Why You’ll Love Yuzu Margarita (with a Mocktail Option!) Recipe

If you enjoy classic margaritas, this one feels instantly familiar — tequila, orange liqueur, citrus, and just the right amount of sweetness.
The yuzu adds a citrus‑grapefruit flavor with subtle floral and bergamot notes, elevating the drink with a more complex, fragrant finish.
It’s quick and easy to make but tastes like a high-end cocktail. Ideal for warm nights, casual get-togethers, or a relaxing night in.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

yuzu juice (100% yuzu juice or yuzu “super juice”)
fresh lime juice
Cointreau (or triple sec)
blanco tequila
simple syrup or agave syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
coarse sea salt (just a pinch)
ice, for shaking and serving
lime wheel or wedge (optional, for garnish)
kosher salt or sugar (optional, for rimming the glass)

Directions

(Optional) To rim your glass: add a couple tablespoons of salt or sugar to a shallow dish. Moisten the rim with a lime wedge, then dip into the salt or sugar. Set aside.
Cut the lime in half. Juice one half and slice wheels from the other for garnish if desired.
In a cocktail shaker, add ½ oz fresh lime juice, yuzu juice, Cointreau (or triple sec), tequila, syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Fill with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
Fill your serving glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into it. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 1 drink
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Use agave syrup for a richer, more earthy sweetness.
Make it a mocktail: skip the alcohol, use extra yuzu and lime juice, sweeten to taste, and top with tonic or soda water.
Reduce the syrup for a tart, drier version of the cocktail.
For a lighter salt rim, use just a pinch — it balances the flavor without overpowering the citrus.

Storage/Reheating

Store opened yuzu juice or “super juice” in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks.
This cocktail is best made and served fresh. Mixed drinks don’t store well due to dilution and separation, so enjoy it right after shaking.

FAQs

What is yuzu?

Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit with a tart, fragrant flavor similar to a blend of lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit.

Can I use regular lemon or lime juice instead of yuzu?

Yes, but you’ll miss out on yuzu’s complex floral and grapefruit-like notes that make this drink unique.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?

Absolutely. Use yuzu and lime juice, sweetener of your choice, and top with club soda or tonic for a mocktail version.

How sweet should the drink be?

It depends on your taste and the tartness of your yuzu juice. Start with a little syrup and adjust after tasting.

Can I rim the glass with sugar instead of salt?

Yes, sugar offers a sweeter contrast. Choose based on your preference — or try a mix of the two.

What type of tequila should I use?

Blanco tequila is best for this recipe. It’s clean and lets the yuzu and lime flavors shine through.

Can I make a batch for multiple servings?

Yes. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Add a little water (about 10–15% of total volume) to maintain balance when batching.

Should I shake or stir the cocktail?

Shake it! This helps mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly and gives the drink a smooth texture.

What if yuzu juice is unavailable — can I use yuzu extract instead?

Yes, yuzu “super juice” or extract is a good substitute when fresh yuzu juice isn’t available.

How long does the cocktail stay good after mixing?

It’s best served immediately. Over time, melted ice can dilute the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Yuzu Margarita delivers a citrusy, aromatic spin on the traditional margarita. It’s bright, bold, and versatile — whether you go classic, tart, sweet, or alcohol-free. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s an easy way to elevate your cocktail game at home. Give it a try and let the vibrant taste of yuzu steal the show.

Yuzu Margarita (with a Mocktail Option!)

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This Yuzu Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, featuring the bright citrus flavor of yuzu juice paired with tequila, lime, and a touch of sweetness. It’s easy to mix and perfect for warm weather or any festive occasion.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Drinks
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1.5 oz tequila blanco
1 oz yuzu juice
0.75 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
0.5 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
Ice, for shaking
Salt or Tajín, for rimming (optional)
Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish

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Instructions

If desired, rim your glass with salt or Tajín by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into the seasoning.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add tequila, yuzu juice, triple sec, and agave syrup to the shaker.
Shake well for about 15-20 seconds until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust sweetness by using more or less agave syrup to taste.
Use fresh yuzu juice if available, or bottled yuzu juice from Asian markets.
Chill your glass in advance for an extra refreshing drink.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 160
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg