Yuzu Gin Fizz | Vegan Japanese Pink Gin Fizz Cocktail

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.

---

What is Yuzu?

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:

• Yuzu Gin Fizz – At a Glance
• What is Yuzu?
• Ingredients
• How to Make Yuzu Gin Fizz
• Tips for the Best Yuzu Gin Fizz
• Ingredient Swaps
• Try These Variations
• More Yuzu Drinks to Try
• Yuzu Gin Fizz FAQs
• Popular Drinks
• Side dishes
• 📖 Recipe

---

Ingredients

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
• Vegan Agedashi tofu
• Mabo nasu
• 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.

1. First, shake the base.

i) Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then add the gin, yuzu juice, and simple syrup.

ii) Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside feels cold to the touch, about 10 seconds.  

2. Strain over ice

i) Next, it's time to strain and pour. Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled ice-filled glass.

3. Add fizz

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.

4. Add color

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.

5. Garnish

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.

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.

Yuzu Gin Fizz FAQs

Popular Drinks

📖 Recipe