Yuzu Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

The Yuzu Gimlet brings an exciting Asian twist to the traditional gin-based cocktail.

This refreshing drink combines the sharp citrus kick of yuzu with the botanical notes of gin, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail that’s both sophisticated and accessible.

If you’re looking to expand your cocktail repertoire with something that offers a unique flavor profile while remaining true to classic cocktail principles, the Yuzu Gimlet deserves a spot on your must-try list.

What’s in a Yuzu Gimlet?

The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity, requiring just a few quality ingredients:

• 2 oz gin (London Dry works best)
• 3/4 oz fresh yuzu juice (or yuzu concentrate)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Yuzu peel or lime wheel for garnish

How to Mix the Perfect Yuzu Gimlet

Follow these steps to craft this delicious cocktail:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Pour gin into the shaker
3. Add yuzu juice
4. Add simple syrup
5. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled
6. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass
7. Garnish with a small piece of yuzu peel or a lime wheel

The key to a great Yuzu Gimlet is proper dilution through shaking. The cocktail should be ice-cold with a slight froth on top when poured.

Can’t Find Yuzu? Try These Alternatives

Yuzu can be difficult to source in some areas. Here are some substitutes that work well:

• Equal parts lime and grapefruit juice (2:1 ratio)
• Meyer lemon juice with a touch of mandarin orange
• Calamansi juice for another Asian citrus option
• Bottled yuzu juice (available in Asian markets or online)
• Yuzu-flavored liqueur (reduce simple syrup accordingly)

Each substitute will create a slightly different profile, but all maintain the bright, citrusy character that makes the Yuzu Gimlet special.

What Makes the Yuzu Gimlet Stand Out

The Yuzu Gimlet captivates with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and botanical flavors. The yuzu provides a complex citrus note that’s more interesting than traditional lime, with hints of grapefruit, mandarin, and even a touch of herbal quality.

What sets this cocktail apart is how the distinctive yuzu flavor interacts with the botanicals in the gin. This creates a layered drinking experience where you can taste different elements with each sip.

The drink also strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and uniqueness. It’s familiar enough for cocktail novices yet interesting enough for experienced drinkers.

From Classic to Contemporary: Yuzu Gimlet Origin Story

The traditional Gimlet dates back to the 19th century when British sailors mixed gin with lime cordial (preserved with sugar) to prevent scurvy during long voyages at sea. The drink was allegedly named after Surgeon Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, who supposedly introduced the drink as a way of administering lime juice to sailors.

The Yuzu Gimlet was created by legendary bartender Dale DeGroff in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known as “King Cocktail” and widely credited with sparking the modern cocktail renaissance, DeGroff developed this innovative twist when yuzu juice was still a novelty ingredient that bartenders were borrowing from restaurant kitchens during the early stages of the culinary cocktail movement.

DeGroff’s original recipe features his signature “triple syrup” – a specialized blend of simple syrup, agave syrup, and honey syrup in specific proportions (1 part simple syrup, ½ part agave syrup, and ¼ part honey syrup). This custom sweetener adds depth and complexity that perfectly complements the unique citrus flavor of yuzu.

The introduction of yuzu to this classic recipe represents the global nature of modern mixology, where traditional techniques meet international flavors to create something new yet respectful of cocktail history. The cocktail gained wider popularity as fusion cuisine became mainstream and as Japanese ingredients found their way into Western bars.

Flavor Profile: A Taste Adventure

When you sip a Yuzu Gimlet, you’ll experience:

• First impression: Bright, sharp citrus with complex floral notes
• Mid-palate: Botanical gin flavors emerge, complementing the yuzu
• Finish: Clean, slightly tart with lingering botanical essence

The yuzu provides a more complex citrus flavor than traditional lime, offering notes of mandarin, grapefruit, and even subtle hints of bergamot. This complexity pairs perfectly with the juniper and botanicals found in quality gin.

The drink has a refreshing, crisp quality with moderate sweetness that balances the natural tartness of yuzu. The result is a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail that feels both familiar and novel.

How to Serve Your Yuzu Gimlet

For the best experience, consider these serving suggestions:

• Glass: A chilled coupe or martini glass shows off the clear, pale yellow hue while keeping the drink cold
• Temperature: Serve ice-cold for optimal flavor
• Garnish options:
  • Thin yuzu peel spiral (expressed over the drink to release oils)
  • Dehydrated lime wheel for visual appeal
  • Small shiso leaf for an extra Japanese touch
• Season: Perfect for spring and summer, though the bright flavors can lift spirits year-round

For a modern presentation, consider a Nick & Nora glass, which has become popular among craft cocktail enthusiasts for its elegant shape and practical size.

Food Pairings: What to Eat with Your Yuzu Gimlet

The Yuzu Gimlet’s bright, citrus-forward profile pairs beautifully with:

• Seafood: Sushi, sashimi, oysters, and light fish dishes
• Asian-inspired appetizers: Edamame, gyoza, spring rolls, or tempura
• Cheese: Mild, creamy cheeses like fresh goat cheese or burrata
• Light fare: Cucumber-based dishes, salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Spicy foods: The cooling effect of the cocktail balances heat nicely

For a memorable pairing, try serving your Yuzu Gimlet alongside tempura vegetables with a yuzu-kosho aioli dip, creating a complementary flavor experience.

By the Numbers: Yuzu Gimlet ABV

The typical Yuzu Gimlet has an alcohol content of approximately 20-25% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it:

• Stronger than wine (typically 12-14% ABV)
• Weaker than straight spirits (typically 40% ABV)
• Comparable to other shaken gin cocktails

The exact ABV depends on:

• The proof of gin used (80-94 proof is common)
• The ratio of ingredients
• The amount of dilution from shaking with ice

This places the Yuzu Gimlet in the moderate strength category of cocktails, making it suitable for casual sipping but strong enough to be respected as a proper cocktail.

Nutrition Facts: What’s in Your Glass

For those watching their intake, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown of a standard Yuzu Gimlet:

• Calories: 165-185 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g (primarily from simple syrup)
• Sugar: 7-9g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Alcohol: 14-16g

The relatively low calorie and sugar content (compared to many other cocktails) makes the Yuzu Gimlet a reasonable choice for those mindful of their consumption. The drink contains no fat or protein, with carbohydrates coming almost exclusively from the simple syrup.

To reduce calories further, you can:

• Use less simple syrup
• Try a zero-calorie sweetener (though this will alter the mouthfeel)
• Opt for a lower-proof gin

Yuzu Gimlet Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, experiment with these variations:

• Spicy Yuzu Gimlet: Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a dash of yuzu-kosho
• Herbal Yuzu Gimlet: Include a sprig of fresh shiso or Thai basil
• Sparkling Yuzu Gimlet: Top with a splash of soda water or champagne
• Vodka Yuzu Gimlet: Substitute vodka for gin if you prefer a more neutral base spirit
• Yuzu Collins: Make it a longer drink by building in a highball glass and adding soda

Each variation maintains the essential character of the cocktail while offering a new dimension of flavor to explore.

Final Thoughts on the Yuzu Gimlet

The Yuzu Gimlet represents the best of modern cocktail culture—respect for tradition paired with global influence and craftsmanship. Its bright, complex flavor profile makes it versatile enough for various occasions, from casual happy hours to elegant dinner parties.

What makes this cocktail truly special is its ability to feel both exotic and familiar simultaneously. The gimlet structure provides comfort while the unique yuzu flavor offers discovery with each sip.

Have you tried incorporating yuzu into other classic cocktails? The Yuzu Gimlet might just be your gateway into a world of Asian-influenced mixology worth exploring.