Sake Etiquette for Beginners

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Sake is its own unique experience brewed in centuries of tradition, and knowing the oft-unspoken rules of its etiquette can elevate your enjoyment and earn you a nod of respect from locals. Don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds! We hope this helps you act as though you’ve been drinking sake forever.

Don’t Pour Your Own Sake

If there’s one rule of sake etiquette, it’s that you have to let someone else pour for you. In Japan, pouring sake is a gesture of respect, and if you pour for yourself, you might be insinuating that others haven’t been doing their part. When you’re with friends or colleagues, keep an eye on their cups, and, if they’re low, top them up! They’ll return the favor, so if you’re low on sake, then just pour a little out for others. Holding your cup with both hands while they pour will probably earn you some bonus points.

Toasting

A quick “kanpai” (which means “cheers” for those out of the loop) is the norm before taking your first drink. Like you might expect, you raise your cup a bit, make eye contact with the other drinking folks, and take a sip. If it’s a formal setting, you’ll probably want to wait for the host, organizer, or other senior person to lead the toast, and you definitely don’t want to click the lip of your glass above the lip of theirs!

Temperatures

Sake’s served hot, warm, or chilled depending on the type and season. There’s no need to insist on one way as the server or host often has one in mind. If you don’t know the sake, then asking how it’s best enjoyed shows curiosity, not ignorance. 

Sip it!

We used the word “sip” earlier, and we mean it. Sake is meant to be savored, not shot. Take small sips and appreciate the flavors, especially if it’s good stuff. Gulping it down might send some bad signals to your drinking companions. Also, that’s no way to enjoy a tasty drink!

Thanks is Good

When someone pours for you, a little thank you or even a little bowing nod goes a long way. You can even do both! If you’re at a brewery or sake bar, thanking the staff for their recommendations is also a smart move. 

Break Rules Politely

Folks might bend these rules from time to time. People definitely pour their own sake or skip formalities, and if they do, then feel free to follow their lead! We’re not trying to be stuck up, and you don’t need to be either!

These rules apply to most shared drinks in Japan as well, so if you’re in the country, then feel free to gain some inspiration!

You can check out sake on Amazon here!