First sake cocktail competition launches in London

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 09 November, 2015

The Hyper Japan Christmas Market has announced its inaugural sake cocktail competition.

The Sake Cocktail Awards 2015 will see nine mixologists compete each day of the event.

Some 1,500 visitors are expected to attend this year, and everyone will have the opportunity to sample the cocktails and vote on the winner each day.

The Hyper Japan Christmas Market is a three-day annual celebration of Japanese food and culture.

The bartenders competing this year are: Marie Ariga from Wazen; Sonny Cormack, most recently at Yashin Ocean House; Phil Docherty at Chotto Matte; Mario Giaconia from Yashin Ocean House; Enrique Gomez at Sticks 'n' Sushi; James Hawkins from Matsuri St James's; Salvatore Maggio at The Westbury Hotel; Ryu Okada of Kampai Cocktails; and Marco Rosina from Chotto Matte.

Oliver Hilton-Johnson, sake educator for the British Sake Association, said: "Whilst the UK consumer is not spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection of alcoholic drinks on offer, few are quite as versatile and rewarding as sake.

"Which other alcoholic drink can be both cool and refreshing as well as warm and invigorating? Great with sushi but also cheese?

HYPER JAPAN will allow visitors to try sake in a familiar environment by sampling a variety of amazing sake cocktails."

The Hyper Japan Christmas Market will be held November 27 to 29 at Tobacco Dock, London. Tickets range from £13-£16 for a day or session up to £39 for a three-day pass.

Sponsors include Gekkeikan Sake, Ozeki and Shirakabegura.

The UK is a growing market for sake, especially in the on-trade. Sales rose 20% year on year through 2013.

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