciting Edinburgh Japanese venues giving you a good excuse to celebrate World Sake Day today or any other day.
