Ever stumbled upon a fruit that feels like discovering a new kind of sunshine? Let me introduce you to yuzu, the citrus star of this deliciously soothing drink that will have you embracing cozy afternoons like never before.
I enjoy the bright, citrusy burst that yuzu brings. When you combine it with honey and sugar, you get a delightful, soothing yet invigorating drink.
I think yuzu cha is perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a vitamin C boost. It’s fragrant and warm and somehow both sweet and invigorating.
Ingredients
- Yuzu: Rich in Vitamin C, adds a citrusy sourness.
- Honey: Natural sweetener, antioxidant properties, soothes throat.
- Sugar: Enhances sweetness, balances yuzu’s tartness.
- Hot Water: Dissolves ingredients, melds flavors together.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 fresh yuzu fruits
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup hot water
How to Make this
1. Rinse the yuzu fruits very well under running water; then dry them with a clean towel.
2. With a grater or zester, carefully remove the outer yellow skin of the yuzu. Avoid removing any of the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside.
3. Squeeze the juice from half of the yuzu fruit into a bowl, avoiding the entry of any seeds.
4. In a clean bowl, mix the honey with the yuzu zest and juice, stirring until well combined.
5. Slowly incorporate the sugar into the honey-yuzu mixture, mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved.
6. Move the yuzu mix into a glass jar that seals tightly. Allow it to sit out at room temperature for just half an hour. You’re letting flavor blend happen—don’t rush it, and don’t be surprised if the smell alone makes your mouth water.
7. Heat water to boil and let it cool a bit before using.
8. Place 1 or 2 tablespoons of the yuzu mixture in a cup or mug, then add hot water to serve.
9. Combine the yuzu mixture in the cup with 1 cup of hot water. Stir gently.
10. Savor the Yuzu Cha and, if you like, stir in more yuzu mixture or honey until your preferred level of sweetness is reached. Enjoy this crisply refreshing drink!
Equipment Needed
1. Grater or zester
2. Sharp knife
3. Cutting board
4. Citrus juicer or reamer
5. Mixing bowl
6. Spoon or stirrer
7. Clean towel
8. Measuring cups
9. Glass jar with a tight seal
10. Kettle or pot to boil water
11. Mug or cup
FAQ
- What is Yuzu Cha?Korean tea brewed with yuzu citrus fruit, honey, and sugar is known as Yuzu Cha. This tea is served warm, and its flavors are sweet and citrusy.
- Can I use other citrus fruits instead of yuzu?While yuzu is unique, you can use lemon or a mixture of lemon and lime as a substitute, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- Is it necessary to add sugar if I’m already using honey?The yuzu mixture is preserved and sweetened well enough with the sugar in this recipe. But the sugar can be adjusted, or even omitted, if you want a slightly less sweet, tangy, and bright condiment. It’s yuzu so, of course, it will have a lovely flavor no matter what.
- How should I store Yuzu Cha?Refrigerate a mixture of yuzu, honey, and sugar in a sealed container to keep it fresh. For up to a month, the honeyed citrus in the mixture will continue to develop into a delicious syrup.
- Can I drink Yuzu Cha cold?Indeed, Yuzu Cha can be relished in both its hot and cold forms. Just prepare it in the normal way, and then cool it in the refrigerator, or pour it over ice to enjoy a drink that’s anything but ordinary.
- What are the health benefits of Yuzu Cha?Yuzu Cha has lots of vitamin C and antioxidants, is really soothing, and is very helpful when you’re coming down with a cold or have a sore throat.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of Yuzu Cha?You can certainly adjust the quantity of honey and sugar to match your individual taste. If you want things a bit sweeter, go ahead and add that, too.
Yuzu Cha Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Yuzu fruits:
Replace with the juice of 3 new lemons and 1 lime for a taste that’s akin to this recipe for lemonade.
Combine an equal amount of lemon juice with grapefruit juice.
Honey:
Use agave syrup to match the sweetness of the original recipe.
Use a different but complementary flavor: maple syrup.
Utilize simple syrup instead of sweetener with more pronounced or different flavors.
Sugar:
Substitute an equal amount of brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Coconut sugar offers a subtle caramel flavor.
Use stevia or a substitute sweetener to cut back on calories from sugar.
Hot water:
Swap out hot green tea to get the extra earthy flavor.
Use herbal tea that is hot, such as chamomile, for a floral touch.
Pro Tips
1. Select Ripe Yuzu: Choose yuzu fruits that are bright, fragrant, and have a slight give when gently pressed. This ensures maximum flavor and juice content for your mixture.
2. Optimal Zesting: When removing the yuzu zest, use a Microplane grater for the finest texture, which will infuse the honey more evenly and enhance the aromatic profile of your drink.
3. Custom Sweetness: Adjust the balance of honey and sugar in step 5 according to taste. Start by adding half the sugar and taste the mixture before adding more, which allows you to control the sweetness precisely to your liking.
4. Flavor Combos: For added depth, consider adding a pinch of ginger or a splash of vanilla extract to the honey-yuzu mixture. These complementary flavors can enhance the overall taste.
5. Storage Tips: If you have leftover yuzu mixture, store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavor may intensify over time, so taste it before each use and adjust the amount you use in your drink accordingly.
Yuzu Cha Recipe
My favorite Yuzu Cha Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Grater or zester
2. Sharp knife
3. Cutting board
4. Citrus juicer or reamer
5. Mixing bowl
6. Spoon or stirrer
7. Clean towel
8. Measuring cups
9. Glass jar with a tight seal
10. Kettle or pot to boil water
11. Mug or cup
Ingredients:
- 4 fresh yuzu fruits
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the yuzu fruits very well under running water; then dry them with a clean towel.
2. With a grater or zester, carefully remove the outer yellow skin of the yuzu. Avoid removing any of the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside.
3. Squeeze the juice from half of the yuzu fruit into a bowl, avoiding the entry of any seeds.
4. In a clean bowl, mix the honey with the yuzu zest and juice, stirring until well combined.
5. Slowly incorporate the sugar into the honey-yuzu mixture, mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved.
6. Move the yuzu mix into a glass jar that seals tightly. Allow it to sit out at room temperature for just half an hour. You’re letting flavor blend happen—don’t rush it, and don’t be surprised if the smell alone makes your mouth water.
7. Heat water to boil and let it cool a bit before using.
8. Place 1 or 2 tablespoons of the yuzu mixture in a cup or mug, then add hot water to serve.
9. Combine the yuzu mixture in the cup with 1 cup of hot water. Stir gently.
10. Savor the Yuzu Cha and, if you like, stir in more yuzu mixture or honey until your preferred level of sweetness is reached. Enjoy this crisply refreshing drink!