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Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

Learn how to make this refreshing homemade Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler, the best easy mocktail recipe that brings authentic Korean flavors to your glass. This alcohol-free drink combines traditional yuja marmalade with sparkling water and fresh citrus for a perfectly balanced non-alcoholic cocktail that's both sophisticated and simple.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
A crystal highball glass filled with a golden-amber Korean yuja citron sparkler mocktail, capturing the sunlight through a bright kitchen window. The drink showcases layers of citrus slices and yuja marmalade visible through the glass, topped with dancing bubbles from the sparkling water. Garnished with a thin slice of fresh yuzu (or lemon) and a small sprig of mint floating on top, with condensation beading on the outside of the glass. A small wooden spoon rests beside the glass, with a jar of yuja marmalade slightly blurred in the background, suggesting the handcrafted nature of this refreshing Korean-inspired drink.

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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler Mocktail Recipe?

This refreshing Korean-inspired mocktail uses Korean yuja marmalade (yuja-cheong), fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, sparkling water, ice cubes, and garnishes of lemon or yuzu slice and fresh mint for a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavour.

How to make Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler Mocktail Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler Mocktail at home by mixing Korean yuja marmalade with fresh lemon juice and honey syrup in a highball glass, then adding ice and gently pouring in chilled sparkling water. The process takes just 5 minutes and creates a refreshing drink that balances sweet, tart and effervescent elements.

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.

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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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add citrus and honey", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add ice", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Pour sparkling water", "text": "Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. 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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." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "156" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Min-Ji Park", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "This Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen in Seoul! The balance of sweet and tangy is perfect, and using sparkling water elevates the traditional yuja tea beautifully.", "name": "Authentic Korean Flavor", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "I've been looking for creative ways to use my jar of yuja marmalade and this recipe is brilliant! Such a sophisticated mocktail that feels special without being complicated. The honey syrup adds just the right touch.", "name": "Creative Use of Yuja", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "David Nguyen", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "Made this for a dinner party where several guests don't drink alcohol and it was the hit of the night! Everyone was impressed by the complex flavors. The citrus-honey notes are perfect for any season.", "name": "Dinner Party Star", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Ibrahim", "datePublished": "2024-05-26", "reviewBody": "The detailed instructions were so helpful! I never knew how to properly use yuja marmalade before. The tip about pouring sparkling water slowly made a huge difference in maintaining the fizz. Refreshing and beautiful!", "name": "Perfect Technique", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Marco Rossi", "datePublished": "2024-05-30", "reviewBody": "I used to think mocktails were boring until I tried this! The layered complexity of the yuja with fresh citrus is exceptional. It's become my go-to refreshing drink during hot weather - both sophisticated and incredibly thirst-quenching.", "name": "Converted Skeptic", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ], "url": "https://www.whatsbaking.co/mocktails/korean-yuja-citron-sparkler-mocktail-recipe" }
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