Sipping Slowly

It was one of those brooding, rainy days of spring when I woke up to the sound of drizzles gently tapping on window panes. Thank God it’s a Sunday, I started the day in full laid-back manner of getting up late, putting on chilling music, and fixing myself a hot drink. Instead of coffee, I fancied some sweet rice wine that pairs really well with the misty look outside.

Called “amazake” (甘酒) in Japanese terms, this slightly alcoholic beverage is derived from the traditional method of rice fermentation. Off-white in colour with a creamy milky texture, it tastes somewhat like a smoothie with a hint of sake aroma. I’m a big fan of the Chinese equivalent “jiu niang”, with which they always make sweet soup with eggs and rice balls. And these days even instant amazake is available – no more sticky cooking and brewing! I took my time sipping slowly, as rain continued to fall…

amazake to go