Sake is usually a medium-strength alcoholic drink, typically around 13–17% alcohol by volume (ABV), with many standard bottlings near 15%.

Typical strength

Most regular sake falls in roughly the same range as or slightly stronger than wine. This means it is noticeably stronger than beer (often 4–6% ABV) but clearly weaker than spirits like vodka or whiskey, which are commonly around 40% ABV.

Stronger styles

Some undiluted styles, called genshu, are stronger because they are not watered down after brewing. These can reach about 18–20% ABV, and in rare special products can be higher, though legal and stylistic limits usually keep sake at or below the low 20% range.

How it compares in practice

In practical terms, a small cup of typical sake has roughly similar alcohol to a small glass of wine, so it should be sipped, not tossed back like a shot. Because the ABV is higher than beer, drinking sake quickly or in large amounts can lead to intoxication faster than many people expect.