Shirozake
/ˌʃɪroʊˈzɑːkeɪ/noun
A sweet, cloudy white Japanese fermented rice drink traditionally associated with the Hinamatsuri or Doll Festival.
Did you know?Shirozake is traditionally served during Hinamatsuri on March 3, when families display ornamental dolls and pray for girls’ health and happiness.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
shiro
“White”
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
sake
“Alcoholic drink; later especially Japanese rice wine”
Medieval Japanese
Japanese
白酒
“A sweet, milky-white alcoholic drink made from fermented rice”
Edo Period
Japanese
shirozake
“A sweet white rice beverage associated with seasonal celebrations”
19th–20th Century
English
shirozake
“A Japanese white sake or sweet fermented rice drink”
Modern English
English
shirozake
“A traditional Japanese drink served especially during Hinamatsuri”