Saving Sake

Asked by jenifer.baidya. Answered on 26th September 2012

Full question

Hi! A lot of recipes ask for sake, but only 2-3 tablespoons. I don't know what I would do with a full bottle, since I don't drink. can I store it in fridge? How long will it keep for?

Our answer

Sake is a Japanese wine made from fermented rice. Unless you have bought a special aged sake, it is seen as better to drink sake fairly young, within a year of making, and generally sake does not improve with age.

Sake has an alcohol content similar to table wine and once opened it should be treated in the same way as wine as it will oxidize once it is in contact with the air and will deteriorate as it is left to stand. Leftover sake will keep for up to 2 days after opening and should be kept sealed in a cool, dark place (or refrigerated). A vacuum sealing system may extend the keeping period to up to 5 days.

You can buy smaller half bottles of sake and we would certainly suggest this as an option if you are only intending to cook with the sake. It is possible to freeze leftover glasses of wine, to use in cooking at a later date, and you could certainly try this with leftover sake, but we would emphasize that the frozen sake should only be used for cooking. Freeze wines in an airtight container with a good seal as wines do not freeze solid but will remain slightly slushy. Use within 6 months.