Citrus-Infused Sake Spritz
A light, effervescent cocktail blending smooth sake with vibrant citrus and a hint of mint for a refreshing Japanese-inspired spritz. This cocktails-inspired japanese ready in about 6 minutes pairs junmai sake, fresh yuzu juice, simple syrup (1:1) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz junmai sake
- 1 oz fresh yuzu juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1)
- 2 oz club soda
- 4 leaves fresh mint leaves
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 twist yuzu peel twist
- 1 sprig mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Muddle 4 fresh mint leaves gently in the bottom of a shaker to release aroma.
- Step 2: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and pour in 2 oz junmai sake, 1 oz fresh yuzu juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled wine glass filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds.
- Step 6: Garnish by expressing a yuzu peel twist over the surface, twisting to release oils, then rest it on the rim alongside a fresh mint sprig.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Sake Spritz take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Sake Spritz?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep junmai sake from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Sake Spritz?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Infused Sake Spritz for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Infused Sake Spritz?
Cocktails japanese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.