Beyond Sake: The Best Drinks to Enjoy with Sushi

When people think of sushi, they often think of sake. While sake and sushi are a wonderful pairing, it's only part of the story. In Japan, there are many drinks that complement sushi beautifully, each bringing out different flavours in the fish, rice and seasonings.

At Sushi Atelier, we believe the right drink can elevate your meal, whether you're enjoying a quick lunch, a leisurely dinner or our Omakase experience. Here are some of our favourite pairings.

Sake – The Classic Choice

Contrary to popular belief, sake isn't always served warm. In fact, many premium sakes are best enjoyed lightly chilled, allowing their delicate aromas and flavours to shine.

For lighter fish such as sea bream, sea bass or scallops, a crisp and elegant Junmai Ginjo works beautifully. Richer cuts such as tuna or salmon can stand up to fuller-bodied Junmai or aged sake, creating a more rounded pairing.

The key is balance. Great sake should enhance the sushi, never overpower it.

Japanese Beer – Clean and Refreshing

A cold Japanese lager is one of the easiest and most enjoyable drinks to pair with sushi.

Its crisp finish refreshes the palate between bites, making it particularly good with tempura, fried dishes and richer sushi rolls. The light malt character also complements soy sauce without masking the delicate flavour of fresh fish.

It's no surprise that beer remains one of the most popular choices in Japan for a relaxed sushi meal.

White Wine – An Underrated Partner

Many wine lovers are surprised by how well certain white wines pair with sushi.

Dry Riesling, Chablis, Albariño and Sauvignon Blanc all offer bright acidity and fresh citrus notes that complement seafood without overwhelming it. Avoid heavily oaked wines, which can dominate the subtle flavours that make great sushi so special.

The best wine pairings are those that let the freshness of the fish remain centre stage.

Champagne and Sparkling Wine

If you're celebrating, bubbles are an excellent choice.

Champagne's lively acidity and fine mousse cleanse the palate beautifully, making it a natural partner for sushi. Sparkling wines also pair exceptionally well with oysters, scallops and richer seafood thanks to their freshness and minerality.

It's a combination that's becoming increasingly popular in both Japan and around the world.

Japanese Whisky Highball

One of Japan's favourite drinks in recent years is the whisky highball.

Made with Japanese whisky, sparkling water and plenty of ice, it's light, refreshing and remarkably food-friendly. Its clean profile makes it a versatile companion to grilled seafood, yakitori and many sushi dishes, especially if you prefer something less sweet than cocktails.

Green Tea

Not every pairing needs alcohol.

High-quality green tea is traditionally enjoyed alongside sushi, particularly at lunch. It cleanses the palate, aids digestion and complements the umami flavours found in both sushi and soy sauce.

A cup of freshly brewed Japanese green tea is a simple reminder that sometimes the most traditional pairing is still the best.

Let Your Sushi Guide Your Drink

There isn't a single "correct" drink to enjoy with sushi. The best pairing depends on the ingredients, the season and, most importantly, your own taste.

At Sushi Atelier, our team is always happy to recommend a sake, wine, beer or whisky to suit your meal. Whether you're discovering sushi for the first time or joining us for our Omakase experience, finding the perfect pairing is all part of the journey.

After all, great sushi deserves a great drink.