Just because you’re cleansing doesn’t mean you have to pass on fun summer drinks. This yuzu mojito mocktail is a zesty twist to the classic Cuban cocktail, minus the alcohol. Featuring the unique citrusy flavor of yuzu, along with lime, fresh mint, and monk fruit, this recipe is sugar-free, alcohol-free, and packed with antioxidants.
It makes the perfect summer drink for anyone cleansing or avoiding alcohol. Whether you're lounging by the pool, relaxing at the beach, or having brunch, this refreshing mocktail screams summer. It's a delicious way to enjoy the season while sticking to your clean lifestyle.
What is Yuzu?
Yuzu is a small citrus fruit with bumpy yellow skin. Its tangy flavor and aromatic scent make it a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Yuzu looks similar to a tangerine but with a thicker rind. It has a tart, sour flavor and fragrant scent with delicate floral notes. Yuzu tastes like a cross between a lemon, mandarin orange, and grapefruit.
Yuzu fruit grows in Japan, Korea, the south of France, and some parts of California. Yet it originates from China. Like lemons and limes, yuzu fruit is considered too strong to eat whole. However, its zest and juice are used to flavor sauces, desserts, savory dishes, and yes – cocktails (or in this case, mocktails).
Benefits of Yuzu
Like all citrus fruits, yuzu comes with many health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of yuzu:
High in antioxidants
Yuzu fruit is loaded with antioxidants, which protect your body from free radical damage that can cause disease. It’s especially high in vitamin C, a nutrient that enhances immune function and promotes skin health. One tablespoon of yuzu juice delivers 15 mg of vitamin C or about 17% of the daily value for this nutrient.
Boosts mood
Yuzu’s fragrance is shown to be an effective mood booster. One 2017 study found inhaling yuzu’s scent for as little as 10 minutes helped decrease stress markers and improve mood.
Improves blood flow
Research shows yuzu contains compounds that act as natural blood thinners. Meaning, yuzu may help prevent the formation of blood clots that increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Protects brain health
Yuzu may protect your brain from cognitive decline. One study from the Journal of Nutrition treated male rats with yuzu extract. They found yuzu helped prevent the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain. Scientists believe amyloid plaques may lead to the development of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
Now that you understand more about yuzu’s benefits, let’s dive into the recipe!
Yuzu Mojito Mocktail Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Lime juice: Quality matters–for taste and nutrition. So we recommend using fresh lime juice over bottled versions. This will deliver a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your mocktail, along with added nutrients. You’ll need about two fresh limes per serving. One to juice and one to garnish.
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Monk fruit sweetener: Mojitos are traditionally sweetened with simple syrup, which is high in sugar. To keep this recipe cleanse-approved we’ve opted for liquid monk fruit. This sugar-free sweetener adds a delicious sweetness to this drink, without spiking your blood sugar. Perfect for diabetics, followers of the keto diet, or those cleansing on Clean 7 or Clean 21.
How to Make a Yuzu Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp yuzu juice
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh lime juice (plus lime slices for garnish)
- 10 mint leaves (plus more for garnish)
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¼ tsp liquid monk fruit sweetener (we used this one)
- ¾ cup sparkling water
- Ice
Directions
Add the mint, yuzu juice, lime juice, and liquid monk fruit into a glass. Mojitos are traditionally served in a highball glass. But any glass in the 12 to 14-ounce range will do.
Next, muddle the mint leaves. To do this, gently press the mint leaves down using a muddler or wooden spoon. This helps release the mint’s fragrant oils into your mocktail.
Just be careful not to overdo it. Over-muddling can break the mint leaves apart. This can release bitter compounds and leave little mint bits floating in your drink. About 5 to 10 gentle presses should do.
Once you’ve muddled the mint, fill the glass about ¾ of the way with ice.
Pour sparkling water into the glass until it’s almost full. Gently stir ingredients with a spoon to combine flavors. Use the spoon to drag some of the mint leaves toward the top. This helps spread the mint’s oils throughout your drink.
Garnish with a lime slice and a sprig of mint. For an extra flavor boost, place the mint garnish in your hand and smack it before adding it to your drink. Like muddling, this helps release the mint’s oils into your mocktail.
Do a taste test to see if any adjustments are needed. If you’d prefer a sweeter drink, add a few more drops of monk fruit. If you’d like a milder taste, add more sparkling water until you hit the right balance.
Yuzu Mojito Mocktail Recipe Variations
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Get fruity: Make the recipe as is, but muddle in fresh fruit for an extra dash of sweetness. A few blueberries or raspberries would add a beautiful pop of color. Or for a tropical vibe, add a few chunks of pineapple or mango.
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Add cucumber: Muddle in a few cucumber slices to take the refreshment to the next level.
- Try coconut milk: Add a splash of creamy coconut milk for a dose of healthy fats.
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Spice it up: Muddle in some fresh jalapeno slices to add a kick.
Recipe and photography by Mindy Palmer
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