Yuzu Cocktail

5 from 1 vote

Fizzy and citrusy and very refreshing, this pretty herb-infused pitcher yuzu cocktail is perfect for a party.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Asian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: People

½ cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves (plus about 8 mint sprigs)
½ cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves (preferably Thai basil; plus about 8 mint sprigs)
1 cup water
1 cup sugar

Make the simple syrup: Place the 1/2 cup chopped mint and the 1/2 cup chopped basil leaves in a small saucepot. Add the water and the sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Place in the fridge for a few hours until chilled. Strain out and discard the herbs, and keep the simple syrup in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to use.
Cut two 5-inch pieces from the top of the cucumber. Cut each piece into 5 long spears, and reserve for garnishing the glasses. Slice the rest of the cucumber into slices.
Place the sliced cucumber and 8 mint and 8 basil sprigs in a large pitcher and add the orange juice, vodka, yuzu juice, and simple syrup. Stir vigorously to blend, using the spoon to crush the cucumbers and mint sprigs a bit while you are stirring. Add the sparkling water and stir.
Serve over ice in highball glasses, with a cucumber spear in each glass, plus a sprig of mint and/or basil, if desired.

American-grown yuzu fruits are increasingly available in the States, but they are expensive and usually only available during a narrow seasonal window. While fresh yuzu juice is spectacular, it's not always easy to come by fresh yuzu fruit. Jarred yuzu juice, on the other hand, is much more readily available. Look for it in bottles in Asian markets, especially Japanese or Korean shops. It’s also available online.
Use fresh orange juice; it makes a big difference.
If you can find Thai basil, it adds a different kind of licoricey, minty flavor with a Southeast Asian bent.
Start with 2 tablespoons of the simple syrup and add more to taste. You can also add more to individual glasses if you want to sweeten some of the servings.
Make sure all of the ingredients are chilled before mixing your cocktail.