Today marks the start of National Sake Week here in the UK. The annual celebration of Japan’s iconic national drink runs from Monday 5th to Sunday 11th May 2025 with the aim of raising awareness of sake’s unique craftsmanship, versatility and cultural significance. It also the opportunity for consumers and hospitality venues around the country to explore sake’s modern role in today’s drinks scene with special menus and sake masterclasses to curated events.
This year newly launched premium sake brand Sake ONO is the focus of attention in some of London’s most dynamic hospitality venues, giving guests the chance to experience the versatility, craftsmanship and modern appeal of Sake ONO with a selection of exclusive cocktails and collaborations.
For example, at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate, Gordon Ramsay’s latest Lucky Cat venture, is showcasing the ‘Sukiyaki Western Django’ which is a mix of Sake ONO, odigo rosa tequila, cinnamon-infused Leblon cachaça, blueberry agrodolce, whey, lavender and orange boba.
A brand-new Sake ONO cocktail, ‘Nigata Daisy’ will feature throughout the May menu at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square. This exclusive cocktail is a refined and refreshing blend where Japanese elegance meets botanical brightness and is a mix of Sake Ono with Elderflower liqueur, Pomelo infused EDV, Verjus and Cucumber.
Meanwhile, The Dorian in Notting Hill is offering a special bespoke Sake ONO creation to celebrate National Sake Week in the guise of the ‘Session Martini’ that blends Sake ONO with Olive Oil Vodka, Caprelous Raspberry Eau De Vie and Raspberry Oil.
At all 15 UK Sticks’n’Sushi restaurants you will be able to try the limited edition, sophisticated ‘Sakura Vesper’ which is made with Sake ONO, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, a spray of Olive Brine, a squeeze of Lemon Oil and a garnish of Pink Rice Paper.
Sake ONO blends centuries-old Japanese brewing traditions with a forward-thinking, modern approach. Its launch expression, a Junmai Daiginjo, is an elegant, pure and finely crafted sake with a bright, crisp profile and notes of honeydew, lemon peel, white florals and green apple that can be enjoyed neat, paired with food or simply stirred into lower-ABV cocktails such as the ONO Vesper and ONO Daiquiri. It is best enjoyed chilled in a wine glass to highlight its clean, crisp finish.
Lana Buchanan, CEO of Sake ONO, said:
“We believe sake deserves a new chapter, one where it is celebrated beyond its traditional context. We’re here to show that sake can be as sophisticated and versatile as any wine or spirit – whether served chilled in a wine glass or mixed into a contemporary cocktail.”
Sake ONO’s debut in the UK comes at a time when the super-premium sake category is forecasting double-digit growth over the next three to five years as drinkers gravitate towards Japanese craft, clean ingredients and lighter profiles.
Sake ONO will also be partnering with top-tier outlets such as Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat, COYA and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to create a variety of new experiences for British consumers with unexpected food pairings and contemporary serves.
Sake ONO is available in 300ml and 750ml bottles through select boutique retailers and online at www.drinksone.com.
For more information on National Sake Week, please visit: www.nationalsakeweek.co.uk.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Sake ONO
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