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Iced yuzu lemonade recipe in a highball glass, featuring a ginger and flaky sea salt simple syrup with fresh citrus garnish.

Refreshing Yuzu Lemonade Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
Experience the ultimate refreshing kick with this cafe-style yuzu lemonade recipe. Featuring bright Japanese citrus, a spicy ginger twist, and a gorgeous green matcha float for the perfect sip.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine Fusion, Japanese
Servings 1 drink
Calories 145 kcal

Equipment

  • Highball glass
  • Muddler
  • Bar spoon

Ingredients
 

  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz yuzu super juice
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Yobo shine aperitif
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 2 oz soda water
  • 1.5 oz matcha

Instructions
 

Infuse the syrup (the little trick)

  • In the bottom of your highball glass, muddle a small piece of fresh ginger into the 3/4oz simple syrup with a pinch of flaky sea salt. You want it fragrant and spicy-sweet, with the syrup turning slightly cloudy from the ginger oils.

Build the citrus cocktail base

  • Fill the glass with ice, then add 1/2oz yuzu super juice, 1/2oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2oz Yobo shine aperitif, and 1oz vodka right over the infused syrup. The scent should hit you immediately, bright Japanese citrus with a little floral lift.
  • Stir briefly but thoroughly, scraping the bottom as you go, until the syrup is fully loosened and the drink looks evenly mixed, not striped. The goal is a cold, glossy base that tastes balanced before you add any bubbles.

Fizz and layer like a cafe

  • Slowly pour in the 2oz soda water down the side of the glass so it stays lively and fizzy. You should see fine bubbles rise steadily, not explode and go flat.
  • Pour the 1.5oz prepared matcha very slowly over the top, using a gentle hand so it floats into a clean green layer. Done right, the top stays opaque green while the bottom stays pale and sparkling.

Garnish and sip

  • Finish with a fresh lemon wheel, then bring the glass close and take a breath before the first sip. You will catch citrus oils, a hint of ginger heat, and that earthy matcha aroma hovering right above the bubbles.

Notes

Balance Tip: Keep a strict 1:1 ratio between yuzu juice and standard lemon juice to tame the intense floral and bergamot notes of the yuzu.
Storage Tip: You can pre-mix the base (syrup, juices, aperitif, vodka) and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Hold off on adding the soda water and matcha until just before serving.
Temperature Tip: Ensure your prepared matcha is chilled or at room temperature before pouring to prevent melting the ice quickly and diluting your drink.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword matcha lemonade, yuzu cocktail, yuzu lemonade recipe
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