Cucumber Sake Sour

The Cucumber Sake Sour is a light, refreshing take on the classic sour cocktail, blending the soft, floral notes of sake with bright citrus and crisp cucumber. A touch of simple syrup balances the tartness, while egg white creates a smooth, frothy texture that elevates the drink’s silky finish. This cocktail is as visually striking as it is flavorful, topped with a delicate cucumber ribbon. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings or as a pre-dinner palate cleanser that feels both refined and easygoing. Inspired by drinksbyevie.com.

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Tasting Notes

The Cucumber Sake Sour offers a light, fresh profile with soft acidity and herbal undertones. Sake lends a gentle grain and floral character, while cucumber brings a cooling effect that complements the citrus juices. Lime and lemon provide a crisp tartness balanced by the sweetness of simple syrup. The egg white gives the drink a smooth, silky texture and a frothy top that supports the cucumber garnish. Overall, it’s a clean, garden-inspired cocktail with subtle umami notes, making it ideal for sipping slowly. Its smooth mouthfeel and refreshing finish make it feel both refined and easygoing.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this Cucumber Sake Sour, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, a fine mesh strainer, a jigger, and a muddler. A citrus squeezer is useful for fresh lime and lemon juice. Shaking twice first without ice and then withis essential for building the foam from the egg white, so a good-quality shaker is key. Double straining ensures a smooth finish without pulp or seeds. Serve the drink in a chilled coupe glass, which supports the foam and shows off the pale green color and cucumber ribbon garnish beautifully.

Ingredients

• 3 cucumber slices
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• 2.5 oz sake
• 1 egg white
• Garnish: cucumber ribbon

Instructions

• Place the cucumber slices, lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
• Muddle well to release the cucumber’s flavor.
• Add the sake and egg white, then shake without ice to build a frothy texture.
• Add ice and shake again until the shaker feels cold.
• Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with a cucumber ribbon.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh cucumber for maximum flavor
• Choose a clean, dry sake for a crisp finish
• Shake without ice first to build a stable foam
• Always double strain to remove pulp and cucumber bits
• Chill the coupe glass in advance to keep the drink colder longer
• Adjust sweetness with more or less syrup depending on your taste
• Use organic eggs for a fresher-tasting foam layer
• Cut the cucumber ribbon with a vegetable peeler for a clean look

When to Serve

This Cucumber Sake Sour is ideal for warm afternoons, spa-themed brunches, or spring and summer gatherings. It works well as an aperitif or a welcome drink thanks to its light profile and soft acidity. Pair it with light bites like sushi, cucumber tea sandwiches, or crudités. The Cucumber Sake Sour also fits well into garden parties, picnics, or anytime a refreshing, lower-alcohol cocktail is preferred. Its clean character and smooth texture make it suitable for both casual sipping and special occasions.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Sake:

• Tozai Snow Maiden
• TYKU Junmai
• Sho Chiku Bai Junmai
• Hakutsuru Draft
• Gekkeikan Black & Gold

Similar Cocktails

• Limoncello Mezcal Sour
• Aperol Blood Orange Sour
• Matcha Gin Sour
• Frangelico Sour
• Watermelon Whiskey Sour