Dear connoisseur

Just a quick check: Is your wine cooler well stocked with your favorites, so that it lacks nothing during the cozy Christmas holidays?
The shizuku team is looking forward to welcoming you and advising you personally during the last days at shizuku Store.

Current opening hours
Tuesdays, 12.30pm – 6.30pm or by individual appointment

Christmas shopping
Tuesday, December 19 - Thursday, December 21, 2023, 12.30pm – 6.30pm

shizuku Store Christmas holidays
Kindly note that shizuku Store will be closed from December 22, 2023 to and including January 8, 2024.
Products ordered online can be picked up at shizuku Store with the option pickup at shizuku Store until Thursday, December 21, 2023 (6.30pm).

Online orders
Kindly note that there is no shipment between December 22, 2023 and January 2, 2024.
Products ordered online by Tuesday, December 19, 2023 will be under your Christmas tree in time.

Merry kanpai and happy holidays!

9 December 2023

Of course we do - for 1O years!
If we are invited, we always bring a nice bottle of sake with us. But which drop do you choose when you want to bring something new, something special, something flavourful that everyone will enjoy?

1O years shizuku | The rocks in our surf
shizuku is pleased to recommend to you & your hosts a fine selection of nihonshu, all of which are enjoyable and accessible to sake novices. Guaranteed to be a great conversation piece...

... with soft elegance
Translated as 'The chirping of the nightingale announcing spring', The Shunnouten will win over connoisseurs and the curious alike. An elegant & fresh Junmai Daiginjo, whose fruity flavours evoke springtime feelings - at any time of year. Creamy, smooth & round on the palate, with a crisp & pure umami flavour, a nice, drinkable aperitif even for sake beginners.

... with crisp freshness
Fresh and flowery on the nose, Gekkeikan Daiginjo is reminiscent of white tulips and lime blossom as well as green apples and lychee. The palate surprises with a powerful yet mild explosion of flavour. With its wonderful acidity and long-lasting finish, this sake offers a tangy experience - even in mini size.

... with velvety warmth
The Asahimai Junmai has been with us since the first import, because this velvety, full-bodied Junmai flatters every sake fan. Smooth, with a sweet note and a long-lasting finish, this premium sake made from organic rice is subtly aromatic and has a fresh, minty acidity from cool to hot and is also known among connoisseurs as the 'Fondue Sake'.

... with a harmonious flavour
This Junmai shortly ripened in wooden barrels (Yoshino cedar) refreshes with notes of cedar wood and lavender as well as with a dry, slightly resinous finish. Tangy-fresh, sweet and balanced, Kiku Masamune Taru Sake is also the ideal accompaniment to fish, especially sushi and sashimi, as well as to a juicy ham.

... with a buttery melt
Velvety, almost creamy on the palate, Nouvelle has been delighting us for around 1O years. With tangy notes of nutmeg, cloves, cauliflower and meringue and a fresh acidity & dry finish, this floral Junmai Ginjo is ideal with a risotto or a nice cheese platter.

We are happy to recommend more rocks from '1O years shizuku' right here...

2 December 2023

Bringing joy present after present...

Yes, here we go again! So let's give Japan fans a present in style.
We look forward to finding that one special gift for your loved ones and wrapping it up in a festive way!

The tasteful Japan box
In the shizuku gift box, we have put together something pretty for you...
Choose between a sake combined with beautiful ceramics, the box consisting of two fine premium sake, the fruity variant with two hand-picked liqueurs or the nihonshu with matured power, combined with the high-calibre stainless steel cup.

Or make it personal and put together your own individual box, with a matching accessoire of your choice. Does the recipient prefer a Japanese rum, a first-class shochu or our sake flavoured vodka Mame San? Very nice! We are happy to nobly package the perfect gift.

The personal touch at shizuku Store
Or visit us in our own four walls, get ideal & competent advice, find your personal favorite drop in peace and surprise during the festive season with a nice drop of Japan - just the way you like it.
The team at shizuku Store is here for you, will be happy to advise you and looks forward to your visit.

12 November 2023

When it gets cold, the fire is lit and the cozy fondue season begins!

Whether it's the classic cheese fondue, the fish version or the Japanese Shabu Shabu & Sukiyaki...
shizuku will be happy to recommend the right nihonshu for each dish.
Bon appétit!

Sake in a cheese fondue
'Finally enjoyed a delicious #Fondue with #Sake (instead of white wine) from @shizuku_ch. Highly recommended! Thank you Marc Nydegger for the tip and the advice!'

Connoisseur Martin has tried it - in & with the cheese fondue. You too?
The fondue actually gets cheesier, velvety and smoother thanks to the low acidity of sake, for example with the:
... velvety, full-bodied Asahimai Junmai
... round, flavoured Inatahime Ryokan
... strong & intense Miyabi

Sake for fondue with fish
Fish delicacies from the fire pot. For a fish fondue with scallops, prawns or salmon, we recommend the:
... fruity & aromatic Daiginjo Kokuryu Gin no Tobira
... crisp, fresh & elegantly floral Gekkeikan Daiginjo
... strong, sweet Junmai Ginjo Karaku Amakuchi

Sake with Shabu Shabu & Sukiyaki
Finely sliced entrecôte, glass noodles, mushrooms, tofu, various vegetables, rice & sauces and a nice glass of Japan, such as from the:
... complex, lively & powerful Daihoju
... elegant, aromatic & mineral Goriki Junmai Daiginjo
... full-bodied & velvety Junmai Daiginjo Kozaemon Akaiwa Omachi

Put good things in the pot & enjoy them in good company. Enjoy your meal & kanpai!

11 November 2023

Cooking with sake? Of course!
Deglaze or boil down - for a nice, flavourful sake note in your dish.
Nihonshu in the kitchen makes a good figure not only in the glass...

COOKING SAKE - For more umami in the pan
Whether in mushrooms, tomatoes or cheese - umami is omnipresent and can also be found in our kitchen more than you think - and in sake even more.

umami is another flavour alongside the traditional ones of sweet, sour, salty and bitter. And although umami is difficult to describe in words, tasters notices it immediately. This is because umami intensifies certain flavours and dominates & corrects negative taste sensations. For this reason, umami can generally be described as 'especially delicious' and 'perfectly rounded'.

And with our high-quality cooking sake, you too can bring even more flavour to the pan. Discover Kimoto Junmai, brewed according to the traditional kimoto method. A dry, intense sake in a convenient, resealable 1.8 liter Tetra Pak.

Cook with us, kanpai and enjoy your meal!

10 November 2023

A ship has an anchor. We have Nihonshu that have steadfastly convinced, fascinated or freshly inspired us again and again over the past 1O years.

1O years shizuku | The rocks in our surf
Which drop to give a sake fan? Which sake are elegantly accessible and at the same time an experience for connoisseurs?
We are happy to share these jewels with you and hope you enjoy the next five recommendations, which are hard to beat in terms of complexity. Kanpai!

The beauties from Fukui
Kokuryu brews extremely high-quality sake, in small batches and made by hand. Truly not 0815 sake, but special nihonshu. These beauties also catch the eye because of their unique bottle labels, such as echizen-ori on the amazingly complex Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo and black velvet on the elegant Kuzuryu Daiginjo.

The art from Hyogo
This unique high-quality sake is quite simply an absolute top product. Delicate, fragrant, wonderfully aromatic and with a beautiful, rounded taste of cooked fruit, Junmai Daiginjo Shirayuki Banzaimon has been a true drinking experience for sake connoisseurs and true gourmets - since day 1 in our range.

The natural sparkling from Oita
'Let it sparkle' with this exemplary sparkling sake with natural bottle fermentation. The Yatsushika Sparkling Niji is a refreshing and fruity-sweet aperitif drink, slightly sparkling and with a low alcohol content perfect for any sociable kanpai or when celebrating in style.

The golden drop from Itami
Fresh & lively and complex in taste, the high-quality Daihoju is a delight on all levels. And the combination of Yamadanishiki rice and water from Itami makes for a particularly memorable experience. Powerful on the palate, accompanied by a beautiful acidity - a real gem that has fascinated us for 1O years.

The character sake from Yonago
The extremely elegant, complex and mineral-aromatic Goriki Junmai Daiginjo is slightly oily, with a fresh, exotic-fruity and lively character. The Goriki rice variety gives this sake a typically subtle fleshy and tangy note, extremely well-balanced on the palate, with a beautiful, aromatic finish.

We are happy to recommend more rocks from '1O years shizuku' right here...

10 November 2023

They are firing up again, in a wintery Christmas atmosphere...

Sake Cheese Fondue - by ACRUSH IZAKAYA
ACRUSH IZAKAYA is entering its third round! This year, the Pop Up is once again opening its doors in the old Zurich industrial hall at Christmas time and invites you to the legendary 3-course Sake Cheese Fondue evenings: cheese fondue, infused with sake.
The cheese mixture is accompanied by an appetizer, pickles, bread, potatoes and soft ice cream with mugicha. All homemade.
On the menu you will find a selected choice of sake from shizuku - as well for those guests who just want to have a drink at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.

The number of seats is limited.
Reserve your table today and enjoy with us.

4 November 2023

Drinking a good drop of Japan is wonderful.
Understanding it, combining it skillfully and enjoying it together... is priceless.

The tasty lesson with the kanpai
Is sake wine or schnapps? Do you drink it cool or warm? And which type of sake goes with which dish? Get to know nihonshu drop by drop and enjoy it skilfully...
'Sake can be sweet, fruity, bitter or even salty and is so much more than matching sushi & sashimi.'
Marc Nydegger, Certified Sake Professional, will introduce you to the exciting profundity of the Japanese national drink, explain its history, the traditional sake production and drinking culture and invite you to taste the different varieties by carefully selected premium drops in a cozy atmosphere.

At shizuku store you will find a piece of Japanese sense of life on more than 60 m2.
We look forward to welcoming you and inspiring you at the next shizuku sake lecture.

3 November 2023

Dear connoisseur

There are various reasons for young people to decide to spend time abroad.
For many it is to learn a language, but for Marc Nydegger it was a break from everyday life in Switzerland. At the age of 16, he wanted to discover something new, to get to know a new, completely different culture from his own. And so at some point the decision was made: «You're going to Japan» (an article from AFS Magazine ACROSS).

1O years shizuku | How it all began...
His name comes up at every shizuku sake lecture - whenever the question arises how Marc, as a Swiss, came to sake. 'Mr Klopfenstein' - his professor in Japanese studies at the University of Zurich - opened the doors to Japan for Marc through his valuable contacts, to the logistics there and to his current local partners on site. An invaluable pathfinder & loyal companion that Marc would not want to miss on his journey.

The real adventure already began at university. Marc decided to study Japanese studies after his first exchange to Japan. When he told his professor Prof. Dr. Eduard Klopfenstein that he wanted to write his M.A. paper on the topic of nihonshu, his support was more than groundbreaking...

Nice to relive these moments on the occasion of the 1Oth Birthday to revive again, continuously...
Have fun reading!

The journey continues - drop by drop.

27 October 2023

Dear connoisseur

And then it has been 1O years...!
Zurich, October 18, 2013. The new and first webshop specialized in sake www.shizuku.ch is online! The Japanese journey has begun...
'It was midnight, an exciting moment!' remembers founder Marc Nydegger.

1O years shizuku | The kanpai becomes historic
'The most beautiful thing for me personally was the noticeable curiosity & thirst for knowledge about Japan and its treasures. People didn't just want to buy Japanese drinks, they wanted to understand them, which connected us from day one.
Our connoisseurs scrolled with honest interest through the knowledge section, which by the way is a shortened translation of my M.A. paper from 2009 - he smiles nostalgically - and attended our sake lectures, tastings & numerous pairings in restaurants and later at shizuku Store.
This shared passion and positive response encouraged me, drove me and led, despite or thanks to exciting ups & downs, to today's historic moment: our 1O-year anniversary. I'm just grateful & happy. Here we go!'

1O years shizuku | More than a sake store...
This journey is our life. And pricelessly vivid it is made by the friends, companions & partners who have discovered, lived with and helped shape shizuku over the years drop by drop. They have supported us on the journey to this round milestone and shall be quoted vividly!

Nice to relive these moments on the occasion of the 1Oth Birthday to revive again, continuously...
And we start today with the host of our 1O years celebration & owner of Brasserie Freilager: Marco Pero. Have fun reading!

The journey continues - thanks & with you - drop by drop.
Arigato gozaimasu 🙏🏼

18 October 2023

To select favorites would be impossible. But there are drops, which have accompanied us over the last 1O years, fascinated us again and again or inspired us anew.

1O years shizuku | The rocks in our surf
Enjoy with us a journey across Japan & time and let the 'old ones' inspire you anew. Kanpai with the first five recommendations...

The little fat one
This is how the 'Edo' is usually affectionately called ;) The amber Shirayuki Edo Genroku, fermented in wooden barrels (taru), surprises salty on the nose and sweet on the palate. This strong as well as flattering Junmai is complex & layered, with a long, salty-sweet haze. The perfect dessert & popular with our connoisseurs for years.

The hearty goodness
In terms of family and taste, the Inata Honten Brewery has grown close to our hearts over the years. Here, authentic brewing is still lived and brewed for the moment of enjoyment, as with Goriki Junmai Ginjo. Racy, expressive, life in the glass. Enjoy fruity-sweetish and slightly tangy, with a present acidity.

The feminine touch
Out of over a thousand sake breweries in Japan, one small one stands out, as Shotoku Brewery was run by a passionate woman for over 1O years. Skillfully and with much love, she and her small team created tastefully impressive sake, such as Karaku Amakuchi. Vivid & lively, combined with a balanced acidity and long in the finish, a beautiful fruity monument.

The Japanese Seduction
A fresh and balanced acidity and an extremely seductive bouquet describe the feel-good moment with the Kozaemon Akaiwa Omachi, brewed by the small family brewery Nakashima. This very complex, full-bodied and velvety Junmai Daiginjo also pleases our palate, mild, pleasantly fruity and with a welcome elegance.

The sweet plum
When we are on the road, so is the Ohako Umeshu. Whether pure, on the rocks or meanwhile often seen as an exciting ingredient in cocktails - this unique plum liqueur is the sweet favorite at shizuku and since the beginning always at our side. An excellent umeshu, strong & fruity, with a complex, tangy note in the long finish.

15 October 2023

While the summer sun is slowly setting over here, the Land of the Rising Sun is in the mood for a bright new dawn.
Today's 'World Sake Day' marks the start of the new brewing season in Japan. And to celebrate, Meikel is creating fiery. Don't blush - it's yummy!

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - Cheeky Tomato & a glass of Sake - The Umami Fireworks!

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, DJ and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: A surprising mix of Yoom tomato, watermelon & grilled pointed pepperoni on a spicy dressing of salt, pepper, chili, rice vinegar, olive & sunflower oil, sambal oelek and rosemary - that's it.
Aside: The aromatic, powerful and tangy Goriki Junmai - a sake with a lot of umami. Oily, resinous, smokey and spicy-fleshy on the palate, it is intense in flavour & an ideal companion to hearty as well as grilled dishes.

Culinary conclusion: 'Very intense flavours meet here. Excitingly spicy, sweet & savory. This Yoom tomato in particular, with its own tangyness & acidity, is a great match for the watermelon. And the spicy sauce makes up for it...' smiles Meikel happily.
'Then with this smooth and at the same time very aromatic sake - a perfect combination.
Actually a fantastic late summer dish, but fitting for 'World Sake Day' a real umami firework. You want more, on the fork & in the glass. Really yummy!'

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

1 October 2023

Dear connoisseur

Can you believe it? shizuku is celebrating its 1Oth birthday this year.
'Crazy. Even I have yet to realise it', smiles founder Marc Nydegger visibly touched.

So let's let it soak a little longer and in the meantime set the table for an enjoyable celebration at & with friends, where we hope you will also join...

1O years shizuku | A well-rounded milestone
'shizuku stands for the best sake I have ever drunk in my life', enthuses Marco Pero - gastronomy consultant & owner of Brasserie Freilager. 'It was through Marc that I discovered the beautiful quality of sake in a wine glass. He opened my horizon for something completely new, something unique, something wonderful. Today I'm just mega proud of what he has achieved.'

Marco accompanied us from hour 1. So it's all the more beautiful to be able to raise the sake glass with him again after 1O years. Become part of the Brasserie Freilager culinary and join us for a celebratory kanpai - at the 'Sakelicious Apéro' and the following 'Pairing Surprise'.

'Friends, companions, partners & our connoisseurs at one table - a beautiful thought. I am looking forward to it!'

17 September 2023

'I want the Swiss to drink sake with their Käseplättli, cheese fondue or raclette'.
Marc Nydegger attracted attention with this statement years ago. At the time, the young entrepreneur was - understandably - smiled at. Today he is smiling...

Umami is the secret!
On the one hand, his customers now explicitly ask for the 'fondue sake'. Meanwhile, they also melt away when it comes to sake raclette. And the sake expert has been working closely with the neighbourhood shop Amstad Chäslädeli for years. Together they have created exciting combinations that can be enjoyed at the cozy shizuku sake cheese pairing - in a small, refined setting.

Taste exquisite premium drops from Japan in combination with selected cheese and let yourself be positively surprised by this outstanding combination.
Small but nice - your tasting event in a personal setting.

At shizuku Store you will find a piece of Japanese sense of life on over 60 m2. We look forward to welcoming and delighting you at the next shizuku sake cheese pairing.

15 September 2023

Keep cool. The ice-cold connection...

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - COOL CUCUMBER | Salad & Sake

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, DJ and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: A fresh salad of cucumber & kohlrabi, finely sliced, plus white beans, some black pepper & dill, marinated in a honey mustard sauce with rice vinegar - that's it.
Aside: The Japanese rice wine Goriki Junmai Ginjo. Served cold, a racy, expressive Junmai Ginjo, with a present acidity and a velvety, yeasty melt. In addition, tangy in the finish, the 'cool catch' to Meikel's creative salad plate.

Culinary conclusion: 'Really cool!' Meikel enthusiastically. 'I had fun developing & arranging. Then to experience how this connection works, how the beans combine everything nice & creamy, how this sake complements with tangyness & melt - top. A nice, light dish. Green, fresh and with a spicy pep. Just mega refreshing - a cool thing!'

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

14 September 2023

Diving in once more, revelling in summer memories and smiling....
What better way to do that than with a really good drop in the glass?

Let's let the summer sake in
Let's do it with harmony, perfection and passion. Let's treat ourselves to a Japanese premium sake with depth and let the still warm memories sink into profound stories.

The breeze of lilac...
as well as fruity, bitter-sweet and exotic spicy. Lively, racy and expressive, Goriki Junmai Ginjo surprises with a present acidity as well as a velvety, yeasty melt.

The smooth structure...
makes this extremely high-quality sake an absolute top product. The Shirayuki Banzaimon spoils delicately, fragrantly, wonderfully aromatic and with a beautiful, rounded taste of cooked fruit. A true drinking experience for sake fans and true connoisseurs.

The lively one with the kick...
in addition noble and tasty? Then kanpai with the elegant and fruity-sweet Karaku Amakuchi. With notes of lychee and strawberries, combined with a balanced acidity and long in the finish, guaranteed once again summer comes into the glass. An ideal drop also for sake beginners.

The cool elegance...
with a slightly bitter cocoa note. The multilayered and powerful Premium Sake Daiginjo Hiyashibori spoils with a fruity bouquet, followed by sweetish and at the same time tangy notes, reminiscent of forest and chocolate and is dry and long lasting in the finish.

The seductive bouquet...
as well as the fresh and balanced acidity provide the perfect feel-good moment with the Kozaemon Akaiwa Omachi. This very complex, full-bodied and velvety Junmai Daiginjo delights with fruity, ripe notes, mild, sweet and with a subtle spiciness.

Taste new things, discover new things - drop by drop.
Browse through the online shop with pleasure or get personal advice at shizuku Store. Kanpai!

13 August 2023

When it comes to quality, Japan is on site - especially for summery grill pleasures.
shizuku is happy to recommend hot contenders for your tangy barbecue...

The BBQ with Japan at the table
In the heat of the moment, the companion in the glass is too often lost - not with us!
Thanks to the art of Japanese brewing & flavourful inputs from Meikel's kitchen, there's no limit during your barbecue. Heat up...

To the Beef Feather Piece the gold drop
The extremely elegant, complex & aromatic Goriki Junmai Daiginjo is a mineral sake with a fresh, exotic-fruity and lively character. And with its decent fleshy and at the same time tangy note, literally the golden drop to Meikel's hearty BBQ creation.

To the Pork Sausage the Japanese perfection
The Kozaemon Kimoto Junmai is a force in taste. Brewed according to the traditional kimoto method, this well-balanced sake convinces with fresh and at the same time intense, sweet as well as spicy roasted aromas. And with its very pleasant acidity its the ideal drop to grilled meat and sausage.

To the Beef Entrecôte with grilled vegetables the X
The complex X3 Rose, brewed from red rice and three times the amount of koji, convinces with elegance, a well-balanced intensity of taste, combined with a delicate sweetness as well as a beautiful, light acidity until the long lasting finish. Aromatic, wonderfully inspiring, a class of its own.

The Spare Ribs - brushed with Edo
Fermented in wooden barrels (taru), the complex, amber-coloured Shirayuki Edo Genroku is a bold, multi-layered Junmai with a long, salty-sweet veil of dark chocolate, honey, yeast, dried corn as well as lime blossom and wood. Yummy and also perfect for the glaze...

To the Roasted Porkwich the Pale Ale
The hearty Rising Sun Pale Ale, a powerful craft beer after Japanese brewing art, is complex, lively and at the same time extremely well-balanced, with a refreshing citrus-hop character.

We are happy to recommend more ideas in our sake food blog Meikel's kitchen and wish kanpai!

31 July 2023

Enjoying sake 'chilled' is a refreshing drinking experience.
For more delicate nihonshu with a high rate of rice polishing, it is recommended that the drops tend to be drunk cooler.

Want to cool down Japanese Style?
Let's drift - from cold to summer - and discover the chilled complexity and sophistication of high-quality sake as the outside temperature rises...

The Daiginjo Hiyashibori | Multilayered from 10-15°C
This powerful premium sake indulges with a fruity bouquet followed by sweet yet tangy notes, reminiscent of forest and black chocolate.

The Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo | Lively from 5-10°C
A jewel of a sake. Elegantly rounded, sweetly dry and gently aromatic, with a concise bouquet, a fruity spiciness as well as a long aftertaste.

The Shirayuki Akafuji | Round from 10-15°C
This approachable Junmai enraptures with notes of white chocolate, caramel and vanilla, combined with a bit of citrus and rather dry on the finish.

The Goriki Nigori | Unfiltered refreshing from 10-15°C
Fruity-sweet and slightly bitter, this Nigori is a cool summer aperitif & an exciting food accompaniment to spicy food, especially enjoyed on ice. Also available in a sweet-sour version: Kyo Yuzu Nigori with hand-pressed yuzu juice.

The Kokuryu Gin no Tobira | Exotic aromatic from 5-10°C
Light in taste, fruity, somewhat exotic this Daiginjo reminds directly of a Riesling. Fresh & elegant mineral a quaffable, beautifully balanced drop in mini format.

9 July 2023

In September, the city of Bellinzona will once again become a real corner of Japan...
With lively tradition & modernity as well as authentic gastronomy & activities that will leave you speechless.
Because Japan Matsuri is not only the Japanese festival of Italian Switzerland, but meanwhile the biggest event dedicated to Japanese culture in Switzerland.

10th edition | shizuku at JAPAN MATSURI 2023
With great anticipation, shizuku is packing its sake suitcases again this year and is happy to lure you to Ticino for a special sunny weekend.
Because not only we are celebrating our 10th birthday this year - the popular Japan Festival is getting ready for an unforgettable 10th edition after last year's record of 12'000 visitors!

Besides live music, workshops, exhibitions or the impressive cosplay contest, you can also expect a gastronomic experience - of course with «a drop of Japan»!
Taste the multi-faceted national drink nihonshu and discover other exciting drops or cocktails for your Japan moment (including direct sales).

So let's head south for a kanpai!
Spend an unforgettable weekend with us in a world full of beauty, fascination & tradition and experience the magic of the Land of the Rising Sun - in the 'Sonnenstube' of Switzerland.

More information about this festival can be found here.

30 June 2023

Our Japanese liqueurs are a palate-filling surprise - in aroma, in intensity and in their variety of exciting combination possibilities.
Whether minty, bitter, sweet or refreshingly sourish...

In summer, the main thing is: Quaffable!
And unlike here, in Japan every drop that is not unmixed is considered a liqueur. Which doesn't mean there has to be a lot of alcohol involved. As with their artistic dishes, the Japanese also focus on an authentic, present and flavourful drinking experiences - colorful, fruity and sometimes surprisingly light.

Minty in pink
The Aka Shiso looks extremely sweet because of its intense pink color, but surprises naturally minty, refreshingly fruity and only slightly sweet. This shiso liqueur - with notes of dark berries, cassis, anise and liquorice - is really fresh and light (8% Vol.), a quaffable aperitif drink.

Cloudy & fruity
The Kyo Yuzu Nigori is a light Junmai Nigori with hand pressed yuzu juice. A refreshing aperitif drink, with a low alcohol content (7% Vol.) and a long-lasting finish. Pleasantly fruity on the nose and fresh and sweet-sourish on the palate.

Racy, complex & sweet
The step up for yuzu lovers is called kabosu. The Kabosu no Susume is a light (4.5% Vol.), fruity and sweet Junmai with hand pressed kabosu juice. With its refreshing taste of citrus fruit and the sourish-bitter finish also a perfect Japanese fruit liqueur.

Strong & tangy
Not light but strong in taste, the Ohako Umeshu is convincing really sweet and with a complex, tangy note. This plum liqueur made from Gojiro plums - on a sesame-shochu base - is strongly reminiscent of marzipan and amaretto and is just perfect enjoyed pure or on ice as a dessert drop or as an excellent cheese companion.

... or skillfully mixed!
Pure, on the rocks or also exciting mixed in a cocktail: Whether a quaffable KABOSU SOUR, a pink SHISO SPRITZ or a racy KABOSUJITO - Enjoy colorful, fruity & quaffable - Japanese Style. Kanpai!

25 June 2023

Just before sunset, when the golden hour sets in and the coals are glowing hot...
The perfect moment to start the BBQ!

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - GOLDEN HOUR | SAKE meets BBQ

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, DJ and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: A nice, juicy 1.5kg beef feather piece from the grill on a homemade, fruity-sweet blackberry BBQ sauce, bedded on fresh blackberries and crunchy red chicory - that's it.
Aside: The extremely elegant, complex & aromatic Goriki Junmai Daiginjo. A mineral sake with a fresh, exotic-fruity and lively character. And with its decent fleshy & tangy note, the golden drop to Meikel's hearty BBQ creation.

Culinary conclusion: 'Wow, this combo is real gold!' Meikel is convinced. 'Juicy, beautifully hearty roasted flavours meet the intense, slightly smoky as well as tart & beautifully fruity BBQ character of the blackberry sauce. In the glass then this slightly oily & aromatic sake, which harmonizes perfectly with its sweetness & acidity. My BBQ fire is definitely lit!'

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

30 April 2023

After a very long break, the Japan Bazar in Worb returns.
shizuku looks joyfully forward to it and the summer drops are already chilled for you...

Stroll & enjoy the Japanese way
Small, but extra-fine. This is how the Japan Bazar in Worb can be described. In addition to various booths with numerous delicacies, performances & workshops, we are pleased to be able to spoil you again this year with the finest drops of the Japanese national drink sake as well as fruity liqueurs.

Stroll through the centrally located, modern Bärensaal on Sunday afternoon, let yourself be infected by the sociable attitude towards life and discover the surprising variety of aromas of Japanese drops of the highest quality.

shizuku is happy to welcoming, advising and inspiring you again - for a hopefully perfect sake summer (including direct sales).

29 April 2023

KIN invites again!

Those who were there will remember... After the first bites, the first sip, at the first, fully booked liaison of KIN and shizuku, it was completely clear to the guests as it was to us: this pleasure journey has only just begun!
Voilà. Keep believing in wonders, because sometimes they come true - even several times...

Asian inspired wonders at KIN - dropped by Japan
Since its opening, this personal, modern Zurich place has been delighting diners with its charm, deliberate simplicity and excellent cuisine through East and Southeast Asia, combined with seasonal local products from sustainable producers.

At KIN, people share, enjoy together and dream creatively in culinary terms, both for the guests and the hosts. And that is rewarded: The brother and sister team Nina and Rico Jauch, together with head chef Beni Landolt, have conjured up well-deserved 14 GaultMillau points on their plates. 'Creating exciting taste experiences and a great restaurant atmosphere - that's what it's all about!'

For another special evening, the food artists now spoil again and you can be part of this culinary short trip in 5 courses, accompanied by exquisite premium sake from Japan. Sake expert Marc Nydegger is pleased to accompany and surprise you during this journey again course by course with different nihonshu.

28 April 2023

Monocle was launched in 2007 as a magazine and digital venture in London and today has headquarters, bureaux, shops and radio studios in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Toronto, Tokyo and Zurich.

At the Monocle Shop & Café in Zurich, you'll find combined everything that’s best about Monocle. While the editors report on global affairs, business, culture or design, you are invited for a coffee or an aperitif on the terrace, you can browse through the shop or keep up to date with a hand-picked selection of newspapers & magazines.
And soon there will be a celebration and you are invited...

shizuku at Monocle's Hanami Market
In keeping with the cherry blossom season and to celebrate its fifth anniversary at Dufourstrasse 90 in Zurich's Seefeld district, Monocle is hosting a small, fine Hanami Market.
Stop by and enjoy a selection of Japanese food & drinks as well as various market stalls of selected Japanese brands.

Also shizuku is invited to this beautiful spring happening and is happy to treat you this Saturday with a lively & fruity-fresh tasting of premium sake and Japanese liqueurs (including direct sales).

We are looking forward to your visit!

10 April 2023

In between, a cool fizz with a beer, of course.
With a lively Craft Beer after Japanese brewing art - that has character!

The sun rises with the Rising Sun Pale Ale!
'We define character as the interplay of balance and complexity. The more character a beer exudes, the more capable it’s of making us happy', say the artists at Baird Brewing Company.

The Rising Sun Pale Ale: Strong, lively, with refreshing citrus hop character.
... Bottle (330ml) for CHF 3.90
... Box (24 bottles) for CHF 84.00

Baird Beer. Honest, natural and unpretentious, like the people who brew it.
Cheer with us & kanpai!

2 April 2023

Dear connoisseur

Nature is awakening and with it the cherry blossom sakura! With the cherry blossom festival hanami, the Japanese honor the beauty, preciousness and transience of life. This beautiful Japanese tradition is celebrated convivially throughout the archipelago, from the coasts to the mountainous regions, such as in Gifu Prefecture...

And that's our cue! Because we're joining in the celebration of Japanese spring - with a new sake that you'll rarely discover in Switzerland!

The living spring in the sake glass
On the main island of Honshū on the Tokigawa River, lies the small town of Mizunami, home to the even smaller, fine family brewery Nakashima. For over 300 years now, Nakashima has been brewing uncannily sophisticated and high-quality sake - an art that you may recognize and enjoy in this drop by drop...

Kozaemon Sakura Nama is a very complex and flavorful Junmai Ginjo. As the name nama suggests, this sake is only pasteurized once, which makes this drop particularly lively: fresh, fruity, yeasty to slightly tangy, with a medium-bodied, refreshingly cool back aroma and a long, creamy smooth finish.

The Kozaemon Sakura Nama - a special taste journey in a sake glass and a versatile pairing partner.
Enjoy discovering this new drop - and happy hanami!

21 March 2023

It's that time of year again! In Japan, hanami is celebrated - a festival whose name literally translates as «looking at blossoms».
For about two weeks, friends, family and colleagues eat and drink under the blossoming cherry trees and celebrate together the beauty and transience of life.

HANAMI CITY - The picnic under Zurich's cherry trees
As spring awakens, Zurich's more than 1000 Japanese cherry trees begin to blossom - and a beautiful activity blossoms with them!

The Harubaru Copy Club - an association that explores the diversity of Japanese cuisine through various events and projects - has mapped out all the Japanese cherry trees in the city of Zurich on an online, interactive Zurich Hanami Map in 2021. This helps you find the perfect spot for your personal hanami picnic.

And in keeping with this, the makers of HANAMI CITY are preparing plump Bentō boxes for you again this year, which can be picked up from April 9 to 15, 2023.
These are available individually or as a Full Hanami Set, with a futomaki, sakura mochi and drinks of your choice. Back again, of course, is shizuku's small Cup Sake Yuki Otoko - a round, powdery, fresh as well as vivid Junmai for on-the-go enjoyment.

Be on time!
The picnic boxes are produced only on pre-order and in limited numbers. Order deadline is on Monday, March 27, 2023!

19 March 2023

Japan smiles again in delicate white-pink!
Let's welcome the sake spring also with us and toast together, with a playful, seductive lightness - drop by drop...

Floral, fruity and above all, lively: For your hanami moment, Japan's precious drops are already chilled and just waiting to be ceremoniously poured by you.

The raw diamond
New to the range, Kozaemon Sakura Nama offers you a rare sake experience. Pasteurized only once (nama = raw), this very complex and flavorful Junmai Ginjo is particularly lively, fruity and fresh, with a medium body and long, creamy finish.

The exotic flavor cocktail
You like it exotic-sweetish? Then the Ootegara is your bottle! A light, fruity flavor cocktail with notes of mango, papaya, honeydew melon, apple, pineapple, star fruit & strawberry. Round and fresh, sweet and at the same time full of flavor.

The fruity aperitif
An elegant, quaffable aperitif, with little alcohol... This is what you can expect with a glass of Iku's Shiro. Aromas of juicy green apples, pears, vanilla bean, white chocolate and elderberry set the mood for spring - ideal for topping off at only 9% by volume.

The lively one with a kick
Noble and tasty? Then kanpai with the elegant and fruity-sweet Karaku Amakuchi. With notes of lychee and strawberries, combined with a balanced acidity and long finish, it is guaranteed to come alive in the glass. An ideal drop even for sake beginners.

The floral taste explosion
White tulips, lime blossoms.... and then bam: Gekkeikan Daiginjo! Be pleasantly surprised by this powerful & complex flavor explosion. Fresh, mild, with a wonderful acidity - a tangy experience. Also available as mini.

19 March 2023

*** Sold out ***

After a successful & sold out «Charcoal Sake Cheese Fondue» event, ACRUSH IZAKAYA is going into the second round - and hopefully you will enjoy it again!

Charcoal Shabu Shabu
Historic. Culinary. Fantastic! The old Zurich industrial hall from the year 1900 comes to life again during 4 days - to a unique Pop Up restaurant.
This time the team at ACRUSH IZAKAYA serves a «Charcoal Shabu Shabu» menu - vegetables, rice, soba, soft ice cream and mugicha included.

Cozy Japanese Style!
Each guest moves their paper-thin slices of beef back and forth in the broth boiling over charcoal with fresh vegetables - hence the name «Shabu Shabu», which incidentally comes from the sound it makes.
And of course you will find again a nice selection of sake from shizuku on the menu - as well for those guests who just want to have a drink at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.

The number of seats on the 4 days is limited. So best reserve your table today...

11 March 2023

Spectacular balls, lots of passion and a unique atmosphere! And because it was so nice, we do it again this year... Let's golf!

«shizuku – with a stroke of Japan» – PART II
When we think back to last July, we immediately get into raptures again!
On the Klosters golf course, nestled in the idyllic landscape of Klosters/Selfranga, we invited to the first shizuku golf tournament. And the simple idea of enjoying leisure time with friends turned into an unbeatable golf day with an indispensable enjoyment factor.
So clearly, nothing stands in the way of a second round. The course is reserved, who wants to play there this year?

A handicap-effective 18-hole tournament will be played among connoisseurs with a spectacular view of the mountains.
Like last year, host Stefan and his team of the Teehütte-Selfranga will spoil us with snacks and additionally welcome us to a sakelicious dinner after the tournament.

Golf with pleasure factor, shizuku style!
The anticipation is once again enormous - also among the players who were present at the premiere and have already marked the date in their diaries.
And if you would also like to treat yourself to this fun, we will be happy to reserve your place in a flight and look forward to your personal registration at [email protected].

4 February 2023

We not only share, we make the cake bigger!
The French-Japanese interplay for a sweet, fresh & fluffy start into the 2023...

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku - French Pear Cake & Sake

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, DJ and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: A heavenly sweet, caramelized pear cake from the hot oven, wonderfully soft and fluffy in the mouth - that's it.
Aside: The elegant & fresh The Shunnouten. Creamy, smooth & round on the palate, with a crisp & pure umami flavour. A nice, drinkable Junmai Daiginjo even for sake beginners.

Culinary conclusion: 'I find it a nice challenge to pair sake with sweet dishes. And with this heavenly sweet cake absolutely a blast! Lukewarm and while the caramel is still liquid, it tastes best to me. A fluffy cloud on the palate with this fresh, harmoniously fruity sake... Top.'

And this dessert combination is also a perfectly apt reflection of Marc and Meikel's long-standing interaction: 'I baked this cake and thought of sake in the back of my mind. Barely posted, it wasn't 2 minutes before Marc called me and explicitly recommended this sake to go with it. Simply brilliant this combo, as is our culinary bromance...', laughs Meikel.

Or as Marc always says, 'Let's make the cake bigger!'
Everyone can have a taste. So take a bite & enjoy with us...

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

15 January 2023

Is it cooler, we too turn up the heat....

Because drinking a nihonshu warmed up and discovering the resulting aromas and flavours anew is not only fun, but also warms the sake heart. We are happy to recommend different drops, which offer an enjoyable experience from cool to room temperature to hot. Let's warm up...

The Asahimai Junmai| Smooth from 10-50°C
This velvety, full-bodied Junmai will flatter any sake fan. Smooth, with a sweet note and long-lasting finish, this premium sake made from organic rice delights subtly aromatic, with a fresh, minty acidity.

The Kuzuryu Ippin | Crisp and spicy from 10-45°C
Slightly sweet, fruity and with a soft texture, this elegant nihonshu crisp-spicy delights on the palate and, with its fair amount of umami, is also an exciting pairing partner to autumnal, more flavourful dishes.

The Inatahime Ryokan | Round from 10-50°C
Slightly salty, even leathery on the nose, this rather dry sake surprises with aromas of lime blossom, soja, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco and nutmeg. And this true classic scores especially with hearty & cheesy dishes such as fondue & raclette.

The Goriki Junmai| Powerfully aromatic from 15-50°C
Tangy, oily, smoky and with lots of umami you will be spoiled with this exciting food companion. Intense notes of paprika, olive tapenade and smoked ham make this sake an aromatic experience even at room temperature.

The Kozaemon Yamahai Junmai| Taste expedition from 10-45°C
Brewed according to the traditional yamahai method, this nihonshu convinces with intense, earthy flavours and makes literally sake hungry. For from cheesy to floral to aromatic-fiery, this drop offers a truly veritable adventure...

The Miyabi | Strong sake art from 15-45°C
This intense Tokubetsu Junmai - brewed according to the traditional kimoto method - is quickly reminiscent of a stone fruit brandy. Earthy, dry and pleasantly sweet on the palate, this Japanese drop is an exciting food companion to meat dishes and your upcoming raclette.

6 January 2023

The celebratory team event is coming up? And you are looking for the new tasteful idea?
How about a sakelicious tasting?

Private Sake Tasting! The team event with the kanpai...
Enjoy among friends, teammates, partners or customers, but try something new: That's where we like to pour!
Treat your team to a special treat and give them a culinary experience - with an exquisite drop of Japan.
Sake expert Marc Nydegger will take you to Japan and invites you to live the convivial drinking culture and to taste the different varieties based on handpicked premium drops in a cozy atmosphere.

You would like to hold your private event at shizuku Store? Great! Whether it's a birthday party, a team aperitif or the degustation among friends...
shizuku is pleased to show you the variety of Japanese wines, so that your team event will be positively surprised and pleasantly remembered.

Please contact us with your wishes, questions and ideas by e-mail to [email protected] and nothing will stand in the way of your festive kanpai.

Already thirsty? We look forward to you & your guest!

1 January 2023

You are invited and want to bring something new, something special, something tasty...

With sake to visit? A wonderful idea!
shizuku is happy to recommend you & your hosts a nice selection of nihonshu, all of which are delightfully convincing and ideally accessible even for sake beginners. Guaranteed to provide nice conversation started...

... with the premiere in the sake glass
Brand new in the assortment surprises The Shunnouten, an elegant & fresh Junmai Daiginjo, with its fruity aromas spring feelings arise. Creamy, smooth & round on the palate, with a crisp & pure umami flavour, a nice, drinkable aperitif even for sake beginners.

... with natural 'Sparkle' for toasting
'Let it sparkle' with this exemplary Sparkling Sake with natural bottle fermentation. Yatsushika Sparkling Niji is a refreshing and fruity-sweet aperitif drink, slightly sparkling and with low alcohol content, perfect for any, enjoyable kanpai when celebrating skillfully.

... with a sip of exotic elegance
Ootegara is an inviting and exotically sweet premium sake, with notes of mango, papaya, honeydew melon, apple, pineapple, star fruit and strawberry. Round & fresh as well as flavourful at the same time, with a nice lovely length an extremely approachable drop as an aperitif.

... with sweet-dry Japanese brewing art
If there is one sake that always goes, it is Shirayuki Akafuji. This round & slightly sweet Junmai flatters with notes of white chocolate, caramel & vanilla, combined with a bit of citrus and its long lasting and rather dry finish. An all-rounder with class.

... with the complex, golden appearance
For the crowning glory you provide real epicureans with the noble drop Daihoju. Lively & fragrant, this sake already convinces with its complex bouquet and spoils the palate powerful, yellow-fruity & with a present acidity to the long, beautiful finish. Truly golden.

Enjoy your next visit & kanpai!

1 January 2023

Pull out the binoculars and taste indulgence with lake view and a breeze of Japan...
Dock, take a seat and 'kanpai ahoi'!

The restaurant Seehaus in Herrliberg starts the new year with a culinary experience beyond compare. And those who know the area and those who love gastronomy won't be told twice.
The market-fresh cuisine of 'Seehuus' with a twist of Japan as well as uncomplicated and year-round popular dishes make the restaurant with direct lake access a popular meeting place for epicureans.

Kanpai ahoi' at Seehaus
Under the motto 'Better to have eaten too much than drunk too little', Captain Mike Gut's team has rediscovered and reinterpreted the Japanese national drink nihonshu. Chef Patrick has worked his magic in his galley and created a unique menu, which we will serve you this evening in 5 courses - skilfully accompanied by sake expert Marc Nydegger with an exciting sake flight.

Ready to anchor?
shizuku & the whole Seehaus team are looking forward to you!

1 January 2023