Sake & Shochu in NYC: The Rise of Japanese-Inspired Cocktails & Where to Find Them

New York City is no stranger to cocktail innovation, and lately, the city’s best bars have been embracing the elegance of Japanese mixology. From the delicate floral notes of sake to the smooth, earthy complexity of shochu, these traditional Japanese spirits are making waves in modern cocktails. Whether you’re a sake connoisseur, a shochu enthusiast, or just looking for a new drinking experience, there’s no shortage of places in NYC to explore the best of Japanese-inspired mixology.

Bar Goto – The Art of Japanese Cocktails

📍 245 Eldridge St, Lower East Side

Founded by legendary mixologist Kenta Goto, Bar Goto is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the precision and craftsmanship of Japanese cocktails. The minimalist yet inviting space perfectly complements a menu that blends classic techniques with bold Japanese flavors.

• Must-Try Cocktails:

  • Yuzu-Sansho Sour – A bright, citrusy sake-based cocktail with a hint of peppery warmth.

  • Sakura Martini – A stunningly delicate drink inspired by Japan’s famous cherry blossoms.

  • Lychee & Pear Chuhai – A shochu highball with refreshing fruit notes.

Pair your drinks with their signature okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) for the ultimate experience.

Martiny’s – A Hidden Gem for Japanese-Inspired Cocktails

📍 121 E 17th St, Gramercy Park

Tucked away in a historic carriage house, Martiny’s is the brainchild of Takuma Watanabe, a veteran of the renowned Angel’s Share. This bar is an intimate, immersive journey into high-end Japanese mixology. Every drink is carefully crafted, with attention paid to the smallest details—including custom glassware designed to enhance the drinking experience.

• Must-Try Cocktails:

  • Matcha Highball – Shochu and matcha come together in a refined, earthy delight.

  • Nikka Whisky Sour – A Japanese twist on the classic whisky sour, featuring one of Japan’s most prestigious whisky brands.

Martiny’s offers an exclusive and serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Bar Moga – A Vintage-Inspired Japanese Cocktail Haven

📍 128 W Houston St, Greenwich Village

Bar Moga takes inspiration from Japan’s 1920s "modern girl" era, blending vintage aesthetics with innovative cocktails. The dimly lit, stylish setting provides the perfect backdrop for sipping expertly crafted drinks.

• Must-Try Cocktails:

  • Shochu Tonic – A crisp, light, and refreshing introduction to shochu.

  • Toki Highball – A sparkling and smooth take on Japan’s beloved whisky highball.

If you’re looking for a blend of history, style, and craftsmanship, Bar Moga is the place to be.

Roku Bar – Sake, Shochu, and Japanese Gin

📍 153 E 53rd St, Midtown East

Roku Bar specializes in cocktails that highlight Japan’s most celebrated spirits—sake, shochu, and gin. The bar’s sleek and modern design sets the stage for a mixology experience that feels both refined and adventurous.

• Must-Try Cocktails:

  • Sake Spritz – Light and floral, with a touch of citrus.

  • Shochu Negroni – A bold, spirit-forward cocktail with a Japanese twist.

  • Roku Gin & Tonic – Featuring the bar’s namesake, Roku Gin, known for its delicate blend of Japanese botanicals.

Sakagura – A Sake Lover’s Paradise

📍 211 E 43rd St, Midtown

For those who want a deep dive into sake culture, Sakagura is an essential stop. Known for its extensive sake list, this hidden gem also features incredible cocktails that elevate sake and shochu in creative ways.

• Must-Try Cocktails:

  • Sparkling Sake Mojito – A fresh and effervescent take on the classic mojito.

  • Shochu Old Fashioned – Earthy and complex, a new spin on a classic favorite.

The cozy, underground atmosphere adds to the intimate and authentic experience.

NR – Ramen, Shochu, and a Stellar Cocktail Program

📍 339 E 75th St, Upper East Side

NR is a sleek, stylish ramen bar with an exceptional cocktail menu that spotlights shochu. If you love a good food-and-cocktail pairing, this is the perfect spot.

• Must-Try Cocktails:

  • Umeboshi Shochu Sour – A tart, salty, and deeply flavorful twist on the sour.

  • Black Sesame Shochu Milk Punch – A creamy, nutty, and sophisticated delight.

Pair your drinks with their house-made ramen for the ultimate comfort-food-meets-cocktail experience.

Kintsugi – A Modern Japanese Cocktail Lounge

📍 37 W 20th St, Flatiron

A newcomer to NYC’s Japanese cocktail scene, Kintsugi combines modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese ingredients. The name refers to the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, a philosophy reflected in their approach to cocktails—taking classic ideas and refining them with Japanese craftsmanship.

• Must-Try Cocktails:

  • Wasabi Shochu Mule – A fiery, unexpected twist on the Moscow Mule.

  • Miso Maple Old Fashioned – A rich, umami-packed version of the classic.

With its sleek interior and innovative drinks, Kintsugi is redefining Japanese-inspired mixology in NYC.

The Rise of Sake & Shochu in NYC’s Cocktail Culture

New York’s bartenders are continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity, and the incorporation of sake and shochu into cocktails represents a deeper appreciation of Japanese craft and culture. Whether you’re savoring a floral sake martini, enjoying the smooth depth of a shochu sour, or sipping a highball with precision-cut ice, these drinks offer a glimpse into a centuries-old tradition that is thriving in modern mixology.

If you’re looking to explore Japanese spirits in a whole new way, these bars are the perfect places to start. Kampai!