The Yuzu Mule is a citrusy Japanese twist on a classic: tangy yuzu, smooth Haku Vodka, and spicy ginger beer in one refreshing glass. As refreshing as a yuzu gin fizz, easier to drink than a yuzu gimlet, and less fussy than a yuzu martini. A great place to start your yuzu cocktail journey.
Yuzu Mule Cocktail – At a Glance
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It pairs brilliantly with sweet potato katsu curry, togarashi fries, or an oyster mushroom burger. Shake, pour over ice, top with ginger beer. Done & yum.
What is a Yuzu Mule?
The Yuzu Mule is a fresh take on the classic Moscow Mule. Instead of lime juice, we use yuzu juice, a beloved Japanese citrus fruit, to give the drink its unique flavor profile. The result is a cocktail that's bright, tart, and utterly irresistible.
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Ingredients
Serves 1 | Prep time 5 mins
- Haku Vodka
- Tosa yuzu juice
- Simple syrup
- Ginger beer
- Lime segment
- A large fresh mint sprig (for the garnish)
See recipe card for ingredients.
How to Make a Yuzu Mule Cocktail
1. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice to ensure the drink is perfectly chilled.
2. Add Haku Vodka, yuzu juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Cover the shaker with the lid and shake vigorously for around 10 seconds to blend the flavors.
4. Strain the mixture into your chilled highball glass over fresh ice.
5. Pour ginger beer into the glass until it's filled to the brim.
6. Squeeze the lime on top, drop it in, and garnish the cocktail with a sprig of mint.
Hint: To enhance the freshness, lightly slap the mint sprig between your palms before garnishing. This releases the oils and gives your cocktail a wonderfully aromatic touch.
Why Choose Haku Vodka?
Haku Vodka is crafted in Japan using soft, Japanese white rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal to deliver a clean and subtly sweet flavor. Its smoothness pairs beautifully with the tangy yuzu, making it a match made in cocktail heaven.
What is Yuzu, and Why Use Bottled Tosa Yuzu Juice?
Yuzu is a fragrant citrus fruit native to Japan. It has a tart, aromatic flavor that's often described as a blend of grapefruit, lemon, and mandarin orange. Unfortunately, finding fresh yuzu outside Japan can be a challenge, and it's often quite expensive.
That's why bottled Tosa yuzu juice is a fantastic alternative. It's convenient, consistent, and retains the fresh, vibrant flavor you need to perfect this yuzu cocktail.
Substitutions
- No Yuzu Juice? Substitute with a mix of fresh lemon and lime juice for a similar tangy flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Version? Swap Haku Vodka for sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip.
- Ginger Beer Alternative: Try a high-quality ginger ale for a softer ginger kick for your yuzu cocktail experience.
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice or a few chunks of muddled mango to bring a tropical flair to your cocktail.
- Spicy Kick: Include a slice of fresh jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drinks.
- Berry Blend: Toss in a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries for a slightly sweet, fruity variation.
Equipment
To make this yuzu cocktail you'll need the following pieces of equipment:
Highball glass - It's essential to choose the right-sized glass to avoid wastage and ensure your cocktail looks visually appealing.
Cocktail making kit (this includes a measuring jigger, shaker and strainer).
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh. If you're preparing for a large group, pre-mix the vodka, yuzu juice, and simple syrup, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ginger beer and garnishes just before serving.
3 Tips for Making the Perfect Yuzu Mule
- Shake your ingredients thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Chill your glass in advance for a truly refreshing experience.
- Always use fresh ginger beer for maximum fizziness.
Yuzu Mule Cocktail FAQs
A yuzu mule cocktail is a Japanese twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It swaps lime juice for yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit with a flavour somewhere between grapefruit, lemon, and mandarin. The result is a tangier, more aromatic version of the original.
Tart, fragrant, and floral - think grapefruit crossed lemon and clementine. It has a distinctive aromatic quality that's hard to describe until you taste it. It's what gives the yuzu mule cocktail its unique character.
You can, but ginger beer is worth it. It has a spicier, more pronounced kick that balances the tartness of the yuzu much better than the lighter sweetness of ginger ale.
Most Asian supermarkets stock bottled yuzu juice. It's also widely available online. Look for 100% yuzu juice rather than a yuzu-flavoured blend for the best results.
Yes. Japanese shochu makes a brilliant substitute - it's lighter than vodka and lets the yuzu flavour shine even more. Sake also works if you want something lower ABV.
Easily. Pre-mix the vodka, yuzu juice, and simple syrup and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the ginger beer just before serving to keep the fizz.
Related
Looking for more Japanese drinks recipes? Try these:
Pairing
Here are some vegan Japanese side dishes to serve with your Yuzu Mule Cocktail:
- Vegan Fried Chicken
- Beer and Eggplant Stir-Fry (10 Minute Recipe)
- Sticky Tofu: 10-Minute Recipe
- Our Favourite Vegan Sushi
📖 Recipe
Yuzu Mule Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
- 1 Measuring jigger
- 1 Highball glass
- 1 Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- 50 ml Haku Vodka
- 25 ml yuzu juice
- 12.5 ml simple syrup
- 50 ml Ginger beer
- 1 lime segment
For garnish:
- A fresh mint sprig
Instructions cook mode
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice to ensure the drink is perfectly chilled.
- Add Haku Vodka, yuzu juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Cover the shaker with the lid and shake vigorously for around 10 seconds to blend the flavors.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled highball glass over fresh ice.
- Pour ginger beer into the glass until it's filled to the brim.
- Squeeze the lime on top, drop it in, and garnish the cocktail with a sprig of fresh mint. Sip, savor, and enjoy!
Notes
Ginger beer is a key flavour here, so choose one with a strong, spicy kick rather than a sweet ginger ale. Adjust the yuzu to taste
Yuzu juice can vary in intensity. Start with less and add more to balance the drink to your preference. Chill your ingredients
Using cold vodka, ginger beer, and ice helps keep the drink crisp and refreshing without diluting too quickly. Don’t over-stir
Gently stir to combine. Over-stirring will flatten the carbonation from the ginger beer. Use plenty of ice
Fill the glass with ice to keep the cocktail cold and properly balanced. Serve immediately
Best enjoyed fresh while cold and fizzy.
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