1.
amazake, sweet rice drink
A traditional Japanese sweet drink made from fermented rice or sake lees (酒粕). It has a thick, slightly sweet, porridge-like consistency and is served either hot or cold.
Cultural note
Amazake is closely associated with winter and New Year's celebrations. It is commonly served at shrines during 初詣 (New Year's visit) and at 雛祭り (Doll Festival, March 3). Despite the name containing 酒 (alcohol), the 米麹 (rice malt) version is non-alcoholic and safe for children. The 酒粕 (sake lees) version does contain a small amount of alcohol.
Types
- 米麹甘酒: made from rice malt, naturally sweet, non-alcoholic
- 酒粕甘酒: made from sake lees, slightly alcoholic