Yuzu Mocktail Recipe (Yuja Citrus Spritz)

yuzu mocktail in a tall glass with cucumber slice and rosemary sprig garnish

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.

Course Drinks, Mocktail

Cuisine Asian, Korean

Keyword korean yuzu drink, yuja cheong drink, yuja mocktail, yuzu citrus mocktail, yuzu mocktail, yuzu mocktail recipe, yuzu spritz

Prep Time 3

Total Time 3

Servings 1 glass

Calories 50kcal

Author Zoe Tanaka

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.