IZUMI Sake Apple Cider

The Story

This is one of the most fun and unique bottles on our shelf. IZUMI Sake Apple Cider is a sake based cocktail made by Ontario Spring Water Sake Company, eastern North America's first sake brewery, located in Toronto's historic Distillery District. They take fresh IZUMI sake and blend it with apple cider, Canadian maple syrup, Japanese yuzu juice, and ginger extract. The result is a sweet, tangy, warming drink that works just as well chilled on a summer afternoon as it does heated up with a cinnamon stick on a cold night.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Fresh and fruity, with bright apple and a hint of warming ginger.

Palate: Sweet and tangy with real apple cider flavor, balanced by yuzu's citrus brightness and the subtle earthiness of maple syrup. The sake base keeps it smooth and rounded. At 6.5% ABV, it's light and incredibly easy drinking.

Finish: Clean and refreshing, with a lingering sweetness.

Serving & Pairing

Serving Temperature: Serve chilled over ice for a refreshing summer drink, or warm it gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a cozy seasonal treat.

Food Pairings: The sweet-tart profile pairs well with fried foods like karaage, spicy dishes, or rich sushi rolls. It's also great alongside brunch fare or as a standalone sipper.

Why We Love It

We love this bottle because it's an instant crowd-pleaser and a great entry point for people who are curious about sake but have yet to take the plunge. The combination of sake, apple cider, maple, yuzu, and ginger is genuinely delicious; not gimmicky, not too sweet, just fun. Plus, the hot/cold versatility means you can enjoy it all year round. It tends to disappear from the shelf fast, so grab it when you see it.

Specs