Apple Honey Sake Sour

The Apple Honey Sake Sour is a smooth, lightly tart cocktail with a touch of natural sweetness. It combines crisp apple juice, delicate sake, fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey for balance. The sake keeps it light and clean, while the honey softens the citrus and rounds out the flavor. It’s refreshing without being too sharp, with a mellow finish that makes it easy to enjoy. This drink works well for early fall, relaxed evenings, or anytime you want a twist on a classic sour that’s bright but still gentle.

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Tasting Notes

This Apple Honey Sake Sour is light, crisp, and smooth with a touch of sweetness. The sake gives it a gentle, clean base that lets the apple and honey shine through. Apple juice adds soft fruit flavor without being too sugary. Lemon juice gives it a fresh citrus kick that keeps the drink balanced. Honey syrup blends everything together with a mellow sweetness. The egg white creates a creamy, airy texture on top that makes the drink feel fuller. The apple slice garnish adds a nice aroma and makes the drink look just as fresh as it tastes.

Equipment and Glassware

To make this drink, you’ll need a cocktail shaker and a jigger to measure everything. Because of the egg white, you’ll want to do a dry shake (without ice) first to build foam, then a second shake with ice to chill and mix. A fine strainer helps give it a smooth finish. Use a coupe or Nick & Nora glass to show off the foam and keep the pour looking neat. A knife and small cutting board will help you prep the apple garnish. No special tools are required, just the basics you’d use for any shaken cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz sake
• 2 oz apple juice
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz honey syrup
• 1 egg white
• Garnish: apple slice

Instructions

• Add sake, apple juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
• Shake without ice (dry shake) for about 15 seconds to build the foam.
• Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
• Double strain into a rocks glass.
• Garnish with a thin apple slice on top or on the rim.

Pro Tips

• Use a double shake method: first without ice to froth the egg white, then with ice to chill and mix everything.
• Always use fresh lemon juice it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• If your honey syrup is too thick, warm it slightly or mix it with hot water (1:1) before adding.
• Strain through a fine mesh strainer to get a smooth finish.
• For the apple garnish, use a firm, crisp apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp and slice it thin so it floats easily.
• If you want a little extra aroma, add a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

When to Serve

This drink works well in the early fall when apples are in season, but it’s great any time you want something light and refreshing with a soft twist. It’s a good pick for dinner parties, quiet evenings, or even daytime get-togethers. Because of its lower alcohol content and fresh ingredients, it’s nice for guests who want a cocktail that’s easy to sip. The foam gives it a touch of flair, making it feel a little special without being over the top. It pairs well with light appetizers, cheese plates, or anything with fresh herbs or fruit.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• For sake, go with something clean and smooth Gekkeikan and Sho Chiku Bai are easy to find and work well in cocktails.
• If you want something a bit more refined, try a Junmai sake for a fuller texture.
• For apple juice, fresh-pressed or unfiltered varieties give more depth, but standard clear apple juice works just fine.
• Use real lemon juice, not bottled. Make your own honey syrup by mixing equal parts honey and hot water.
• For egg whites, crack fresh eggs just before mixing. You can also use pasteurized egg whites from a carton if you prefer.

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