Don't get us wrong: We like sake bombs as much as the next guy. But limiting your experience with this fine beverage—with its dearth of hangover-promoting congeners—to the one-dimensional, frat-boy approach is tantamount to swilling Wild Irish Rose in the Tuscan hills. And pigeonholing it as a sushi-only libation? That's just silly. Whatever the cuisine, says Beau Timken, author of Sake: A Modern Guide (Chronicle), there's a beautiful complement to be found in sake.* With some experimenting, you'll be pairing like a pro. Here's a few ideas from our expert to get you started.

Steak: Masumi Yamahai Junmai Ginjo ($32). "Good acidity. Works wonders with the fat and juice of beef, and rather than the big post-palate explosion of red wine, all the flavor stays forward on the taste buds."

Lobster: Mukune ($39). "Extracts lobster's natural sweetness, and its elevated acidity exalts the richness of the butter."

Pizza: Wakatake Onikoroshi Junmai Ginjo ($23). "Solid and rich, which stands up to the tomatoes' acidity, with a mellow fruitiness, like watermelon. Cuts through the cheese and oil."

Hot/Spicy: Nishinoseki Junmai ($24). "Sweet, soft, and creamy. Made for putting out flames."

*Avoid six-packs and go for the good stuff. (Try a high-end wine-and-spirits shop.) Serve chilled.

Illustration by Dan Page