When it comes to Japanese-inspired cocktails, the Yuzu Gin Fizz is a refreshing, zesty standout. This pink, sparkling gin cocktail celebrates bright citrus flavours and the delicate aroma of yuzu, perfect for balmy summer evenings. Made with fresh yuzu juice and the botanical complexity of Roku Gin, it's simple to make, but feels like something you'd order at a great bar.
Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit known for its bright, floral flavour and refreshing aroma. If you're new to it, you can learn more about it in our yuzu cocktail guide.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Serves 1 | Prep time 5 mins
If you have a regular sized cocktail shaker you can double the amounts in this recipe to make two of these citrus fizz cocktails at a time. Skip to the printable recipe card for quantities.
- Roku Gin
- Yuzu juice
- Simple syrup
- Grenadine or pomegranate syrup
- Soda water
- Ice
- Fresh thyme or mint to garnish
How to Choose the Right Gin
A good yuzu gin fizz depends on balance. Look for a gin that's clean, aromatic, and not too heavy on juniper, so the citrus can shine through. Roku, a Japanese gin made in Osaka with botanicals including yuzu, sencha, and cherry blossom, works especially well. Its subtle green tea and citrus notes mirror the flavour of yuzu without overpowering it. If you can't get hold of Roku, a light, aromatic gin such as Hendrick's or Tanqueray No. Ten is an excellent alternative.
Finding the Right Yuzu Juice
Always look for 100% pure yuzu juice with no additives. Tosa Yuzu Juice from Kochi Prefecture is my top pick for its bright, balanced flavour. You can read more about how to choose yuzu juice in my yuzu cocktail guide.
What to Serve with a Yuzu Gin Fizz
This citrusy gin fizz works well with light Japanese dishes or even a rich curry, depending on the occasion. Try it with:
- Vegan sushi rolls
- Crispy gyoza dumplings
- Agedashi tofu
- Mabo nasu (mapo eggplant)
- Sweet potato katsu curry
How to Make Yuzu Gin Fizz
Before you start, chill your glass to help the cocktail stay cold. An old-fashioned or highball glass works best. You'll need a shaker, plenty of ice, and a fine strainer. We usually double the recipe to make two drinks at once, which fits comfortably in a standard shaker.
If you want to take it a step further, try using clear ice. It's denser than regular ice and melts more slowly, which keeps your drink cold without watering it down and helps maintain the balance of flavors. You can make it at home by freezing water directionally in an insulated container so the air bubbles and impurities settle at the bottom. It's not essential, but if you enjoy cocktails and want a clean, professional look, it's a fun upgrade. Now onto the steps.
First, shake the base. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then add the gin, yuzu juice, and simple syrup.
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside feels cold to the touch, about 10 seconds.
Next, it's time to strain and pour. Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled ice-filled glass.
Add just a small splash of soda water, then taste. Yuzu has a delicate and complex flavour that can disappear if you add too much, so start light and adjust if needed. The goal is to add lift, not dilute the drink.
Pour in a dash of grenadine, quickly swirling it over the top. Let it sink and settle naturally to create a pink gradient through the drink. We want the layers to stay visible, so do not stir.
Take a sprig of fresh thyme or mint and give it a light clap between your hands before adding it to the top of the drink. This releases aromatic oils that enhance the scent as you sip. Serve right away.
Tips for the Best Yuzu Gin Fizz
- Use clear ice if you can. It keeps the drink colder for longer and helps preserve the balance of flavors.
- Keep your glass cold. A chilled glass helps maintain the texture and fizz of the cocktail.
- Add soda water gradually. Yuzu has a delicate flavor, so start with a small splash and taste before adding more.
- Use pure yuzu juice. Bottled yuzu concentrate will dull the citrus fizz and make the drink taste flat instead of bright and citrusy.
- Prep your garnish. Lightly clap the thyme or mint before adding it to release its oils and aroma.
- Serve immediately. Your sparkling gin cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, while the fizz and color layers are at their peak.
Make It Your Way
There are plenty of easy ways to adapt this yuzu gin fizz depending on what you have on hand or the kind of drink you want to make.
Ingredient Swaps
- Yuzu juice: If you can't find pure yuzu juice, use a mix of fresh lemon and grapefruit juice for a similar tangy flavor.
- Gin: Roku is ideal, but Hendrick's or Tanqueray No. Ten both work well. For a nonalcoholic version, try a zero-proof gin alternative.
- Grenadine: Use pomegranate syrup or cherry juice for a similar color and sweetness.
Try These Variations
- Yuzu Gin Spritz: Swap soda water for dry prosecco or cava for a sparkling, celebratory version.
- Spiced & Festive: Replace simple syrup with ginger syrup for a warm, winter cocktail.
- Garden-Fresh: Muddle shiso, basil, or mint in the shaker to add an herbal note.
- Spicy: A dash of chili tincture and a slice of fresh jalapeño to garnish adds some subtle heat that works beautifully with the bright yuzu citrus.
More Yuzu Drinks to Try
If you enjoyed this yuzu gin fizz, you might like these other drinks made with yuzu:
- Yuzu Martini - smooth and citrus-forward.
- Yuzu Gin Sour - bright and balanced with a creamy texture (plant-based).
- Yuzu Mule - a sharp, refreshing take on the classic mule.
- Yuzu Gimlet - clean, tart, and perfect for gin lovers.
- Yuzu, Mango, and Mint Smoothie - a nonalcoholic option that's fresh and citrusy.
FAQ
Yes. Yuzu pairs beautifully with gin because its tart, aromatic citrus brings out the botanicals in floral or citrus-forward gins. It's a natural match for drinks like a yuzu gin fizz or a yuzu gin sour, where balance and brightness matter most.
Yes. Traditional gin fizzes often use egg white for foam, but this vegan gin fizz recipe skips it entirely. The drink stays light and crisp, with the yuzu juice and soda water giving enough lift without needing any froth.
Both use gin, citrus, simple syrup, and soda water, but the method is different. A gin fizz is shaken and served without ice for a smoother, more concentrated flavor, while a Tom Collins is built directly in the glass over ice, making it longer and a little more diluted (and easy to sip!). Think of the gin fizz as a shorter, airier cocktail and the Tom Collins as its tall, refreshing cousin.
Absolutely. Bottled yuzu juice is ideal for cocktails like this yuzu gin fizz, as long as it's 100% pure juice with no added salt or sweeteners. We recommend Tosa Yuzu Juice, which captures the bright, floral notes of fresh yuzu and works well in both drinks and desserts.
That soft gradient comes from the grenadine. After adding the soda water, pour in a small dash of grenadine and let it settle naturally. Avoid stirring; the syrup sinks to the bottom, giving your pink gin fizz its signature layered look.
Popular Drinks
- 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)
- Top 5 Yuzu Cocktails (Japanese Citrus Drinks to Try)
Side dishes
- Beer and Eggplant Stir-Fry (10 Minute Recipe)
- Sticky Tofu: Easy 10-Minute Recipe
- Our Favourite Vegan Sushi
- Vegan California Rolls
📖 Recipe
Yuzu Gin Fizz (Refreshing Pink Japanese Cocktail)
Equipment
- 1 chilled old fashioned or highball glass
- 1 regular sized cocktail shaker
Ingredients
If you have a regular sized cocktail shaker you can double the amounts in this recipe to make two cocktails at a time.
- 50 mL Roku Gin
- 25 mL Tosa yuzu juice
- 12.5 mL simple syrup
- 15 mL soda water, to top
- 5 mL grenadine
- About 3 cups cubed or 'party' ice
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the gin, yuzu juice, and simple syrup.
- Seal and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass using a cocktail strainer.
- Gently top with soda water.
- Add a dash of grenadine and let it settle to create a pink gradient. Do not stir.
- Garnish with thyme or mint and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use clear ice if available
- Go easy on the soda water
Leave a Reply