If you’re looking for a refreshingly vibrant drink that’s bursting with unique citrus and soothing tea flavors, this Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances the earthiness of green tea with the bright zing of yuzu, all rounded out by a gentle fizz from ginger beer and a touch of lemony sourness. Whether you’re craving a sophisticated mocktail for a sunny afternoon or a flavorful pick-me-up without the buzz, this recipe brings a delightful twist to your drink routine that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a blue ceramic teapot with a woven light brown handle. The teapot lid is off and set aside on a white plate in the background. Inside the open top, there is a metal mesh strainer filled with dark tea leaves. Water is being poured into the teapot from above, causing bubbles to form around the tea leaves. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind the Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe lies in a handful of simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from layering flavors to adding texture and that irresistible citrus glow.

Ice cubes: Essential for chilling your drink perfectly without watering it down too fast.
½ ounce ginger beer: Adds a gentle fizz and a spicy warmth to balance the citrus notes.
3 ounces brewed green tea (cooled): The earthy, calming base that deepens the flavor profile.
1 ounce yuzu simple syrup: Brings a zesty sweetness highlighting yuzu’s citrus charm (recipe included below).
½ ounce fresh lemon juice: Gives a crisp, bright sour hit that enlivens the entire mocktail.
½ ounce egg white (optional): Creates a luscious foam for a smooth texture and elegant presentation.
Bitters (Peychaud’s or 0% bitters): Adds aromatic complexity, making the flavors pop without alcohol.
Cherries, lemon slices, mint sprigs: For fresh, colorful garnishes that elevate your drink visually and aromatically.
¼ cup yuzu juice: The star citrus ingredient used to make the simple syrup.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances yuzu’s tartness with sweet smoothness in the syrup.

How to Make Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe

Step 1: Make the Yuzu Simple Syrup

Start by combining ¼ cup yuzu juice and ¼ cup granulated sugar in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Heat it gently in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until the sugar dissolves completely. This syrup is the sweet, citrusy heart of your mocktail. Let it cool entirely before moving on to ensure your drink stays refreshingly cold without diluting.

Step 2: Prepare Your Glass

Fill a rocks glass generously with ice cubes to chill it down. Pour in the ½ ounce of ginger beer first, which gives the base some fizz and a faint spicy aroma that pairs wonderfully with the green tea and yuzu flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add the cooled green tea, 1 ounce of yuzu simple syrup, ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice, and the optional ½ ounce egg white if you want that classic sour foam. Add 2 to 3 dashes of your bitters to heighten the complexity and depth of the mocktail.

Step 4: Shake It Up

Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also aerates the egg white into a smooth froth if you included it. Then, carefully open, add a couple of ice cubes for extra chill, and give it another quick shake. Finally, strain the luscious mixture into your prepared glass over the ginger beer.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Top your Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe with bright cherries, a lemon slice, and a sprig of fresh mint. These garnishes not only make your drink picture-perfect but also contribute subtle fragrance and hints of flavor with every sip.

How to Serve Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe

A clear glass filled with light, milky white liquid and several clear ice cubes is shown. The drink is topped with a bright red cherry and a yellow lemon slice, both skewered on a thin wooden stick resting on the rim of the glass. A small green mint leaf adds a fresh touch next to the lemon slice. The glass sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing elevates the entire experience, and in this mocktail, cherries offer sweetness and visual contrast, lemon slices add a zesty aroma, and mint sprigs provide a refreshing herbal note. Don’t be shy—adding these garnishes creates an inviting glass that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to drink.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs splendidly with light, flavorful snacks. Think fresh sushi rolls, crispy tempura vegetables, or tangy citrus-marinated salads. The mocktail’s citrus and tea notes complement Asian-inspired dishes beautifully or fresh spring rolls with a hint of spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this mocktail in a clear glass pitcher with floating citrus slices and fresh herbs to impress guests at your next gathering. Or try a tall Collins glass to showcase the layered colors and foam. Using a cocktail pick to skewer cherries and mint can turn your drink into a mini work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover mocktail mix without ginger beer or ice, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fresh ingredients like lemon juice and egg white do tend to lose their brightness quickly, so it’s best to mix just before serving.

Freezing

Because this mocktail relies on fresh citrus juice and delicate textures, it’s not recommended to freeze the prepared drink. Freezing could separate the ingredients and alter the fresh flavors that make this Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe so special.

Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed chilled and fresh, so reheating is not suggested. Instead, make individual servings on demand to fully appreciate the crisp, refreshing balance that the mocktail offers.

FAQs

Can I make this mocktail without egg white?

Absolutely! The egg white is optional and mainly adds a silky texture and foamy top. If you prefer to avoid it, the drink will still be deliciously refreshing and vibrant.

Where can I find yuzu juice?

Yuzu juice is often available at Asian grocery stores or specialty food shops. You can also find bottled yuzu juice online. If you can’t find yuzu, a mix of lemon and grapefruit juice can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

What kind of bitters should I use?

Peychaud’s bitters work beautifully and are classic in sour cocktails, but if you want to keep it alcohol-free, 0% alcohol bitters are an excellent option to add depth without any buzz.

Can I prepare the mocktail for a party?

Yes! Prepare the yuzu simple syrup and brewed green tea in advance, then mix individual servings shortly before serving for the best fizz and fresh flavors.

How long does the yuzu simple syrup last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, yuzu simple syrup can last up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good stir before each use, as natural separation can occur.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe that makes it an instant favorite. It’s refreshing, sophisticated, and vibrant without ever feeling heavy or complicated. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it with friends, and enjoy the perfect balance of bright citrus and soothing green tea in every sip.

Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail Recipe