Bright, zesty, and completely refreshing, these Top 5 Yuzu Cocktails highlight the vibrant flavour of Japanese yuzu. Whether you enjoy crisp gin drinks or smooth, silky sours, these recipes show how simple it can be to mix Japanese-inspired cocktails at home.
If you haven't tried yuzu before, you're in for a treat. This small Japanese citrus fruit combines the tang of grapefruit, the brightness of lemon, and a touch of mandarin sweetness. It's aromatic and complex, the kind of citrus that makes any drink taste cleaner, brighter, and more alive.
This collection brings together our favorite yuzu cocktails, all plant-based, easy to make, and full of Japanese flavor. While traditional cocktails sometimes use egg whites, honey, or cream liqueurs, ours keep everything vegan by using aquafaba for foam and plant-based syrups for sweetness. From crisp martinis to sparkling fizzes, each recipe shows how yuzu citrus can brighten a classic drink and add a touch of elegance to your next cocktail night.
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What Is Yuzu?
Yuzu is a small, aromatic citrus fruit native to East Asia, prized for its complex aroma and sharp, floral acidity. It looks a little like a bumpy lemon, but its flavour is more layered. Bright, tart, and slightly bitter, it sits somewhere between lemon, lime, and grapefruit.
In Japan, yuzu is used in both sweet and savoury cooking. The juice adds depth to sauces, dressings, and cocktails, while the zest perfumes soups, pickles, and marinades. It's also the key ingredient in ponzu, a soy-based citrus sauce often served with tofu, noodles, or grilled vegetables.
Because fresh yuzu is difficult to find outside Japan, most people use bottled juice from Kochi Prefecture, where the fruit grows best. Look for 100% pure yuzu juice without salt or additives. Its bright acidity and natural perfume make it ideal for drinks like these yuzu cocktails.
Buying Yuzu Juice for Cocktails
When buying yuzu juice for cocktails, always check the label. Look for 100% pure juice with no salt or additives. Some versions made for cooking contain added salt, which can throw off the balance of your drinks. Avoid juice made from concentrate, as it tends to have a flatter flavor and lacks the bright aroma of fresh yuzu.
Also make sure you're not grabbing a sweetened yuzu "drink" by mistake. Look for the unsweetened 100% yuzu juice instead. Pure yuzu juice can be expensive outside Japan, but a little goes a long way, and about 15 to 20 ml is usually enough for one cocktail.
We've tested several yuzu juice brands while developing our cocktail recipes, and Tosa Yuzu Juice consistently comes out on top. It has a vibrant, punchy flavor from freshly picked yuzu grown in Japan's Kochi Prefecture, without any fillers or sweeteners. The taste is bright, tart, and delicately floral, making it perfect for everything from refreshing spritzes to silky sours.
Choosing the Right Spirit for Yuzu Cocktails
Yuzu works beautifully with both gin and vodka. The bright citrus highlights the botanicals in Japanese gins like Roku, while adding lift and clarity to smooth vodkas such as Haku. Because yuzu has a strong, aromatic flavour, it can easily overpower more delicate or aged spirits. If you're mixing it with something richer like whisky or rum, balance the sharpness with a little sweetness, and use aquafaba instead of egg white for a creamy, vegan finish. Each cocktail below shows how yuzu transforms familiar classics, adding brightness, aroma, and a touch of Japanese character to drinks you already love.
1. Yuzu Martini
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Martini
Clean, elegant, and full of citrus brightness, this yuzu cocktail is a modern take on the classic martini. Combine Haku vodka or Roku gin, dry vermouth, and a splash of pure yuzu juice. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice of dehydrated yuzu. The result is smooth, balanced, and beautifully aromatic.
Why we love it:
- Ready in five minutes.
- Perfect mix of sharp citrus and soft botanicals.
- Looks and feels like Tokyo cocktail-bar chic.
Try it with: Serve with a side of fresh homemade sushi and salted edamame.
2. Yuzu Gin Fizz
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Gin Fizz
Light, fizzy, and incredibly refreshing, the Yuzu Gin Fizz is summer in a glass. A hint of grenadine adds color, while soda water keeps things crisp. The floral hit of Japanese yuzu citrus takes this cocktail to another level.
Why we love it:
- That grenadine swirl is stunning.
- Balanced sweetness and brightness.
- Ideal for brunches and garden parties.
Try it with: Vegan tempura and avocado maki for light, bite-sized sides everyone can share.
3. Yuzu Gin Sour
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Gin Sour
Creamy, citrusy, and completely vegan, this yuzu cocktail looks as good as it tastes. Aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) replaces egg whites to create that classic foamy top. Roku gin brings delicate floral notes that enhance the yuzu perfectly.
Why we love it:
- Gorgeous vegan foam with no eggs required.
- Easy yet elegant.
- Looks beautiful with a flower garnish.
Try it with: My oyster mushroom burger or homemade gyoza dumplings.
4. Yuzu Mule
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Mule Cocktail
This yuzu cocktail recipe takes the classic Moscow Mule and adds a Japanese twist. The zing of yuzu blends perfectly with spicy ginger beer for a bright, bold, and fizzy drink that disappears fast.
Why we love it:
- Big flavor with minimal effort.
- Sweet, spicy, and citrusy.
- Great as a party starter.
Try it with: Delicious alongside my tofu katsu burger or yaki onigiri.
5. Yuzu Gimlet
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Gimlet
Simple and elegant, the Yuzu Gimlet is proof that less is more. Just three ingredients, vodka, yuzu juice, and syrup, create a silky, tangy drink that highlights the best of Japanese citrus.
Why we love it:
- Minimalist and refined.
- Balanced acidity and sweetness.
- Perfect as a dinner aperitif or nightcap.
Try it with: Some togarashi fries or your favorite vegan senbei crackers.
Building the Perfect Vegan Yuzu Bar at Home
- Yuzu Juice: Look for 100% Tosa yuzu juice, available online or in Japanese grocery stores.
- Japanese Spirits: Roku gin and Haku vodka are our favorites for their subtle botanicals.
- Vegan Swaps: Use aquafaba for foamy drinks instead of egg whites. Instead of honey, simple syrup or agave works great.
- Garnishes: Citrus peels, mint, edible flowers, or a tiny pinch of sea salt can elevate your cocktail without much effort.
Non-Alcoholic Ways to Enjoy Yuzu
Yuzu's tangy brightness makes it just as good in non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails as it is in cocktails. Mix a small amount of the pure juice with soda water, ginger ale, or tonic for a simple, refreshing drink. It also works beautifully in smoothies and teas. For something vibrant and naturally sweet, try my yuzu and mango smoothie. It's light, cooling, and full of Japanese citrus flavour.
Final Sip
Yuzu cocktails are proof that big flavor doesn't need to be complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and a splash of Japanese flair, you can turn your home bar into a cozy izakaya, or just treat yourself to something deliciously different.
Whether you're drawn to the zingy freshness of a gin fizz or the silky foam of a gin sour, there's something here for every kind of drinker (and every kind of vegan). So grab your shaker, stock up on yuzu, and let's get mixing.
FAQ
Yuzu has a bright, aromatic citrus flavour that's more floral and layered than lemon or lime. It's tart like a lemon, lightly bitter like grapefruit and sweet-tinged like mandarin. Think of a cross between grapefruit, mandarin and Meyer lemon. For cocktails, its bold citrus note brings clarity and depth without overpowering other ingredients. Try it in a yuzu gin sour or a yuzu martini to taste the difference for yourself.
In the UK, you can usually find small bottles of 100% yuzu juice in Japanese or Asian supermarkets, or buy it easily online, including on Amazon. Look for Japanese brands such as Tosa, which comes from Kochi Prefecture. Check the label to make sure it's unsalted, as some versions made for cooking include added salt.
Yuzu complements ingredients with floral, herbal, or spicy tones such as ginger, matcha, mint, basil, or lemongrass. It also works well with sweeter flavors like coconut, honey (or agave for vegan versions), and tropical fruits like pineapple or passion fruit.
Yes, once opened, yuzu juice should be kept in the fridge and used within a few weeks for the best flavor. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Light, fresh Japanese dishes pair best, such as vegan tempura, avocado maki, or a simple tofu salad. The citrus notes cut through fried foods and complement delicate flavors. Try them alongside your favourite vegan sushi or Japanese rice dishes.
Explore all our Japanese drinks and cocktails
- Sake Fizz Cocktail (Sparkling Sake Vodka Drink)
- Sake Old Fashioned (Made with Sake and Bitters)
- Spicy Sake Sour (An Easy Japanese Cocktail with a Kick)
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Japanese Beers
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