Sweetness of Amazake

Jun 22, 2020

Amazake may not be well-known in Singapore but it worth a try and definitely delicious. It is a refreshing traditional drink that is loaded with health benefits, making it a very popular drink in Japan. Find out more below!

What is Amazake

Amazake is a traditional sweet and low-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. It's Japanese characters 甘酒 can be literally translated to sweet (甘) sake (酒). But despite being called a sake, it contains little to no alcohol in it and most amazake sold in shops has an alcoholic percentage of less than 1%. Amazake has a slightly creamy and thick consistency with a sweet flavour, depending on where the amazake is from. It can be served hot, at room temperature or chilled.

This traditional drink dates back to the Kofun period (300 to 538 AD) and it is even mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) - the second oldest book on classical Japanese history. It is a popular drink during the Japanese New Year and Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival). Street vendors would usually add a pinch of finely grated ginger into amazake, making it a traditional drink that is well-loved by festival-goers and locals alike.

How is it made

Traditionally, amazake can be made via two ways - by adding kome koji to rice or by using sake kasu. Both are relatively simple methods to produce delicious amazake according to your taste.

Adding koji to rice

Kome koji (rice mould/rice malt) is added to cooled whole grain rice or porridge, allowing the enzymes present to break down the carbohydrates into simple unrefined sugar.
Ferment the rice with rice koji at 50-60 ºC for 8 to 10 hours
Non-alcoholic, therefore suitable for children to consume.

Using sake kasu

Sake kasu (or sake lees), which are the leftover products from sake brewing is mixed with water and sugar would be added to taste.
As sake kasu contains alcohol, amazake made from sake kasu would contain a small percentage of alcohol, usually up to 1%. But it also depends on the manufacturer.

Benefits

Health Benefits of Amazake | Sake Inn Singapore

Amazake is a popular drink in Japan not only for its taste but for its nutritional value. Often called the "drinkable IV drip" (飲む点滴) in Japan, amazake is considered to be a probiotic. This fermented rice drink is packed with vitamins, such as vitamin B1, B2, B6 and other nutrients like amino acids, dietary fibre and glucose. It is only fitting that its nickname is as such.

Aside from its nutritional value, amazake is said to have a whole multitude of benefits such as being an effective cure for hangovers, indigestion and fatigue. In addition, it is supposedly anti-ageing and great for your skin as it helps to prevent spots and freckles. No wonder it is a favourite among the locals in Japan!

But, as amazake is sweet and contains some sugar, do enjoy this nutritious drink in moderation. For Ozeki Amazake (190ml can), contains about 28.9g of sugar, do take note especially if you are diabetic.

Recipes

Many people would be surprised by how versatile amazake can be in recipes. It can be used as a natural sweetener or a milk replacement, and people often use it in making desserts. Let's learn how to cook some simple dishes with Ozeki amazake!

Amazake Pancakes

1. Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl.
2. Add eggs and a can of Ozeki Amazake into the bowl and mix well.
3. Add room temperature butter and mix until it has a pancake-batter consistency.
4. Heat a non-stick frying pan and add a little butter.
5. Scoop batter onto the pan and cook until its ready to be flipped. Continue cooking until it is ready.
6. Add whipped cream, fruits or anything you like according to your taste.
7. Your soft and fluffy pancakes are ready to be eaten!

Amazake Egg Rolls

1. Add eggs, Ozeki Amazake, salt and soy sauce into a bowl and whisk.
2. Add Japanese wild parsley (or spinach as a replacement) into the mixture and mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick frying pan and lightly oil it.
4. Pour a little of the egg mixture into the pan till it covers the entire surface of the pan. Do not pour too much as the eggs might not be cooked properly.
5. Let it cook until it is ready to roll into the corner.
6. If you have more egg mixture, add more oil into the pan before pouring more egg mixture into the pan. Make sure the to lift the first batch of rolled eggs to spread the mixture underneath.
7. Wait until the new layer of egg is set and roll, starting from where the first batch rolled eggs was.
8. Continue steps 6-7 until there is no more egg mixture left.
9. Your amazake rolled eggs is ready to be eaten!

Sake Inn Amazake Bundles

Sake Inn is currently having a promotion for Ozeki Amazake. Save more when you purchase more! Our Ozeki Amazake Bundles comes in a pack of 2, 4 or 6 and it is definitely worth it. It is easy, refreshing to drink and you can even use it in your everyday cooking. Love it? Let us know down in the comments below :-) Cheers!

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