It was hard to ignore the 100+ degrees we faced in Mid-July. Most of us found ourselves blasting the air conditioner and laying lethargically on the couch at home. But I'm sure a few of you still had friends over and fired up the outside grill despite the sun's beaming rays. As they say with true entertainers, the show must go on.
I too love to entertain, and the most important thing to consider is the comfort of your guests. A good spread, libations a plenty, and a comfortable environment.
Without doubt, a chilled bottle of sake is the most elegant beverage to pour at times like this. I love a good bottle of bubbles, but it just doesn't stay very chilled towards the end of the flute. A cold brew is nice too. But if you want to do something a little unique, Sake is a guaranteed way to leave an impression.
In Japanese, "Reishu" literally means Cold Sake. This particular style of serving and enjoying very chilled Sake is one of my favorite ways to imbibe.
I normally recommend white stemware for Sake Service, but there are times where I deviate. An outdoor soiree on a hot summer afternoon is precisely one of them. 
I like to keep my ceramic little sake cups (called Ochoko) in the freezer and because each pour is relatively small, the constantly chilled sakes always pour chilled cup after cup. And contrary to popular belief, you don't need to serve sushi with sake. Grilled Chicken, Burgers, Lobster Salad, Clambakes all pair perfectly with sake.
This month, I'd like to turn your attention to 2 sakes I absolutely love.
Kikusui Funaguchi and Tamano Hikari Junmai Ginjo Reishu.
Kikusui in a Can (as some retailers have nicknamed it) is a big, bold, and viscous sake perfect for the outdoors.
Packed in a really cute can, this sake was the first ever Draft Sake in the market. Nama (Draft), Genshu (Cask Strength), Honjozo (Fortified), these merits make for a one of a kind sake.
Tamano Hikari Reishu is packaged in a Tetra-Pak and can also be served right out of the freezer. Depending on how cold you drop the temperature in the freezer, you can make Sake Slushies with these products. Tamano Hikari happens to be Junmai Ginjo grade. Relatively light with noticeable aromatic floral notes. The packaging gives you the freedom to carry it around without worrying about bottles or glassware breaking.
I personally like to toss these sakes in a large cooler with ice and enjoy them not only on the patio or deck at home, but also while on a boat, at a BBQ, or even a picnic at the park.
George Kao – NYMTC Sake Educator
