Sapporo Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill a pilsner glass or large beer glass by filling it with ice and cold water while you build the drink. If using an optional rim, lightly wet the glass lip with a lemon wedge and dip into a shallow plate with matcha or shichimi togarashi; set aside.

Mix sake base

In a mixing glass or shaker filled with ice, combine 3 oz dry sake, 0.5 oz yuzu juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. If you like a touch of complexity, add 1 dash of orange or aromatic bitters. Stir gently for about 10–15 seconds just to chill and slightly dilute.

Prepare glass for service

Discard ice and water from the chilled serving glass and add fresh ice (about 1 cup) to the glass if you prefer a colder, more slowly diluting drink. Alternatively, leave the glass empty for a more traditional beer presentation.

Combine with beer

Pour the chilled sake mixture into the prepared serving glass. Slowly top with 4 oz cold Japanese lager (pour gently down a spoon or at an angle) to maintain effervescence and create a light head. Do not stir vigorously — a gentle lift with a bar spoon 1–2 turns is enough if blending is desired.

Garnish and serve

Express a lemon twist over the drink to release oils, then drop or rest a thin lemon wheel on the rim. Serve immediately with a long-handled spoon or straw. Enjoy while the beer is still effervescent.