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Yuzu Cocktail

This yuzu cocktail brings together the tart, floral notes of yuzu with gin and a touch of sweetness to create a drink that feels both refined and surprisingly approachable for home bartenders. Bright citrus flavor balanced with spirit and vermouth creates an elegant cocktail perfect for dinner parties or warm afternoons.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 ounce yuzu juice freshly squeezed or high-quality bottled
  • 1.5 ounces premium gin
  • 0.5 ounce simple syrup
  • 0.25 ounce dry vermouth
  • 1 small splash fresh water
  • Ice cubes for shaking and serving
  • 1 yuzu citrus wheel or twist for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring spoon
  • Strainer
  • Cocktail glass or coupe glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Citrus juicer
  • Cutting board and small knife

Method
 

  1. Before you start shaking, measure out your yuzu juice, gin, simple syrup, vermouth, and water into separate containers or use a jigger to measure directly into your shaker.
  2. Add ice cubes to your cocktail shaker until it's about three-quarters full.
  3. Pour your measured yuzu juice into the shaker first.
  4. Add your measured gin to the shaker.
  5. Pour in your simple syrup.
  6. Pour in your dry vermouth.
  7. Add a small splash of fresh water into the shaker.
  8. Close your shaker tightly and shake hard for about 10 seconds.
  9. Using your strainer, carefully pour the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass or cocktail glass, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
  10. Express the oils from a yuzu wheel or citrus twist over the surface of the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Notes

Chill your glass for at least two minutes in the freezer before pouring the cocktail. Use freshly squeezed yuzu juice whenever possible for best flavor. If yuzu is unavailable, combine equal parts fresh lemon juice and lime juice with a small amount of grapefruit juice. You can substitute vodka for gin for a cleaner drink, or sake for a more Japanese-leaning experience. Shake vigorously for proper emulsification and chilling.