Zesty, fresh, and full of citrusy charm—our go-to vegan-friendly drinks with Japanese flair.
If you’re anything like us, yuzu is your citrus crush. Bright, floral, and ever so slightly wild, this Japanese fruit is what lemons wish they could be. It’s the not-so-secret weapon in our plant-based kitchen—and when it comes to cocktails? Total game-changer.
So we’ve rounded up our all-time favorite yuzu cocktails—the ones we keep coming back to for parties, Friday nights, or just a cheeky afternoon sip. Each one is simple to make, 100% vegan, and seriously good-looking in the glass.
Whether you're shaking up a martini with a citrusy twist or layering bubbles and botanicals in a gin fizz, these drinks bring a hit of Japan to your glass—without a single animal product in sight.
Jump to:
1. Yuzu Martini
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Martini
Clean, crisp, and citrus-forward—this is your classic martini with a Japanese makeover. Think Haku vodka or Roku gin, dry vermouth, and a hit of Tosa yuzu juice that brightens everything like a bolt of sunshine. We love how this one plays it cool: sophisticated without being stuffy, and just fancy enough for guests (or when you’re feeling a little fancy yourself).
Why we love it:
- Super quick to make—just stir, strain, and serve.
- Perfect balance of sharp citrus and smooth spirits.
- Makes you feel like you’re sipping in a Tokyo rooftop bar.
Try it with: A twist of lemon or dehydrated yuzu slice for garnish. Or go full bar-snack mode with some salted edamame on the side.
2. Yuzu Gin Fizz
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Gin Fizz
Light, fizzy, and utterly refreshing, the Yuzu Gin Fizz is summer in a glass. With a dash of grenadine and a good splash of soda, it’s a playful take on the classic gin fizz—lifted by the floral brightness of Tosa yuzu juice. It’s the kind of drink that disappears fast, so best make two.
Why we love it:
- That grenadine swirl is a stunner—especially with a sprig of mint.
- Great for brunches, garden parties, or lazy evenings on the porch.
- Not too sweet, not too sour—just right.
Try it with: Vegan tempura or cucumber maki for the ultimate chilled-out combo.
3. Yuzu Gin Sour
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Gin Sour
If you’re after a drink that’s as pretty as it is punchy, this is the one. A foamy top, a golden body, and a citrus kick that lingers beautifully. This is a true showstopper, and best of all—it’s completely egg-free, thanks to aquafaba (a.k.a. chickpea brine). We use Roku gin again here for its delicate floral notes that complement the yuzu perfectly.
Why we love it:
- That velvety vegan foam—no egg whites needed!
- Feels fancy but takes five minutes flat.
- Looks stunning with a flower or citrus wheel on top.
Try it with: A platter of veggie gyoza or grilled shishito peppers. You'll thank us.
4. Yuzu Mule
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Mule Cocktail
We took the classic Moscow Mule and gave it a Japanese twist—with the fiery kick of ginger beer meeting the zing of yuzu. It’s bright, bold, and ridiculously refreshing. Bonus: it tastes like it took effort, but it’s dead simple to put together.
Why we love it:
- Big flavor, minimal effort.
- Fizzy and fragrant, with a sharp citrus bite.
- A brilliant starter drink at any party.
Try it with: A lime wedge and sprig of mint, and serve it in a frosty copper mug if you’ve got one. Pairs beautifully with tempura or yaki onigiri.
5. Yuzu Gimlet
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Full recipe: Yuzu Gimlet
Three ingredients. One beautiful cocktail. The yuzu gimlet is a stripped-down classic that lets the citrus shine. Haku vodka brings the silky base, while the yuzu juice takes center stage. Simple, tart, and effortlessly cool.
Why we love it:
- Minimalist perfection—easy to batch for guests.
- Balanced acidity and sweetness.
- Works as a dinner aperitif or nightcap.
Try it with: A few cubes of ice or a fancy coupe glass. Garnish with a lime round or even a little shiso leaf if you're feeling posh.
Bonus Tips: 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 faves for their subtle botanicals.
- Vegan Swaps: Use aquafaba for foamy drinks instead of egg whites. Avoid honey in any syrup—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.
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 flavor that’s more floral and complex than lemon or lime. It’s citrusy with a slightly bitter edge—think a cross between a grapefruit, mandarin, and Meyer lemon. It's bold enough to stand out in cocktails but delicate enough not to overpower. That’s why we love it—it’s a citrus with character.
You can usually find bottled yuzu juice in Japanese or Asian supermarkets, or online. Look for 100% yuzu juice—Tosa yuzu is our go-to. It’s often sold in small bottles, since a little goes a long way. Just make sure you’re not grabbing a sweetened yuzu “drink” unless that’s what you’re after.
Not always—many traditional cocktail recipes use egg whites, honey, or dairy-based cream liqueurs. But every recipe in our roundup is 100% vegan-friendly. We swap egg whites for aquafaba, use plant-based sweeteners, and skip any animal products entirely. You can sip easy, knowing these cocktails are as kind as they are tasty.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with a cocktail:
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