Saketini

Sake is called a rice wine, but it is actually brewed like beer. Cleaned rice is warmed in water to break down the starches into sugar. It is often filtered and diluted so that it is clear and about 15 percent alcohol content. So it is as strong as wine, at least.

Sake has a lot of umami flavor, a savory taste like that found in tomatoes, that makes it especially useful for mixing. You don't need olives in a Saketini, for instance. That brine taste you love will be in there.

• 3 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. sake
• lemon twist

Combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with twist.