Today's Sip

January 11, 2021

Day #11 of the year.

Joto Sake Junmai Nigori “The Blue One”

In NYC, restaurants and bars are getting creative with hot drinks to keep diners’ hands and bellies warm while they sit outside. No matter how creative the cocktails get, there is always a hot toddy on the menu. Traditionally made with hot water, honey, whiskey, and lemon, for this chilly January Monday and inspired by National Hot Toddy Day I’ve opted for sake for a Japanese twist on this solid standby. Use a smooth Junmai sake such as Joto Junmai Nigori, which is bright and lively. Just heat 6 oz. of sake, stir in a tablespoon or honey, the juice from half a lemon, a cinnamon stick (optional), and wrap your hands around and enjoy.

ORIGIN

Hiroshima, Japan

Rice Type

Mostly Shinsenbon

Tasting Notes

Joto Nigori is a junmai, which lends a dry, earthy balance to the milky, coconutty fruit notes that are typical of the nigori style.

Food Match

Serve chilled. Stands up to the grease and grit of burgers and steaks. Also wonderful with Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian curries.

AUTHOR:

Diana Zahuranec

Diana studied Anthropology at Penn State and Food Culture & Communications at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy. After living la bella vita in Italy for six years, she returned to the U.S. and landed in NYC. She has been working in wine since 2012 and holds WSET 2. Loves Nebbiolo and amaro. Talk to her about Italy.