If you enjoy Japanese vodka, the Yuzu Gimlet is a cocktail worth trying. It combines the tartness of yuzu juice with the smooth taste of Haku Vodka, making it a hit with citrus fans. Ideal for warm evenings or special occasions, it pairs well with dishes like togarashi fries, tofu katsu burgers, or vegetable tempura. Try this refreshing yuzu cocktail this summer for a delightful but different citrus punch.
What is a Yuzu Gimlet?
The Yuzu Gimlet is a Japanese cocktail made with Haku Vodka, Tosa Yuzu Juice, and simple syrup. We’re going to chill a martini glass, shake the main ingredients in a cocktail shaker, sieve into your glass and garnish with citrus. Simple yet sophisticated.
Why Haku Vodka & Tosa Yuzu Juice?
Haku Vodka is a Japanese craft vodka distilled from 100% Japanese rice and uniquely charcoal-filtered to create an unbelievably smooth finish. Its light, refined flavors are the perfect base for this cocktail.
Meanwhile, Tosa Yuzu Juice is a premium yuzu juice renowned for its vibrant, tangy taste. It captures the very essence of Japan’s unique citrus fruit, elevating this cocktail to the next level.
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Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 50ml Haku Vodka
- 25ml yuzu juice (preferably Tosa Yuzu Juice for its rich, authentic flavor)
- 20ml simple syrup
- ~ 3 cups of Ice
For Garnish
- A slim round of lime
- Mint (optional)
Instructions
1. Fill the cocktail shaker with fresh ice.
2. Add your Haku vodka, yuzu juice and syrup.
3. Lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds or so.
4. Sieve using your cocktail strainer into a chilled martini glass.
5. Cut a slim lime round and float on top.
6. Serve straight away and drink swiftly whilst it’s cold.
3 Pro Tips for the Perfect Japanese Cocktail
- Chill Your Glass – Prevent dilution by serving your gimlet in a frosty martini glass.
- Use Fresh Ice – Fresh, clean ice makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Shake Thoroughly – Shaking hard ensures the ingredients emulsify, creating a silky, frothy texture.
Substitutions
- Vodka Alternatives: If Haku Vodka isn’t available, replace it with another high-quality vodka.
- Yuzu Juice Swap: Can't find yuzu? Substitute it with Meyer lemon or a mix of lime and orange juices for a similar tangy blend.
Variations
- Sparkling Yuzu Gimlet: Top with sparkling water for a bubbly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a slice of muddled, fresh jalapeño for a spicy twist.
- Herbal Infusion: Shake with a sprig of fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
Equipment
To make this cocktail you'll need the following pieces of equipment:
- Cocktail making kit (this includes a measuring jigger, shaker and strainer).
- Martini glass - It's essential to choose the right-sized glass to avoid wastage and ensure your cocktail looks visually appealing.
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh, but you can pre-mix the vodka, yuzu juice, and simple syrup and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake your yuzu cocktail with ice before serving.
Top Tip
For the full Japanese cocktail experience, serve your Yuzu Gimlet on a decorative tray with small dishes of crackers or rice snacks. It adds elegance and enhances the overall presentation.
FAQ
Yes! Substitute the vodka with a high-quality non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip to enjoy a mocktail version.
You can find Tosa Yuzu Juice in specialty Asian grocery stores or online here.
Simple syrup mixes seamlessly into the cocktail, balancing out the tartness of the yuzu juice without altering the texture.
Related
Looking for other vegan Japanese drinks recipes? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite side dishes to serve with a Yuzu Gimlet:
Yuzu Gimlet
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
- 1 Cocktail Sieve
- 1 Measuring jigger
- 1 Martini Glass
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 50 ml Haku Vodka
- 25 ml yuzu juice preferably Tosa Yuzu Juice for its rich, authentic flavor
- 20 ml simple syrup
- ~ 3 cups of Ice
For Garnish
- A slim round of lime
- Mint optional
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker with fresh ice
- Add your Haku vodka, yuzu juice and syrup.
- Lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds or so
- Sieve using your cocktail strainer into a chilled martini glass.
- Cut a slim lime round and float on top
- Serve straight away and drink swiftly whilst it’s cold
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