| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: None | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 0g | 0g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 27g | 0g | 0g | 0.03g |
Ah, Yuzu Sake! Is there anything more refreshing than taking a sip of this citrus kissed libation? Born and raised in sunny California, it’s fair to say that a love for bright, fruity flavors like that of yuzu fruit runs through my veins. With a longing for concoctions that transport me back to where my journey with food and flavors started, this recipe has become a mainstay in my collection. Much like the avocado toasts I’m fond of, the Yuzu Sake is fabulously fresh, immensely satisfying, and – most importantly – incredibly easy to make.
A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Drink
What makes Yuzu Sake so special? Well, it combines two of my favorite things – sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, and yuzu, a tart East Asian citrus fruit. This creates a harmonious marriage of flavors that is both uniquely Asian and delightfully Californian. Just as the serene meadows and rocky coastlines coexist here in the golden state, so too do the sweetness of the sake and the tartness of the yuzu in this drink. It’s much like crafting salads fresh from the garden, where combinations can be unexpected and oh so delightful.
A Guilt-Free Pleasure
Let’s not forget about the health benefits either. Much like the ingredients I choose for my comfort food-inspired dishes, this recipe is packed with goodness. Yuzu is known to be a great source of Vitamin C, essential for a robust immune system. It also boasts anti-inflammatory properties and could improve digestion. It’s almost like a beautiful meeting of East and West on my palate – the health-consciousness I picked up in West Coast paired with the comfort of a classic American cocktail. To top it all off, the slices of yuzu fruit used for garnish, aren’t only a feast for the eyes, but also give an extra hit of those amazing health benefits, win-win!
Enjoying Yuzu Sake as a pre-dinner drink is a fantastic idea, especially if you’re planning to follow it up with a light, Asian-inspired dish. It’s closely related to other fruit sakes, like Umeshu (Plum Sake), but I would say it cuts the sweetness with a tartness that’s refreshing rather than overpowering. So whether you’re tuning in for a cozy family night in, or entertaining friends, the Yuzu Sake offers a beautiful way to celebrate the fusion of familiarity with the exotic, the comforting with the exotic – much like my food philosophy itself.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups premium sake
- 1/2 cup yuzu juice
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 6 slices yuzu fruit, for garnish
- Ice cubes as needed
Method
Step One
Start by chilling your serving glasses. You can do this by filling them with ice cubes and setting them aside. This will help to keep your Yuzu Sake cold when you serve it.
Step Two
Take a large jug or pitcher. Into this, pour the 2 cups of premium sake. Make sure it’s good quality, as this will affect the taste of your cocktail.
Step Three
Add the 1/2 cup of yuzu juice into the jug with the sake. Be sure to measure correctly, as too much or too little could imbalance your drink’s flavor.
Step Four
Now, pour in your 1 cup of simple syrup. This will add a sweetness to your cocktail that balances the tartness of the yuzu. If you prefer your drinks less sweet, you may want to add less and taste as you go.
Step Five
Stir the ingredients in the pitcher well, until everything is combined. Taste your mixture and adjust the quantities of your ingredients if needed.
Step Six
Remove the ice from your chilled glasses. Pour your Yuzu Sake into the glasses, filling them to just below the rim. If you like your drinks extra cold, feel free to add a few ice cubes to each glass.
Step Seven
Garnish each glass with a slice of yuzu fruit before serving. This not only makes the drink look great, it adds a burst of fresh yuzu flavor with every sip.
Step Eight
Enjoy your Yuzu Sake responsibly!
