Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

By What’s Baking

This vibrant mocktail balances the tangy-sweet complexity of Korean yuja tea with sparkling water and fresh citrus, creating a refreshing drink with subtle honey notes and an invigorating effervescence.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 mocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons Korean yuja marmalade (yuja-cheong) [or yuzu marmalade or lemon marmalade]</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, cooled)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml sparkling water, chilled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 thin slice of lemon or yuzu for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint sprig for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon or mixing spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring spoon</li></ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Add the Korean yuja marmalade to your highball glass. This traditional Korean citron tea preserve contains both the zest and flesh of the fruit, packed with essential oils and bright flavor - stir it briefly to loosen it up if it's particularly thick.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour in the fresh lemon juice and honey syrup, then use your bar spoon to thoroughly mix until the yuja marmalade is well incorporated. The acids in the lemon juice help to break down the marmalade while balancing its sweetness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill the glass two-thirds with ice cubes. Using larger ice cubes rather than crushed ice will slow dilution, maintaining the drink's vibrant flavors longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. The gradual pour prevents excessive fizzing and maintains the delightful effervescence that makes this mocktail so refreshing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently stir once or twice to combine all ingredients without losing carbonation. You should see the yuja marmalade creating beautiful swirls throughout the drink as it gradually incorporates.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a thin slice of lemon (or yuzu if available) and a fresh mint sprig. The mint adds an aromatic dimension that complements the citrus notes perfectly while creating a visually appealing presentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and carbonated. Provide a stirrer so guests can mix in more of the settled yuja marmalade as they enjoy the drink, allowing them to adjust the sweetness to their preference.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice

🔥 Calories: 345 calories

🥑 Fat: 18 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 11 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 42 g

🍭 Sugar: 22 g

🍗 Protein: 5 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 125 mg

🧂 Sodium: 185 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What is yuja marmalade and where can I find it?

Yuja marmalade (yuja-cheong) is a Korean citron tea preserve made from the yuzu citrus fruit, sugar and honey. Find it in Asian supermarkets, Korean grocery shops, or online retailers. If unavailable, yuzu marmalade or lemon marmalade can serve as substitutes.

Can I prepare this sparkling citron drink in advance for parties?

For parties, prepare the yuja marmalade, lemon juice and honey syrup mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. When serving, simply add ice and sparkling water to individual glasses. This maintains the carbonation and ensures each drink is perfectly effervescent.

How can I adjust the sweetness of this Korean citrus mocktail?

Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of yuja marmalade (which contains natural sweetness) or honey syrup. For a less sweet version, reduce both and increase lemon juice. For extra sweetness, add more honey syrup or an additional teaspoon of marmalade.