Yutaka and Clearspring are the two mirin brands most UK supermarkets and Asian grocers stock, and both work well for everyday cooking. Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine used for glazes, marinades and seasoning rather than drinking.
The label matters more than the brand with mirin, since not every bottle sold as mirin is actually brewed the traditional way.
Hon mirin vs mirin style seasoning
Hon mirin is the traditional, naturally fermented version, with a small amount of alcohol from the brewing process. Mirin style seasoning, sometimes called aji-mirin, is a cheaper alternative with sugar and flavourings added to mimic the taste without the same brewing method. Both work for cooking, but hon mirin has a rounder, less sharply sweet flavour.
What to check on the label
Mirin types compared
| Type | How it is made | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hon mirin | Naturally fermented rice wine | Traditional glazes, teriyaki, dressings |
| Mirin style seasoning | Sweetened, no real brewing | A cheaper everyday swap |
FAQ
Is mirin the same as rice vinegar?
No. Mirin is sweet and mildly alcoholic, while rice vinegar is sharp and acidic. They are used together in many recipes but are not interchangeable.
Does mirin contain alcohol?
Hon mirin does, usually a small amount from fermentation. Mirin style seasoning generally does not, or contains only a trace.
Can I use sherry instead of mirin?
Not directly, since sherry is not sweet in the same way. A mix of rice wine or dry sherry with a little sugar gets closer if you have no mirin at all.
See our what is mirin guide, or put a bottle to use in our teriyaki salmon recipe.
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- Mirin. A store cupboard bottle for glazes and dressings.
