Bulk Sake Bottles & Sake Cups

Sake Bottles: What You Need to Know

Sake is an alcoholic drink brewed from fermented rice. Originating in Japan, the word sake referred to any alcoholic drink, but as the beverage made its way across the world, it became known specifically as sake. For a long time, sake couldn't compete with more popular alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer, but as Asian cuisine has grown more popular in America, sake has grown with it.

To serve sake in the traditional manner, you'll need – at the very least – sake cups and sake bottles. KaTom carries a few different styles and colors of sake server, so operators can match a new piece to their existing aesthetic. Sake can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, depending on customer preference and the style of sake, so you'll need durable materials that can withstand heat and cold.

Common Questions About Sake Cups

What is a sake server?

Sake pitchers are usually tall, narrow ceramic bottles with indentations on the sides for smooth handling. The neck usually narrows near the top before flaring out again to make a pouring spout. This narrow design ensures liquid flows slowly, but it also creates an element of visual intrigue. Sake pitchers are distinct from any other piece of servingware, and your guests will associate these delicate servers with the drink they're purchasing.

What materials are sake bottles made from?

Ceramic is by far the most popular material for sake servingware. Porcelain, a very high-quality ceramic, is often the material of choice for serving sake, as the premium material matches a premium beverage. However, porcelain is always white, and if you want another color, you'll have to choose a non-porcelain ceramic. Many (but not all) ceramics are dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe, so consult the product specification page before making a purchase if these features are important to you.

How is sake usually served?

The most common method of serving sake is to bring a bottle to the table along with enough cups for every customer. For formal occasions, guests should not fill their own sake cup but should instead fill the small sake cups for each other; this is a matter of preference and may best be left to the customer to determine. Depending on the style of sake and customer request, sake may be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. As a rule of thumb, inexpensive sake is served warm, while artisanal, expensive sake should be served room temperature or chilled. Sake cups are unique, small, rounded cups that hold around two ounces of liquid. Typically, you'll want your sake cups to match the sake bottles they're served with to create a single, unified aesthetic.

What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain?

Porcelain is a specific grade of ceramic that has been fully vitrified, which means it will absorb no water. Porcelain is always white and somewhat translucent. It's a high-quality version of ceramic and, as such, is more expensive than other ceramic pieces. Fine dining establishments will want to invest in high-quality porcelain, but more casual restaurants will find ceramic works just fine.