Japanese Yuzu Sake Spritz

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and fragrant spritz combining the delicate sweetness of sake with vibrant yuzu citrus and sparkling water. This cocktails-inspired japanese ready in about 4 minutes pairs Junmai sake, Yuzu juice, Simple syrup 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.

Prep: 4 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a large wine glass with 1 cup of ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2 oz junmai sake, 1 oz fresh yuzu juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup over the ice.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 15 seconds to combine and chill without losing carbonation.
  4. Step 4: Top with 2 oz sparkling water, pouring slowly to maintain bubbles.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with a thin yuzu wheel floated on the surface and a fresh shiso leaf lightly slapped to release aroma, resting on the side of the glass.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Japanese Yuzu Sake Spritz take to make?

Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 Japanese Yuzu 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 Japanese Yuzu 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 Japanese Yuzu 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 Japanese Yuzu 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.