Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)

Name: Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491034H21M38S
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2.2 lbs yuzu (about 12 fruits); 2.2 lbs white rock sugar; ½ cup shochu (or lemon juice/high-proof alcohol for sterilizing)

Published: January 6, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this refreshing drink in no time.
Unique Flavor Profile: The distinct taste of yuzu gives this tea a refreshing twist that’s both sweet and tart.
Versatile Uses: Enjoy it hot or cold, as a warm drink or over ice; it fits any occasion beautifully.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, this tea may help boost your immune system while providing hydration.
Great for Gifting: Packaged in jars, Yuzu Cha makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family who appreciate unique flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of Yuzu Cha, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will streamline your experience and enhance your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Digital kitchen scale
2 mason jars with lids (16 oz. each)
Knife
Cutting board
Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Digital kitchen scale: Ensures precise measurements for consistent results every time.
Mason jars: Perfect for storing your Yuzu Cha securely while allowing you to see the beautiful citrus syrup inside.

Ingredients

For the Yuzu Cha

2.2 lbs yuzu (about 12 fruit)
2.2 lbs white rock sugar
½ cup shochu (for sterilizing; or use lemon juice or any alcohol higher than 35% ABV)

How to Make Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before You Start… Please note that this recipe requires 7 days of resting time.
Gather all the ingredients. Weigh them using your digital kitchen scale for accuracy.
Wash the yuzu fruits thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities.

Step 2: Slice the Yuzu

Carefully cut each yuzu fruit in half using a knife on a cutting board.
Remove any seeds from the slices, as they can add bitterness to your tea.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, layer the sliced yuzu fruits and white rock sugar.
Stir gently to combine until all yuzu slices are coated with sugar.

Step 4: Sterilize the Jars

Pour some shochu into one jar and swirl it around to coat the sides.
Discard the excess shochu and repeat with the second jar to ensure they are both sterilized.

Step 5: Fill Jars

Transfer the yuzu-sugar mixture evenly into both sterilized jars.
Seal tightly with lids and place them in a cool, dark space for 7 days.

After waiting patiently, your homemade Yuzu Cha will be ready! Enjoy it by stirring a spoonful into hot water for an aromatic experience that warms both body and soul.

How to Serve Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)

Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea) is a delightful and versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this aromatic drink.

Warm Yuzu Cha

Pour hot water over a spoonful of yuzu cha syrup for a comforting beverage on chilly days.

Iced Yuzu Cha

Mix yuzu cha syrup with chilled water or soda, and serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink.

Yuzu Cha Mocktail

Blend yuzu cha with sparkling water and garnish with mint leaves for a fancy non-alcoholic cocktail.

Yuzu Cha with Citrus Garnish

Add slices of fresh citrus fruits like lemon or lime to your yuzu cha for an extra zesty twist.

Yuzu Cha Smoothie

Combine yuzu cha syrup with yogurt and ice in a blender for a creamy, citrus-flavored smoothie.

Yuzu Cha Infused Desserts

Drizzle yuzu cha over desserts like pancakes or vanilla ice cream for a unique flavor enhancement.

How to Perfect Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)

Perfecting your Yuzu Cha is all about the right techniques and fresh ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your citron tea is top-notch.

Choose ripe yuzu: Select yuzu fruits that are slightly soft and fragrant for the best flavor.
Use quality rock sugar: Opt for pure white rock sugar to maintain the natural taste of the yuzu.
Sterilize jars properly: Ensure your mason jars are thoroughly sterilized to avoid contamination during storage.
Let it rest: Patience is key; let the mixture sit for at least 7 days to develop rich flavors.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preference.
Storage matters: Keep the jars in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for optimal preservation.

Best Side Dishes for Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)

Pairing side dishes with Yuzu Cha can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful options that harmonize well with this citrusy drink.

Sushi Rolls: Light sushi rolls, such as cucumber or avocado rolls, complement the refreshing taste of yuzu cha.
Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura offers a nice contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of citron tea.
Rice Cakes: Soft rice cakes served plain or with toppings provide a chewy texture that pairs nicely.
Steamed Edamame: Simple yet satisfying, steamed edamame adds a healthy crunch alongside yuzu cha.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup balances the sweetness of the tea with its savory notes.
Sweet Potato Chips: Crunchy sweet potato chips make for an enjoyable snack that complements the drink perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea), it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Boldly skip resting time – This recipe requires a full 7 days for the flavors to develop. Don’t rush this step for optimal taste.
Ignoring ingredient measurements – Weigh your ingredients accurately using a digital kitchen scale. This ensures consistency in flavor and texture.
Using improper containers – Make sure to use sterilized mason jars with lids. This helps preserve the freshness of your Yuzu Cha.
Overlooking sanitation – If you’re not using shochu, ensure you sterilize jars with lemon juice or high-proof alcohol to avoid spoilage.
Neglecting storage conditions – Store your Yuzu Cha in a cool, dark place during the resting period. This helps maintain its flavor and quality.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea) in sealed mason jars.
It can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator.

Freezing Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)

You can freeze Yuzu Cha in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
It will keep well for about a year in the freezer.

Reheating Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)

Oven – Preheat at low temperature and place the jar (without lid) on a baking sheet until warmed through.
Microwave – Use a microwave-safe container, heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid hot spots.
Stovetop – Heat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)?

Yuzu Cha is a delightful Japanese beverage made from yuzu fruit and rock sugar. It’s sweet, tart, and perfect for warming up on cold days.

How do I make Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea)?

To make Yuzu Cha, combine fresh yuzu and rock sugar, let it rest for seven days, then stir into hot water for a comforting drink.

Can I customize my Yuzu Cha?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or experiment with other citrus fruits for variety.

How long does homemade Yuzu Cha last?

When refrigerated properly, your homemade Yuzu Cha can last up to 6 months without losing its flavor.

Final Thoughts

Yuzu Cha (Citron Tea) is a refreshing blend of sweet and tart flavors that warms both body and spirit. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as is or customize it with other fruits or spices. Try this easy recipe today and experience its delightful taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card