Have you heard of Rosé Sake? This stunning pink-hued sake is taking the world by storm in 2025—not just for its looks, but for its elegant aroma, refreshing taste, and artistic craftsmanship. Whether you’re a sake lover or a curious traveler, Rosé Sake is a must-try this summer in Japan.
In this guide, we’ll introduce everything you need to know about Rosé Sake—why it’s trending, how it’s made, and the best bottles and spots to enjoy it.
Why Is Rosé Sake Trending Now?
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A global sensation: Gaining popularity in cities like New York and Paris
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Instagram-worthy elegance: Soft pink hues make every pour photo-ready
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Perfect for summer: Refreshing, light, and often slightly sparkling
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Innovative brewing techniques: Red yeast, ancient red rice, and botanicals
Even Food & Wine magazine highlighted Rosé Sake as “the must-try drink of the summer.” Served chilled in a wine glass, it’s easy to sip and impossible to forget.
4 Beautiful Rosé Sakes to Try
1. RUBY by Rokkaisen (Yamagata)
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Naturally ruby-colored from sake yeast
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Fruity berry aroma with a crisp, refreshing acidity
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Best enjoyed in a wine glass
🗨️ “Tasted a sparkling Rosé sake from Rokkaisen—gorgeous pink color, balanced sweetness and tartness. I couldn’t try it that day since I had to drive, but tastings are available at the brewery!”
2. “Pink Kappa” Junmai by Yonezuru (Yamagata)
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Stunning natural pink from rare red yeast
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Light 10% ABV, sweet-tart flavor
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Pairs perfectly with pizza, fried foods, and spicy dishes
🗨️ “Pairs well hot or cold. The natural color is so pretty, and the flavor—delightfully refreshing!”
3. Bijofu Yuzu (Kochi)
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Yuzu-scented sake that’s light, not too sweet
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Easy to drink and a favorite among beginners and women
🗨️ “Surprisingly dry despite the fruity aroma. A house favorite!”
4. Hachijo-Hime ROSE by Suwaizumi (Tottori)
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Mild sweetness, fruity aroma, and a smooth finish
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Best served chilled
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The elegant bottle design adds a stylish touch
🗨️ “Cute label (is that the White Rabbit of Inaba?), deliciously easy to drink—maybe too easy!”
How to Enjoy Rosé Sake: Temperature & Pairing Guide
| Type | Best Temperature | Food Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling Rosé | 5–8°C | Caprese, oysters, sushi |
| Sweet-style Rosé | 8–10°C | Cheese, fruit, desserts |
| Dry or Acidic | 10–12°C | Pasta, grilled fish, salads |
Pro Tip: Avoid ice cubes. Chill it well and serve in a wine glass to fully enjoy the aroma and color.
Best Glassware for Rosé Sake
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Wine glasses: Enhance aroma and showcase the beautiful pink hue
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Clear sake glasses: Add a summery, refreshing vibe
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Decorative Japanese plates: Use small patterned plates for extra Instagram flair
Tips for Instagram-Worthy Rosé Sake Photos
| Technique | Tip |
|---|---|
| Natural light | Pink tones shine best in daylight |
| Add sparkle | Sparkling types look great with crushed ice |
| Seasonal props | Cherry blossoms, fans, or washi paper add charm |
| Bottle + glass | Show off the label and color in one shot |
| 45-degree angle shot | Adds depth and highlights aroma visually |
Suggested Hashtags: #rosesake #sakegram #nihonshulover #pinkdrink
Why Is Rosé Sake Pink?
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Red yeast: Naturally produces red pigment during fermentation
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Ancient red rice: Gives sake a soft pink color
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Botanicals: Hibiscus, rosehip, and other plant-based ingredients
No artificial colorings—just nature’s magic.
Where to Buy Rosé Sake (Domestic & Online)
Famous Sake Shops:
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Sakasho Yamada (Hiroshima) – Great selection & online shopping
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Yagi Liquors (Osaka) – Hidden gems, favored by pros
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Takeda Wine & Sake (Okayama) – Rare, directly sourced bottles
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Hasegawa Sake Shop (Nationwide) – Offers summer sake gift sets
Popular Tasting Sets:
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ICHID° Sparkling Rosé Set – 2–3 bottles, perfect gift idea
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Hakkaisan 6-Bottle Sparkling Set – Fun to compare and great value
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Hatsumago × Takahata Wine Duo – A premium pairing of sake and rosé wine
Where to Drink Rosé Sake in Japan
Tokyo
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BAR Mijas (Roppongi) – Unique rosé sakes with red rice and wine-like aging
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SAKE bar Kazura (Monzen-Nakacho) – Casual standing bar with rosé options
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Nihonshu Tsubaki (Jujo) – By invitation only, paired with refined Japanese cuisine
Kyoto
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To. (Karasuma-Oike) – Italian-Japanese fusion with rosé sake pairings
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Poki-ya (Kawaramachi) – Ancient red rice sake, wine-like experience
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Kyoto Sakagurakan (Shijo) – Tasting flights with rosé sake options
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Ryosen (Oike) – Fine Japanese dining with delicate rosé pairings
Osaka
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ROZE (Gamo-Yonchome) – Stylish izakaya with rosé sake varieties
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Tojiya (Tenma) – Long-standing sake bar with rare rosé bottles
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Bar Rosé (Fukushima) – Chic setting for rosé sake and wine lovers
Final Toast: Cool Down This Summer with Rosé Sake
Rosé Sake is more than a trend—it’s a new chapter in the world of Japanese sake. With its lovely color, refreshing taste, and artistic presentation, it’s the perfect drink to brighten your summer experience in Japan.
Whether you pick up a tasting set or sip a beautiful glass at a local bar, one thing’s for sure—this drink will add a touch of elegance and cool to your trip.
Kanpai to a sparkling summer! 🌸🍶✨
This article is an English translation of the original Japanese version.
