7 Yuzu Cocktails: Bright & Citrusy Drinks to Try at Home

The bright, fragrant zing of yuzu has taken the cocktail world by storm. With its bold citrus punch and delicate floral aroma, this East Asian fruit is popping up in bars and home mixology setups everywhere.  

Originally a tasty cornerstone of Asian cuisine, it’s now a sought-after ingredient for creative cocktails that bring a fresh dimension to classic clinkers. In this guide, we’ll explore why this awesome fruit is a game-changer, easy Yuzu cocktails to try, and expert tips on pairing it with different types of liquor. 

What is yuzu, exactly? A brief introduction

Hailing from East Asia, yuzu is a small, knobby fruit with a golden-yellow rind and an aroma that can fill a room. Unlike your standard lemon or lime, the flavor of yuzu is layered—it’s tart, slightly bitter, and has a fragrant, almost floral complexity.  

In Japan, it’s long been a staple in ponzu sauce, seasonal desserts, and even gets infused into baths or hot springs. But when used in cocktails, yuzu truly shines. Its lively acidity and depth of flavor make it a perfect addition to drinks that need a little extra zing. 

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Why yuzu works so well in cocktails

The appeal of yuzu lies in its balance. It’s tart but not overwhelmingly sour, slightly bitter but never harsh, and fragrant without being overpowering. This gives it a natural versatility, allowing it to highlight everything from smoky Japanese whisky to crisp gin.  

It also plays beautifully with sweet, herbal, and spicy ingredients; think honey, ginger, or even shiso. Whether it’s adding a subtle bite to a highball or brightening up a Margarita, yuzu has a way of making every sip feel just that little bit more special. 

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Must-try yuzu cocktails

1. Yuzu Highball

In Japan, the combination of apple and Shochu is so popular that it’s available as ready-to-drink beverages sold in cans. Of course, fresh is best, so here’s our DIY recipe. Start by adding ice to a highball glass and pouring in 2 oz of shochu.  

Then add 2.5 oz apple juice (freshly pressed if possible), 0.5 oz honey syrup, and 0.5 oz yuzu juice. Stir until everything is combined. Top off with 2.5 oz chilled club soda and garnish with apple slices. Enjoy with a plate of miso-glazed salmon or a crisp apple and daikon salad.  

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2. Japanese Sour

Smoky, sour, smooth, and seductively frothy on top, the Japanese Sour is a spin-off of the classic Whiskey Sour. To make one, combine 2 oz Japanese whisky, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz yuzu juice, 0.5 oz honey syrup, and 1 egg white in a shaker and dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds.  

Add ice cubes and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, add a few drops of bitters, and serve. Best served alongside smoky yakitori skewers or a bowl of crunchy karaage chicken.   

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3. Shikoku Mule

Are you all about marvelous Mule cocktails? We’ve got you with this Shikoku Mule recipe. To make one, fill a glass with ice cubes, then add 1 oz shochu and 1 oz yuzu juice. Next, fill the glass to the top with ginger beer. Stir gently, garnish with a lime or yuzu wedge, and serve. This tasty Mule is a natural fit for spicy gyoza or a fragrant Thai green curry.   

4. Yuzu Spritz

Crisp, citrusy, and easy to love, the Yuzu Spritz brings a bright twist to a classic serve. In a shaker, combine 0.75 oz yuzu juice, 2 oz Bulldog Gin, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and a dash of orange bitters (if using). Add ice and shake for 15–20 seconds.  

Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice and strain the cocktail over it. Top with 2 oz club soda, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon peel. Serve it with fresh oysters or a light goat cheese and citrus salad. 

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5. Yuzu Margarita

A spiffy spin on a classic, the Yuzu Margarita balances tart yuzu with smooth tequila and a hint of sweetness. In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz yuzu juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz Grand Marnier, 1.5 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco, 1 oz simple syrup (or agave syrup, to taste), and a small pinch of coarse salt.  

Add ice and shake for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled. Rim a glass with salt, fill it with ice, and strain the cocktail over. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve. Great with fiery prawn tacos or a side of crispy tempura. 

6. Yuzu Gin & Tonic

A simple yet striking riff on everyone’s favorite summertime sipper, the Yuzu Gin & Tonic delivers crisp citrus with every sip. Fill a Collins glass with ice, then pour in 1.5 oz gin and 0.5 oz yuzu juice.  

Stir gently as you slowly top with tonic water, letting the bubbles settle to prevent overflow. Stir one last time to fully blend the flavors. Serve and enjoy. This drink pairs well with salty bar snacks like edamame or shichimi-spiced nuts. 

7. Yuzu Martini

Elegant and effortlessly smooth, the Yuzu Martini is a refined take on a timeless classic. In a mixing glass, combine 2.5 oz shochu, 0.75 oz Cinzano Vermouth Bianco, 2–5 dashes of yuzu juice, and 1 dash of orange bitters.  

Add ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. Express the oil from a lemon peel over the drink, then use it as a garnish. Serve and enjoy with delicate bites like tuna tartare or a simple yakitori skewer. 

How to use yuzu in cocktails

Fresh yuzu juice and bottled yuzu juice each bring something different to the glass. Fresh juice is bright, vibrant, and packed with natural aromatics, but finding whole yuzu outside of specialty markets can be tricky. Bottled yuzu juice, often imported from Japan, is more accessible and still delivers the fruit’s signature tartness and floral complexity.  

For those looking to experiment, yuzu liqueurs or syrups add depth and sweetness without overpowering the drink. When mixing, balance its tang with honey, simple syrup, or agave to keep flavors harmonious. 

Finding fresh yuzu in the U.S. can be a bit of a treasure hunt, as the fruit is rarely available in mainstream grocery stores. However, bottled yuzu juice offers a convenient alternative and is often stocked in specialty food markets and online retailers.  

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Best types of liquor to pair with yuzu

• Gin. The botanicals in gin highlight the floral and citrusy notes of yuzu, creating crisp, aromatic cocktails. 

• Vodka. A clean canvas for yuzu vodka cocktails that allows the fruit’s brightness to take center stage without interference. 

• Whiskey. The rich, smoky depth of whiskey plays well against yuzu’s acidity, making for bold, balanced drinks. 

• Tequila. Perfect for citrus-forward cocktails, adding a lively twist to Margaritas and Palomas. 

• Rum. Works beautifully with yuzu, bringing in tropical, slightly sweet notes that enhance the fruit’s tart edge. 

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Garnishes & presentation tips for yuzu cocktails

For a traditional touch, use yuzu peel twists, fresh mint, or delicate edible flowers as garnishes. Glassware also plays a role in presentation; highballs work well for lighter, effervescent drinks, while coupes and rocks glasses suit stronger, stirred yuzu cocktails. To elevate the experience, rim glasses with sugar for sweetness, salt for balance, or a hint of chili powder for a fiery kick. 

Whether it’s adding a zingy twist to a Margarita, a crisp edge to a Gin & Tonic, or a bold punch to a Whiskey Sour, the magic of yuzu lies in its versatility. Its tart, floral, and slightly bitter notes make it a game-changer in cocktails. Ready to shake things up? Try one of the recipes, mix up your own creation, and share your favorite yuzu drinks with us on social media. For more cocktail inspiration, sign up for our newsletter!