Sparkling Yuzu Soda Recipe

There’s refreshing—and then there’s yuzu soda refreshing. Bright, citrusy, and packed with aromatic punch, this Japanese-inspired sparkling drink is basically sunshine in a glass. It’s sweet, tangy, and bubbly with a floral-citrus flavor that’s like lemon, lime, and grapefruit all had a love child and called it yuzu.

Whether you’re using yuzu juice or yuzu concentrate, this soda is a ridiculously simple way to elevate your day. Add a splash of honey, fresh herbs if you’re fancy, and finish with fizzy water—it’s a sophisticated upgrade from your usual lemon soda, but just as easy to make.

This is the drink for sunny afternoons, casual brunches, or impressing guests with a non-alcoholic option that tastes like something straight out of a Tokyo café.

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Ingredients (makes 2 glasses):

• Yuzu juice – 3 tbsp (fresh, bottled, or concentrate—adjust to taste)

• Honey or agave syrup – 2 tbsp (adjust to preference)

• Sparkling water – 400ml (chilled)

• Ice – 1 cup

• Lemon or yuzu slices – for garnish

• Fresh mint – optional, for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the base (2 minutes):
In a small bowl or pitcher, mix yuzu juice and honey until completely dissolved. If your yuzu juice is very tart (as concentrates usually are), start with 2 tbsp and adjust to taste.

2. Fill the glasses (1 minute):
Add ice to each glass. Pour the yuzu-honey mixture evenly between them.

3. Top with sparkle (1 minute):
Top each glass with chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to combine without losing the fizz.

4. Garnish and serve:
Garnish with thin slices of lemon or yuzu and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately while still bubbly.

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Pro Tip:

Use chilled sparkling water. Cold soda holds its bubbles better and helps the flavors stay bright and crisp. Want it even more aromatic? Rub a mint leaf between your fingers before garnishing to release the oils.

Feeling extra? Rim the glass with yuzu sugar or add a splash of yuzu kosho for a spicy-salty twist.