Looking for a summer drink that's refreshing, gently sweet, and unlike your usual citrus drinks? This easy yuzu mocktail combines the bright, floral flavor of Japanese yuzu with sparkling water for a drink that's crisp, elegant, and wonderfully refreshing. Best of all, you can make it year-round with bottled yuzu juice.

I wasn't trying to invent the perfect summer mocktail.

While working on my guide to using bottled yuzu juice, I needed a photo of a yuzu drink. It didn't even have to taste amazing. I just wanted it to look pretty.

My first attempt was, well...a little meh. It looked like a murky glass of sparkling water with a sprig of mint on top. I wanted a richer golden color so it actually looked like a yuzu drink. Naturally, I reached for the honey.

Visually, it worked. I got the photo I needed, put my Nikon camera down, and finally took a sip.

"Hey, that's gooood."

The honey didn't just give the drink a beautiful golden color. It softened the tartness just enough to let yuzu's bright, floral flavor shine. Not too sweet. Not too tart. Just right.

Normally, I'd test a brand-new recipe several times before publishing it. But this one was different. After that first sip, I knew I'd accidentally created something worth sharing.

Why You'll Love This Yuzu Mocktail

• Ready in 5 minutes
• Bright, refreshing citrus flavor
• Made with bottled yuzu juice, so no fresh yuzu is required
• Easy to customize with your favorite sweetener or garnish
• No fancy equipment required

What Does a Yuzu Mocktail Taste Like?

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary glass of lemonade. You lift it to your lips and catch the aroma before you even take a sip.

Wait... that's not lemon.

The citrus scent is familiar, but softer and more delicate. Bright citrus is followed by subtle floral notes that make it feel lighter and more refreshing than traditional lemonade.

Then comes the first sip. It's bright, refreshing, and surprisingly smooth.

Unlike lemon juice, yuzu has a gentler, more balanced acidity, so you get plenty of citrus flavor without the sharp tartness that makes your lips pucker.

A touch of honey adds just enough sweetness, while sparkling water gives the mocktail a crisp, bubbly finish that's especially refreshing on a hot summer day.

If you love citrus but want to try something a little different, this yuzu mocktail is a refreshing introduction to the bright, aromatic flavor of Japanese yuzu.

Ingredients for a Yuzu Mocktail

This yuzu mocktail comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Start with these basics, then adjust the sweetness and fizz to suit your taste.

Bottled Yuzu Juice

Yuzu has a bright, floral citrus flavor that's more fragrant than lemon and less sweet than orange. Bottled 100% pure yuzu juice lets you enjoy this mocktail year-round, even though fresh yuzu is only in season from late autumn through winter in Japan.

Not sure which one to buy? Check out my guide to using bottled yuzu juice.

Sparkling Water

Plain sparkling water adds crisp, refreshing bubbles without competing with yuzu's delicate citrus flavor.

Honey (or Simple Syrup)

I use honey because it softens yuzu's tartness while adding a beautiful golden color to the drink. If you prefer a cleaner, more neutral sweetness, simple syrup works just as well.

Optional Garnishes

Fresh mint – Adds a subtle fresh aroma and a touch of color.

Yuzu or lemon slices – A thin slice gives the drink a bright, fresh citrus look. Since fresh yuzu isn't in season during the summer, I usually garnish with lemon instead.

Photo Tip: For a more polished presentation, garnish with a curled strip of lemon or yuzu zest instead of a slice.

How to Make a Sparkling Yuzu Mocktail

1. Mix the yuzu juice and honey

Add the bottled yuzu juice and honey (or simple syrup) to a tall glass.

2. Add the ice

Fill the glass with ice, leaving a little room at the top for the sparkling water.

3. Pour in the sparkling water

Slowly pour the sparkling water over the ice to preserve the bubbles. Stir gently once or twice to combine.

4. Garnish and serve

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a thin slice of lemon or yuzu. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Flavor

These simple tips will help you make a bright, refreshing yuzu mocktail every time.

Chill Your Ingredients

For the crispest flavor, refrigerate the yuzu juice and sparkling water before mixing. This keeps the drink cold without relying on too much ice, which can dilute the delicate citrus flavor.

Start with Less Sweetener

Yuzu has a naturally bright, tart flavor. Start with a small amount of honey or simple syrup, then taste and add more if needed.

Add the Sparkling Water Last

Pour the sparkling water in just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh and lively. The fizz is part of what makes this mocktail so refreshing.

Stir Gently

After adding the sparkling water, give the drink one or two gentle stirs. Stirring too vigorously will flatten the bubbles.

Garnish Just Before Serving

If you're using fresh mint, add it right before serving. Fresh mint looks brighter, smells more fragrant, and won't wilt while the drink sits.

What to Serve with a Yuzu Mocktail

This refreshing yuzu mocktail pairs beautifully with light Japanese dishes and summer finger foods. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to enjoy alongside it.

More Ways to Use Bottled Yuzu Juice

If you have bottled yuzu juice left over, here are a few more of my favorite recipes to make with it.

• Learn how to use bottled yuzu juice if you're just getting started.
• Drizzle yuzu salad dressing over salads or grilled vegetables.
• Make a quick yuzu sauce for seafood, chicken, or tofu.
• Finish with a slice of yuzu cheesecake for dessert.

Looking for even more Japanese-inspired drinks and recipes? Browse my collection of easy recipes made with bottled yuzu juice.

The bright citrus flavor of yuzu isn't just for drinks. It also adds fresh flavor to dressings, sauces, desserts, and Japanese condiments.

Frequently Asked Questions