The best alcohol-free drinks with sushi

Fancy a cozy evening of fresh sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls? Then you’ll want a drink that enhances the refined flavors of Japanese cuisine. While traditionally beer or sake are often chosen, the alcohol-free world in 2026 offers amazing, gastronomic alternatives.

From traditional Japanese fermentation techniques to crisp white wines: these are the 5 best alcohol-free drinks to pair with sushi.

1
Choro Koji - Ama Shizuku Lifestyle image for Choro Koji - Ama Shizuku

Choro Koji - Ama Shizuku

(0 reviews)
€19,99

CHORO brings the ultimate Japanese tradition to your glass. Made with koji (the same fermentation culture used for traditional sake and soy sauce), this drink perfectly complements the flavour profile of sushi.

  • Flavour Profile: Subtle umami, smooth and with a refreshing, pure character.
  • Why it works: It enhances the natural flavour of the rice and fish without overpowering them. The ultimate sake substitute.
2
Muri Copenhagen Koji Rice Series 1 fles, alcoholvrije drank, World of NIX webshop Lifestyle image for Muri - Koji Rice Series 1

Muri - Koji Rice Series 1

(0 reviews)
€24,99

Muri is renowned worldwide for their layered, complex fermentations. This koji rice-based variant is specifically designed to accompany gourmet dishes.

  • Flavor profile: Fresh, lightly aromatic, and with a beautiful, dry structure.
  • Why it works: The present acids and depth perfectly 'cut through' the fatty character of, for example, avocado or flambéed salmon.
3
sparkling tea van Saicho Hojicha Lifestyle image for Saicho - Hojicha

Saicho - Hojicha

(0 reviews)
€19,99

In Japan, people have traditionally drunk hot tea with their meals. Saicho has translated this concept into a luxurious, sparkling cold-pressed tea. Hojicha is a roasted green tea that brings with it an incredible flavour profile.

  • Flavour profile: Roasted, notes of hazelnut and smoke, with a very dry finish.
  • Why it works: The umami notes contrast beautifully with soy sauce and work fantastically with fried tempura rolls or unagi (eel).
4
Alcoholvrije witte wijn van Ara Sauvignon Blanc Lifestyle image for Ara Wines - Sauvignon Blanc

Ara Wines - Sauvignon Blanc

(10 reviews)
€10,99

Do you really love a traditional glass of white wine with your meal? This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is deliciously crisp. The fresh acidity in this 0.0% wine perfectly complements the rice vinegar used in sushi rice.

  • Taste profile: Passionfruit, citrus and fresh grass.
  • Why it works: It refreshes your palate between sushi bites and pairs perfectly with lighter maki and cucumber.
5
Packshot sparkling tea van Acala White Wine Style Lifestyle image for Acala - Sparkling Tea White Wine Style

Acala - Sparkling Tea White Wine Style

(7 reviews)
€14,99

Developed by sommeliers to emulate the structure of a dry white wine by fermenting premium teas. This is an absolute crowd-pleaser for a sushi night.

  • Flavour Profile: Dry, subtle white tea and floral jasmine.
  • Why it works: It has exactly the right layering and delicate bubbles that complement the minimalist and pure character of Japanese cuisine.

Koji is a traditional Japanese fermentation culture. Because koji also forms the basis for soy sauce and sake, a drink like CHORO or Muri shares the same taste molecules (umami) as your sushi. This creates a harmonious flavor combination.

Tea naturally contains tannins, just like wine. The cold pressing and added bubbles in, for example, Saicho Hojicha cleanse your taste buds after every bite, allowing the subtle flavour of the fish to fully come into its own again and again.

If you're using a lot of wasabi, it's best to choose the Ara Wines Sauvignon Blanc or the ACALA White Wine Style. The fresh acidity and fruity notes immediately cut through the intense, fleeting spiciness of the wasabi.