Yuzu Mocktail Recipe (Yuja Citrus Spritz)
This yuzu mocktail uses yuja-cheong, the Korean honey-citrus preserve, as the flavor base. Two tablespoons into sparkling water transforms into something light and citrus-bright -- complex in a way lemon or lime can't match. Ready in 3 minutes.
Servings 1 glass
Calories 50kcal
Cost $4
Equipment
- 1 Tall glass
Ingredients
For the Yuzu Mocktail
- 2 tbsp yuja-cheong (Korean yuzu honey preserve) available at Korean grocery stores; look for yuja-cheong or yuja-cha in the tea aisle
- 6 oz cold sparkling water high-carbonation brand
- ice as needed
- 2 leaves fresh mint optional garnish
Instructions
Build the Drink
- Place 2 tablespoons of yuja-cheong in a tall glass. On its own it tastes punchy and concentrated -- that's correct. The carbonation stretches it into something balanced and bright.
- Fill the glass with ice over the yuja-cheong.
- Pour cold sparkling water slowly over the ice. The carbonation will lift the yuja-cheong upward as it dilutes -- stir gently from the bottom once to combine.
- Taste before adding more. If you want a stronger yuzu flavor, add another teaspoon of yuja-cheong and stir. If it's too sweet, add a small squeeze of fresh lemon to balance.
- Add 2 mint leaves if using. Press them gently against your palm first to release the oils. Serve immediately.
Notes
Yuja-cheong is available at Korean grocery stores (H Mart, 99 Ranch) in the tea or condiment aisle. One jar makes 20+ drinks.
Start with 2 tablespoons -- it seems like a lot before the sparkling water goes in, but the carbonation stretches the flavor significantly.
For a more tart version, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a few drops of lime juice.
