Amazake: Japan’s Energy Replenishment Drink

The August issue of Food & Wine contained an article, “Meet Amazake, Japan’s Ancient Energy Drink That Bartenders Are Embracing.”

Amazake means “sweet sake” and is made with rice, water, and koji. But amazake generally contains no alcohol. The sweetness comes from the koji; enzymes break down the starch in cooked rice into sugars, producing a naturally sweet drink without added sugar.

Amazake has a long history, with its precursor dating back to the year 289. For many years, amazake was consumed at special events, particularly on Girls’ Day on March 3 but also on New Year’s Day. More recently, amazake has enjoyed a surge in popularity due to its reputation as a health and beauty drink.

Its restorative reputation has even earned it the nickname “drinkable IV,” as it provides fluids and readily available carbohydrates, making it a replenishing drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Amazake is fairly calorie-dense, so a little goes a long way. Best to use a small glass or shot glass.

Amazake can be consumed in the heat of summer to combat natsubate, or summer fatigue, appropriate in San Francisco where summer has just arrived.

Below is the link to Horaiya Amazake (sold at Nijiya-SF)

https://www.e-horaiya.com/en/amazake/index.html