Yuzu Gin Fizz

When it comes to Japanese-inspired cocktails, the Yuzu Gin Fizz is a refreshing, zesty standout. It’s a great summer drink that celebrates bright, citrusy flavors—perfect for those balmy evenings. This drink combines fresh yuzu juice with the aromatic and botanical complexity of Roku Gin. It’s simple to make, but feels like something you’d order at a great bar.

For the full effect, pair it with togarashi fries for a tangy, spicy kick, and an oyster mushroom burger for a satisfying umami punch. The combination makes for an easy but elevated weekend meal—one that turns your kitchen into a little slice of izakaya-style comfort.

What is yuzu?

Yuzu is a fragrant citrus fruit native to East Asia, often described as a cross between lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Its bold, tangy flavor has made it a staple in Japanese cuisine, from savory dishes to desserts and beverages.

Why Roku gin is perfect for this cocktail

Roku gin, hailing from Osaka, Japan, features six Japanese botanicals, including yuzu, sencha, and cherry blossom. With its balanced notes of green tea and citrus, it complements yuzu juice perfectly in cocktail recipes and is my gin of choice. I've used it in a lot of my recipes - this yuzu gin sour is one of my favorites.

Where to find yuzu juice

Tosa Yuzu Juice is a total gem—it’s packed with the vibrant, punchy flavor of freshly picked yuzu from Japan’s Kochi Prefecture. It’s pure juice (no fillers or funny stuff), which gives it that bright tartness and delicate floral aroma that makes yuzu so special. I was looking for something authentic while testing out yuzu cocktails, and this one hit the mark. It’s also great in marinades or desserts if you’re feeling creative.
One thing to remember when buying yuzu juice for cocktails: be sure to check the label. Some versions are made for cooking and contain added salt, which will throw off the balance of your drink. I also recommend avoiding yuzu juice made from concentrate—it tends to have a flatter, less vibrant flavor compared to the bright, aromatic taste of pure yuzu juice.

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 cocktails at a time.

• 1 chilled old fashioned or highball glass
• 50mL Roku Gin 
• 25mL tosa yuzu juice 
• 12.5mL simple syrup 
• 15mL soda water (to top off) 
• 5mL grenadine 
• ~3 cups cubed or ‘party’ ice
• A sprig of fresh thyme or mint to garnish

How to make yuzu gin fizz

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then pour in the gin, yuzu juice, and simple syrup. 

2. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. 

3. Sieve the contents into an ice-filled glass using a cocktail strainer. A large, old-fashioned glass works beautifully. 

4. Gently top it with soda water.

5. Add a dash of grenadine - quickly swirling it over the top - then let it settle, creating a beautiful red gradient through the drink. Do not stir.

6. Garnish with thyme or mint and serve immediately.

Tips for making the best yuzu gin fizz cocktails

1. Use clear ice for better texture and taste - Clear, dense ice melts more slowly than cloudy or crushed ice. It keeps your drink colder for longer without watering it down, which helps preserve the balance of flavors—especially important in citrus-forward cocktails like this one.
2. Go easy on the soda water - Yuzu has a delicate, complex flavor that can easily get lost under too much soda. Start with a small amount, then adjust to taste. The goal is to add lift, not dilute the drink.
3. Prep your garnish properly - Use fresh thyme or mint, and give it a gentle slap between your hands before adding it. This releases the aromatic oils, which enhance the scent of the drink as you sip—an easy step that makes a noticeable difference.

Substitutions

• Yuzu Juice - If you can't find pure yuzu juice, substitute it with a blend of fresh lemon and fresh grapefruit juice for a comparable tangy flavor. 
• Roku Gin - Swap with Hendrick’s Gin or Tanqueray No. 10 for different profiles, (though Roku's botanical elegance is unmatched in my opinion!). For a non-alcoholic mocktail version of this recipe, use a spirit gin alternative. I’m planning to test these out soon—so I can’t personally recommend one just yet. But if you try any before I do, I’d love to hear how it goes and what you think!
• Grenadine - Opt for pomegranate syrup or cherry juice for similar color and sweetness.

Variations

• Yuzu Gin Spritz - Swap the soda water for dry prosecco or cava to create a sparkling, celebratory twist.
• Spiced & Festive - Replace the simple syrup with gingerbread syrup for a warming, spiced version—perfect for cooler months or holiday gatherings.
• Garden-Fresh Herbal - Muddle fresh herbs like shiso, basil, or mint into the shaker to bring a vibrant, aromatic layer to the drink.
• Add a Kick of Heat - A dash of chili tincture or a thin slice of fresh jalapeño adds a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the bright yuzu.

Equipment

We use a standard cocktail shaker and double the ingredients to make two drinks at a time—ideal for sharing. One thing I hadn’t expected to care about was the ice. Before making this recipe, I had no idea how much effort people put into making clear ice—but it really does elevate the drink and gives it a more premium feel. I enjoyed reading this How to make clear ice at home article, which gives an excellent overview of directional freezing for crystal-clear cubes, and honestly, I can see myself getting totally into it.

FAQ

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Yuzu Gin Fizz

A bright, citrusy cocktail made with yuzu juice and Roku Gin—this Yuzu Gin Fizz is refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for summer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Japanese, vegan, vegetarian

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

If you have a regular sized cocktail shaker you can double the amounts in this recipe to make two cocktails at a time.

• 1 chilled old fashioned or highball glass
• 50 mL Roku Gin
• 25 mL tosa yuzu juice
• 12.5 mL simple syrup
• 15 mL soda water to top off
• 5 mL grenadine
• ~3 cups cubed or ‘party’ ice
• A sprig of fresh thyme or mint to garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then pour in the gin, yuzu juice, and simple syrup.
• Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
• Sieve the contents into an ice-filled glass using a cocktail strainer. A large, old-fashioned glass works beautifully.
• Gently top it with soda water.
• Add a dash of grenadine - quickly swirling it over the top - then let it settle, creating a beautiful red gradient through the drink. Do not stir.
• Garnish with thyme or mint and serve immediately.

Keyword Cocktails, Summer drinks, Yuzu