Sake has taken over the UK with Waitrose reporting a 241% increase in searches for Japanese rice...

Sake, the fermented rice beverage from Japan, is undoubtedly the beverage trending right now.

It seems to be gaining popularity in the UK, with sake bars popping up all over London. Additionally, Waitrose has noted a remarkable 241 percent rise in searches for sake.

Sake usually contains about 15% alcohol by volume and is Japan's traditional beverage, boasting a history that spans 2,000 years.

It has also gained immense popularity on social media, with a lot of people experimenting with it on TikTok. Additionally, endorsements from celebrities such as Brooklyn Beckham and Cate Blanchett have elevated the drink to a level of approval from A-list stars.

According to experts speaking to FEMAIL, the rising popularity of the beverage can be attributed to the stronger impact of Japanese culture, along with the drink's adaptability and cleanliness.

Sake, the Japanese rice wine that's fermented, is undoubtedly the trending beverage right now. This year has seen a rise in social media pages focused solely on this drink (as shown in the image).

The trend is clearly spreading, with social media influencers motivating more people to give it a go themselves.

Jeremy Lithgow MW, the Wine Director at Amathus Drinks, noted that sake has gained popularity due to the growing impact of Japanese culture in various sectors, such as television, movies, and of course, cuisine.

This evokes a blend of innovation and heritage, showcasing both accuracy and elegance, while also being intriguing and somewhat obscure.

People love the thrill of discovering new things, as well as the simplicity and adaptability of it. At its core, it's just rice, yeast, and water. Additionally, it's highly compatible with a wide variety of dishes, making it a great choice to enjoy with almost any meal.

Additionally, the packaging tends to be quite sophisticated, and there’s a lovely feeling of tradition associated with the way Sake is served.

Sake has gained popularity as a sought-after component in cocktails, frequently serving as a lighter alcohol option.

Sake, which is often referred to as nihonshu, is a type of wine, but its production method resembles that of beer more closely.

Social media accounts focused on the beverage have recently emerged, including one called @sakepsycho, which is entirely devoted to reviewing different types of sake.

It's evident that the trend is spreading fast—Sake Psycho's post is flooded with people expressing their intention to start purchasing sake and their excitement to taste it for themselves.

Another TikTok user, @el_theveganbodybuilder_, sampled sake for the first time and wasn't very impressed. They described the taste as resembling "vodka diluted with water."

Adaleta Avdić (@adaatude) seemed to really appreciate her experience with sake, remarking, "It's surprisingly delicious!"

Brooklyn Beckham has ventured into the sake business and is one of the co-founders of WESAKE.

Some people are tasting sake on video for the very first time.

Adaleta Avdić (@adaatude) seemed to really savor her experience with sake, stating: "Surprisingly, it’s quite delicious. I'm considering putting it in the freezer to get it even colder."

Nonetheless, it’s evident that it’s not suitable for everyone, and for certain individuals, it may take some time to appreciate.

Another TikTok user, @el_theveganbodybuilder_, sampled sake for the first time and didn’t seem very impressed, remarking that it tasted “like vodka mixed with water.”

Another trend among Gen Z is the 'sake bomb' – a combination of a beer or cider served in a glass, topped with a cup of sake that’s held in place by chopsticks.

The 'bomb' explodes after hitting the table, making the chopsticks shake and causing the sake to spill into the drink.

Sake isn't just trendy and tasty; it's quickly becoming a favorite among A-list stars.

In March of this year, Cate Blanchett took on the role of creative director for Toku Sake, a brand that offers its sake at a price of £155 per bottle.

Another favorite among Gen Z is the "sake bomb," which consists of a glass of beer or cider with a sake cup precariously perched on top, held in place by chopsticks.

The 'bomb' then goes off after hitting the table, making the chopsticks shake and spilling the sake into the drink.

Brooklyn Beckham has ventured into the world of business by co-founding WESAKE, a brand that offers canned cocktails, including sake.

"Nobody has really approached [sake] in this way before, particularly not like we are," he stated.

He mentioned, "Becoming part of WESAKE brings together several of my interests, such as my intrigue with Japan, my appreciation for food, and my enthusiasm for sake. I believe more people will come to enjoy it if they are introduced to it in the right manner."

At times, sake may come across as fancy, reserved, and complicated. However, in Japan, sake is not limited to sushi places; it’s a drink meant to be savored with friends and family, enjoyed casually outdoors in the summer, or even at a barbecue.

He suggests, "Take a can or a glass, pour yourself and your friend some ice-cold WESAKE, and come join us."

WESAKE is a type of Junmai Ginjo sake made using just four simple ingredients: rice, water, koji, and yeast. It's also quite affordable, priced at £32 for a pack of eight cans.

In March of this year, Cate Blanchett took on the role of creative director for Toku Sake.

Brooklyn suggests pairing sake with a cheese platter, Italian cuisine, or even a beef Wellington. He even mentions that he enjoys it with almost every meal he has.

Blanchett suggests that you can enjoy it with fish and chips, as each meal enhances the sake's unique flavors.

At the same time, Jeremy from Amathus Drinks notes that sake is highly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes.

He shared with FEMAIL: "Sake pairs wonderfully with meals because its flavors can vary from fruity to rich umami. It also makes a fantastic foundation for cocktails, as it can enhance and highlight a variety of other tastes."

There are various styles to choose from, allowing food pairings that include everything from sushi and sashimi to cheese, grilled meats, and even certain desserts. It’s incredibly versatile!