5 Sake Bars

Sejal Sukhadwala necks Japan's most famous beverage

SHOCHU BAR

BERLIN, GERMANY

An opulent venue near the Brandenburg Gate, Shochu is joined to top eatery Uma via a glass corridor. Carved gold panels and a marble, mosaic- studded bar set the scene for cocktails like “Japanese martini” (honjozo sake, shochu, wormwood and orange bitters).

72 BEHRENSTRASSE, TEL: +49 (0)30 301 117 324, www.SHOCHUBAR.DE

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SHOCHU LOUNGE

LONDON, UK

This sexy, moodily lit bar specialises in Japanese spirit shochu, but also serves a wide selection of hot, cold and seasonal sakes by glass, carafe or bottle. Try smooth, crisp Dewazakura “Ouka” Ginjo with hints of cherry blossom.

37 CHARLOTTE STREET, TEL: +44 (0)20 7580 6464, www.SHOCHULOUNGE.COM

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THE FUSION BAR & RESTAURANT

FLORENCE, ITALY

Part of Gallery Hotel Art, this trendy bar hosts contemporary exhibitions and has a pretty terrace encircled by glass walls. Drinks include premium sake, plum wine and some imaginative Asian cocktails.

3 VICOLO DELL’ORO, TEL: +39 055 27263, www.LUNGARNOHOTELS.COM

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YAKSHI’S BAR

HAMBURG, GERMANY

Located within the super-slick East hotel, this hip spot serves up its top-of-the-range sakes in wine glasses. I recommend sipping on the rich, full- bodied Kirin “Vintage 2007” or perhaps the fragrant pink Amabuki “Rose” sake.

31 SIMON-VON-UTRECHT-STRASSE, TEL: +49 (0)40 309933, www.EAST-HAMBURG.DE

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SOMO

ROME, ITALY

Featuring natural woods and low lighting, this Trastevere cocktail bar and restaurant has a sophisticated air. Don’t miss its “crushed cocktails” made from pulped fruit and shaved ice, such as capisake frutti di bosco (sake with mixed berries).

5 VIA G MAMELI, TEL: +39 06 588 2060, www.SOMO.ASIA

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THE DRINKERS’ COLUMN

SAM SAKE

Just launched, to the delight of sake lovers everywhere, website Sam Sake (www.. samsake.com) advises on tastings, classes, dinners, news and great-quality products. It also lists numerous free sake events being held at London’s Japanese bars and restaurants in September. For what to drink right now, they suggest Akinota – smooth, fruity and with notes of grapefruit, juniper berries and dill.

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MARASCHINO

LIQUEUR

Made in Zadar, Croatia, to a recipe originally created at a Dominican monastery in the 16th century, this distinctly sweet, aromatic, 32%, crystal-clear liqueur is made from the native marasca cherry. I love it, and stand in good company – the tipple has been popular with everyone from European royalty to Charlie Chaplin and Balzac. Produced by Maraska, which grows the fruit at its own huge plantation, it’s best chilled or served with ice and a cherry garnish.

www.MARASKA.HR

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