Manayunk Eatery Introduces Sake-Based Cocktails

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA – Sake is a traditional Japanese rice-based spirit that some Americans may be unfamiliar with. But Manayunk's SOMO is looking to broaden your cocktail horizons by introducing some sake-based drinks.

The new "Sake-Tails" program combines the delicate rice-based spirit with new cocktail creations.

"I don't know of any other restaurant in the Philadelphia region that's offering a cocktail program so heavily dedicated to sake cocktails," SOMO owner James Morrissey said. "These drinks are distinctive, delicious and pair beautifully with every dish on our menu, and I hope Philadelphia’s discerning cocktail lovers enjoy them as much as I do."

SOMO is offering eight new drinks that feature the spirit as part of the program.

Check out the cocktails below:

• Lychee-Tini – Nigori sake, lychee juice, lychee garnish
• Strawberry Sake Mojito – sake, muddled strawberry, lime juice, simple syrup, topped with seltzer
• Raspberry Delight – sake, muddled raspberries, raspberry iced tea, simple syrup
• Zen and Now – Nigori sake, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, cucumber garnish
• Sparkling Peach – sparkling sake and peach nectar
• Cran Sake-Tini – sake, cranberry juice, vodka, Cointreau
• Ginger-vitas – sake, muddled fresh ginger, simple syrup, vodka, candied ginger garnish
• Plum Delicious – sparkling sake and plum wine

"The Japanese have a saying about sake: Nihonshu wa ryori wo erabanai," Morrissey said. "This means ‘sake doesn’t fight with food.’ Diners will find SOMO’s Sake-Tails are a perfect complement to the restaurant’s menu options."

Sake is brewed with water, rice, a mold and yeast. While some think of sake as rice wine, it is actually more similar to beer than wine in terms of production process.

SOMO is located at 4311 Main Street in Manayunk.

Contributed photo