Sushi is one of the world’s most beloved dishes, and its clean flavors and delicate textures make it an exciting challenge when choosing the perfect drink pairing. While many opt for traditional green tea or sake, there are several other beverages – including wine – that can elevate the sushi experience.
Here, we explore the best drinks to enjoy with sushi and why they work so well.
1. Sake – The Classic Choice
Sake, Japan’s iconic rice wine, is a natural companion to sushi. Since both sake and sushi share a mild umami character, they complement each other perfectly. A light and dry junmai or a fruity daiginjo are excellent choices.
Tip: Serve your sake slightly chilled to enhance its freshness alongside the food.
2. White Wine – Crisp and Balanced
White wine can be a fantastic match for sushi, especially when you choose a fresh and fruity variety with good acidity.
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Riesling (dry or off-dry): A great pairing for salmon or tuna sushi, thanks to its lively acidity and subtle sweetness.
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Chablis (Chardonnay from Burgundy): With its mineral notes and crisp acidity, Chablis is perfect for seafood sushi, such as ebi (shrimp) and hotate (scallop).
- Albariño: This Spanish grape variety pairs well with sushi that has a bit of spice, like spicy tuna rolls.
3. Sparkling Wine – A Festive Combination
Champagne or other sparkling wines are fantastic with sushi. The bubbles and acidity cut through the richness of fish and soy sauce, keeping the flavors fresh and balanced.
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Brut Champagne: A great match for fatty fish like salmon or otoro (fatty tuna).
- Crémant or Prosecco: A more affordable alternative to Champagne, offering fruity and refreshing notes that pair well with both nigiri and maki rolls.
4. Rosé Wine – An Unexpected Favorite
Dry rosé is an excellent choice for sushi, particularly for dishes that include both fish and vegetables. A Provence rosé with bright red berry and citrus notes pairs beautifully with a mix of sashimi and vegetarian rolls.
5. Beer – A Classic That Always Works
Japanese beer, such as Asahi or Sapporo, is clean and refreshing, making it a great match for the delicate flavors of sushi. For richer sushi, like unagi (eel) or spicy rolls, a light IPA or a Belgian witbier can be an interesting choice.
6. Green Tea – For an Authentic Experience
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, green tea is a fantastic choice. Japanese sencha or genmaicha (green tea with roasted rice) offers a pure taste that complements sushi’s subtle flavors.
There are many great drink options to pair with sushi, and the best choice depends on both personal preference and the type of sushi being served. Sake and Japanese beer are traditional favorites, while sparkling wine, Riesling, or Chablis can add an elegant touch. For a non-alcoholic experience, green tea is a perfect option.
No matter what you choose, the key is to select a drink that enhances the sushi flavors rather than overpowering them. What’s your favorite sushi pairing?
