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Yuzu Mule Recipe

Yuzu Mule Recipe

By What’s Baking

A bright, zesty cocktail that combines the exotic citrus notes of yuzu with the spicy kick of ginger beer for a refreshing, modern twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal-clear highball glass filled with crushed ice, capturing the effervescence of the Yuzu Mule with tiny bubbles clinging to the sides. Golden hour light streams through the drink, highlighting the pale yellow-green hue from the yuzu juice. A copper straw stands tall among fresh mint sprigs and a thin slice of yuzu (or lime) perched on the rim. Beads of condensation form on the outside of the glass, suggesting refreshing coolness. The drink sits atop a rustic wooden bar surface with subtle copper accents nearby, echoing the cocktail's Moscow Mule heritage.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vodka</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml yuzu juice (or 20ml lime juice + 10ml lemon juice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ginger beer</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint sprigs for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Yuzu slice or lime wheel for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Copper mug or highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Lewis bag and mallet (for crushed ice)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Fill your copper mug or highball glass about two-thirds full with crushed ice. Crushed ice is essential as it chills the drink quickly and dilutes at the perfect rate for this style of cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour the vodka directly into your glass. Quality matters here - a smooth, premium vodka provides a clean canvas for the other flavors to shine.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the yuzu juice and simple syrup to the glass. Yuzu offers a unique complexity that combines elements of lemon, lime, and grapefruit - more aromatic and floral than standard citrus.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 10 seconds to combine the ingredients and slightly chill them before adding the ginger beer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Top with ginger beer, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. The spicier the ginger beer, the more kick your cocktail will have.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Give the drink one gentle stir to incorporate all ingredients without losing carbonation. You'll know it's right when the ingredients are just combined but the drink still has plenty of fizz.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with fresh mint sprigs (lightly slap the mint between your palms first to release the aromatic oils) and a yuzu slice or lime wheel balanced on the rim.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and the carbonation is at its peak. The cocktail should have a bright golden hue with a refreshing aroma of citrus and mint.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I substitute yuzu juice if I can't find it locally?

Yes, you can substitute yuzu juice with a mixture of 2 parts lime juice to 1 part lemon juice, plus a small drop of grapefruit juice if available. While not identical to yuzu's unique flavour profile, this combination creates a similar citrus complexity that works well in this refreshing cocktail.

What's the best vodka to use in a ginger beer cocktail?

For ginger beer cocktails, opt for a smooth, clean vodka that won't compete with the spicy ginger notes. Premium brands like Ketel One, Grey Goose, or Belvedere work brilliantly, but any quality vodka with minimal congeners will create a balanced cocktail where the citrus and ginger flavours can shine.

Why is crushed ice recommended for Moscow Mule variations?

Crushed ice chills the cocktail more rapidly and dilutes at the perfect rate for mule-style drinks. The increased surface area creates the ideal level of dilution, balancing the strong flavours of ginger beer and spirits while maintaining the drink's refreshing character and signature frosty appearance.

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