Is Vodka Stronger Than Sake? Sake Compared to Your Other Favorite Drinks
Sake is now more popular in the U.S. than ever before—meaning there are more new sake drinkers who are learning about the history, making of, and traditions of the drink. It’s important to know that sake is not a spirit, but instead is closer to wine and beer. Sake, wine, and beer are all made from the fermentation of yeast—but sake is made with rice rather than grapes or grain.
If you’re planning to drink sake anytime soon (or any drink, really), it’s important to know how strong it is. Knowing the strength of a drink can help you better pace yourself, stay safe, and have a good time.
We’ll cover how strong sake is, if vodka is stronger than sake, and how sake’s ABV stacks up compared to other common drinks.
What is ABV?
ABV stands for alcohol by volume and is used to measure how much alcohol is in a drink. ABV represents the percentage of a drink’s total volume that is pure alcohol. Put simply, the higher the percentage, the stronger a drink will be. Higher ABV drinks tend to have more intoxicating effects much more quickly. Knowing the ABV of what you’re drinking is important for staying safe—whether you’re alone or in a group setting.
How Strong is Sake?
Sake typically has an ABV of 15-17%, regardless of type. Our sake, for example, has an ABV of 15% per serving. A standard serving of sake is about six fluid ounces (our cans are 6.8 fluid ounces).
However, undiluted sake (known as genshu sake) is slightly stronger. Sake that has not been diluted with water will stand at 18-20% ABV.
How Strong is Sake Compared to Vodka?
Vodka is stronger than sake. Vodka has an ABV of 40%, while sake has an ABV of 15%, making it nearly three times stronger.
At 15%, sake is stronger than beer and champagne but weaker than harder liquors like whiskey and tequila. Here’s how other common drinks stack up in terms of ABV:
Beer: 5-8% per 12 ounces
Champagne: 11% per 4 ounces
Wine: 12% per 5 ounces
Whiskey: 40% per 1.5 ounces
Tequila: 40% per 1.5 ounces
Sip, Stay Safe, and Enjoy!
Sake is a stronger alternative to wine and beer—which can be a huge plus. A higher ABV means you don’t need to drink as many ounces of sake to feel its effects. You’ll feel less bloated drinking sake than you would when drinking beer and less wasted than if you were taking shots of hard liquor—a win-win.
Consider bringing a chill, crisp, premium sake like Sake High! to your next social gathering or keeping it handy in your fridge at home for when guests swing by.
Not sure where to get sake? Find it in a store near you and make your next shopping trip a breeze.
