What Is Yuzu? Everything You Need to Know

March 03, 2025 by

Yuzu has quietly been stealing the spotlight in the cocktail scene. Bursting with bright, tangy flavors and a floral, zesty aroma, this little fruit has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. Today, it’s trending globally, and you’ll find it in cocktails, gourmet dishes, and even skincare. But what exactly is yuzu, and what makes this citrus so special? In this article we break it all down: where it comes from, what it tastes like, how to use it, and where to find it.

What is yuzu?

Yuzu is a small but mighty citrus fruit that has been a staple in East Asia for centuries. Native to China and highly popular in Japan and Korea, yuzu is about the size of a tangerine, and its skin ranges from green to golden yellow, depending on its ripeness. Unlike oranges or lemons, it has a thick, bumpy rind and is packed with seeds, making it less suited for eating whole but perfect for extracting its fragrant juice and zest.

In Japan, yuzu holds deep cultural significance, often making an appearance in traditional dishes, seasonal rituals, and even bathhouses. Every winter solstice, people soak in yuzu-infused hot baths—a practice believed to ward off colds and bring good fortune.

It’s also a beloved ingredient in ponzu sauce, miso soups, and various sweets. Over the years, its popularity has spread beyond Japan, making its way into high-end restaurants, cocktail bars, and even beauty products around the world.

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What does yuzu taste like?

If you could take the best parts of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin and roll them into one fruit, you’d get something close to the yuzu flavor profile. It has a bold tartness, like a lemon, but with a slightly bitter edge that’s more reminiscent of grapefruit.

Yuzu’s aromatic depth creates a distinct floral sweetness that sets it apart from other citrus fruits, almost like a mandarin with a perfumed twist.

It’s this perfect balance of acidity, bitterness, and fragrance that makes yuzu so popular. It’s bright but not overpowering, complex yet versatile, and its bold citrus punch can enhance everything from a delicate sauce to a strong cocktail.

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How is yuzu used in cooking and cocktails?

Japanese cuisine

Yuzu is a cornerstone of Japanese cooking, adding a signature tang to many dishes. It’s a key ingredient in ponzu sauce, a citrusy soy-based dressing that’s drizzled over sashimi, dumplings, and grilled meats. Chances are good that you’ll also find it in soups, noodle dishes, and dipping sauces, where its fresh acidity balances out umami-rich flavors. Even the zest is treasured, often sprinkled over rice or mixed into miso pastes.

Cocktails

Bartenders love using yuzu to enhance both strong and subtle flavors in a drink. It shines in highballs, sours, and spritzes, where its tart bite adds brightness to whiskey, gin, and tequila.

Cocktails like the Yuzu Margarita swap out lime for yuzu juice, creating a citrus-forward twist on the classic. The Japanese Sour uses yuzu alongside Japanese whisky for a smooth yet tangy sip, while the Shikoku Mule blends yuzu juice with shochu and ginger beer for a bold and lively kick.

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Desserts

Yuzu is often used in sorbets, jellies, and custards, bringing a bright contrast to creamy textures. Pastries and cakes infused with yuzu zest or juice carry a delicate, fragrant tang that lingers long after the last bite. It also pairs beautifully with white chocolate, honey, and matcha, making it a favorite in fusion desserts.

Skincare & wellness

Beyond the kitchen, yuzu has carved out a spot in the world of aromatherapy and beauty. Its essential oils are used in perfumes, bath soaks, and skincare products, and it’s valued for its uplifting scent and antioxidant properties. Yuzu-infused teas and herbal remedies are also popular, often enjoyed as a soothing winter drink.

Where to buy yuzu & how to store it

Where to find yuzu

While it’s big in Japan, fresh yuzu isn’t the easiest fruit to come by in other parts of the world, although some specialty Asian grocery stores might carry it in season. Yuzu juice is more commonly found in bottled form, imported from Japan, and stocked in well-curated food markets or online retailers. While bottled juice won’t match the intensity of fresh yuzu, it’s still a great way to get that signature citrus kick that you’re after.

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Storing fresh yuzu

You can keep fresh yuzu in the fridge for two weeks. The peel can also be zested and frozen, ensuring you have access to its aromatic oils long after the fruit is gone. For longer storage, yuzu juice can be frozen in ice cube trays, making it easy to use in cocktails or marinades.

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How to use yuzu at home

Want to bring a little yuzu magic into your kitchen? Here are a few easy ways to get started:

Make a quick yuzu dressing: Mix yuzu juice with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a bright, umami-packed salad dressing.

Infuse your cocktails: Swap out lemon or lime juice for yuzu in drinks like Margaritas, highballs, and gin fizzes for a citrusy twist.

Stir it into tea: A spoonful of yuzu juice or yuzu marmalade stirred into hot tea makes for a cozy, aromatic drink.

Boost your desserts: Add a splash of yuzu juice to cheesecakes, sorbets, or even pancake batter for an unexpected citrus pop.

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DIY yuzu syrup recipe

If you want a simple way to have yuzu on hand for drinks and desserts, whip up a quick yuzu syrup:

INGREDIENTS

½ cup yuzu juice

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

METHOD

Combine everything in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Let it cool, then store it in the fridge.
Use it in cocktails, drizzle it over pancakes, or mix it into sparkling water for an easy homemade soda.

With its bold citrus tang, floral aroma, and endless versatility, yuzu is a game-changer in the kitchen and behind the bar. Whether you’re mixing up cocktails, adding a pop of flavor to sauces, or even indulging in a bit of citrus-infused self-care, this little fruit knows how to make an impression.

If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time; grab a bottle of yuzu juice, get experimenting, and see why this East Asian favorite has the world hooked. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix, and visit the SKYY Vodka, Bulldog Gin, and Wray & Nephew websites for some yuzu-inspired cocktail ideas…

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yuzu has a bold citrus flavor that’s tart like a lemon, slightly bitter like a grapefruit, and aromatic like a mandarin. Its floral, zesty profile makes it stand out from other citrus fruits, adding depth and complexity to food and drinks.

While nothing matches yuzu exactly, a mix of lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice can mimic its tartness and floral notes. Bottled yuzu juice is the best alternative if fresh yuzu isn’t available.

Fresh yuzu is rare outside of Japan but can sometimes be found in specialty Asian grocery stores, farmers' markets, or online retailers. Bottled yuzu juice is a more accessible option and is widely available in gourmet food stores.