A Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice that is often served warm in small cups.
From Japanese sake (酒), originally meaning 'alcoholic drink' in general. The word entered English in the 17th century through Dutch traders. The spelling 'saki' became standard in English, though 'sake' is the more authentic Japanese pronunciation.
Sake is brewed more like beer than wine—it requires a special koji mold to break down rice starches—but it's often called 'rice wine' by English speakers. Japanese brewmasters spend years perfecting their craft, and the best sake can be as complex and prized as fine wine.
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