Sushi is a perfect dish for special occasions. It not only looks but also tastes exquisite – especially since many variations of this culinary art have been created, appealing to almost all tastes. Arranged on a beautiful platter, it will be perfect for a romantic date, a festive dinner, or a dazzling party. What to drink with sushi? What alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage should you choose to enhance its flavor or soften the sharpness of its accompaniments?
Perfect for a date and celebration
Sushi is a unique dish in every respect – it surprises with its taste, looks extremely elegant, and is associated with luxury. For over a thousand years, this dish has held an important place in the history of Japanese culture, and for a long time now, it has also reigned on European tables.
Nigiri-zushi, oshi-zushi, maki-zushi, and many other forms, including vegan and vegetarian variations of this exquisite meal, are best enjoyed in select company – during a date or party. What alcohol to pair with sushi to experience a true explosion of flavors? What non-alcoholic drink to choose to soften the taste of salty soy sauce, extremely spicy wasabi horseradish, and pungent pickled ginger?
The perfect drink for sushi
When choosing the perfect alcohol for sushi, you can approach the topic in two ways: traditionally and in a European style. It's worth trying both to find the best combination of flavors for yourself!
Japanese alcohols
In good Japanese restaurants, when wondering what to drink with sushi, it's worth opting for the strong alcoholic beverages served there. Many of them are also available in supermarkets, allowing you to serve them to your guests at home. The first choice is, of course, sake, which in the European sense of the word is a beverage made from properly fermented rice. It is drunk before or after eating sushi – either chilled to 5oC or hot, at a maximum temperature of 55oC.
Another traditional drink is umeshu – a liqueur made from Japanese apricots. The most popular brand of umeshu is Choya, sometimes mistakenly referred to as "plum wine." It is sweet and aromatic, with an almond aftertaste. Although it is a relatively mild alcohol, it can be diluted with water and ice according to preference. It pairs fantastically with the savory taste of sushi, as well as with desserts.
European wine
When choosing sushi, what alcohol should you pick to appeal to the broad tastes of your guests? Excellent choices would be well-known and popular European wines. Dry and semi-dry white wines, including frizzante varieties, which pair wonderfully with appetizers, fish, and light meals, will enhance the dish's flavor and temper any sharpness.
The best wine varieties for sushi include Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, as well as Prosecco, for example. There are also Spanish or Italian beverages whose labels explicitly state that they are recommended for drinking with this Japanese dish.
Japanese beer
Beer lovers will also find something for themselves during an Asian feast. However, a lager, porter, or Ale will not suffice to enhance the dish's flavor – it's better to reach for a beer from Japan.
In addition to hops and barley malt, Japanese lager beers also contain rice, and sometimes corn. In some cases, barley is even completely replaced by rice. The result is a light and refreshing beverage with a slightly herbal taste. Beers of this type can be found in many supermarkets, as well as in restaurants serving sushi.
Non-alcoholic drink for sushi
If not alcohol, what to drink with sushi to enhance its flavor? High-quality green tea will be sensational! In some tea shops, you can find blends with roasted rice, which makes it more savory and aromatic. Regardless of the additions, you can brew it in a pot and serve it hot or prepare it "cold" the day before. In any version, it will certainly pair perfectly with the taste of sushi.
When eating nigiri-zushi, oshi-zushi, or maki-zushi, you can also opt for water with lemon and mint. Prepared beforehand in an elegant glass carafe and served in wine glasses, it's an excellent choice for those who avoid alcohol.