Yuzu Shaken Jasmine Iced Tea

Light, floral, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing—this Yuzu Shaken Jasmine Iced Tea is a modern twist on tea that feels both elegant and energizing. With the fragrant notes of jasmine tea, the vibrant tang of yuzu, and a frothy finish from a good shake, it’s the kind of drink that makes any moment feel a little more special.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came from a craving for something light yet exciting—an iced tea that didn’t just sit quietly in the background. I remembered a café drink I once had in Tokyo, where they shook iced jasmine tea with yuzu and honey until it turned foamy and bright. Recreating that at home was easier than expected and just as satisfying. Now it’s one of my go-to drinks when I want to feel fancy with minimal effort.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Jasmine tea, often made from green tea leaves scented with jasmine blossoms, has been a beloved drink in China for centuries. It offers delicate floral notes that are naturally soothing. Yuzu, on the other hand, is a small citrus fruit native to East Asia, known for its intense aroma and uniquely tart flavor. Shaking tea to aerate and chill it quickly is a common method in many Asian tea shops, especially in Japan and Taiwan. This drink blends all those traditions into one delightful glass.

Why You’ll Love Yuzu Shaken Jasmine Iced Tea

This isn’t your average iced tea—it’s fragrant, frothy, and so refreshing you’ll want to sip it all year round.

Versatile: A great afternoon refresher, brunch beverage, or light pairing for Asian-inspired meals.

Budget-Friendly: Just tea, citrus, and sweetener—simple and inexpensive.

Quick and Easy: Brew, shake, and sip in under 10 minutes.

Customizable: Adjust sweetness, tea strength, or citrus level to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: Looks impressive but takes almost no effort.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Brew the tea in advance and chill it until ready to serve.

Great for Leftovers: Store extras in the fridge and shake again before serving.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

It’s the little details that make this drink stand out:

1. Brew jasmine tea gently to avoid bitterness—don’t use boiling water.
2. Use pure yuzu juice or a high-quality yuzu concentrate for the best flavor.
3. Shake with lots of ice to get that signature frothy finish.
4. Sweeten while tea is warm so the honey or syrup dissolves completely.
5. Serve immediately after shaking for the freshest taste and look.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need much, just a few basics:

Kettle or pot: For brewing the tea.
Tea strainer: If using loose leaf tea.
Shaker or mason jar with lid: For shaking everything together.
Tall glass: To show off that golden color and frothy top.
Citrus juicer: Helpful if using fresh yuzu or lemon.

Ingredients in Yuzu Shaken Jasmine Iced Tea

Each ingredient brings its own character to this refreshing drink. Together, they’re magic.

1. Jasmine Tea Bags or Loose Leaf: 2 bags or 2 teaspoons. Provides a light, floral tea base.
2. Yuzu Juice: 2 tablespoons. Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor.
3. Honey or Simple Syrup: 1 to 2 teaspoons. Gently sweetens and balances the tartness.
4. Ice Cubes: 1 to 1½ cups. For chilling and shaking.
5. Water: 1½ cups. For brewing the tea.
6. Citrus Slice (for garnish): Optional, but beautiful for serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to work with what you have? These swaps will still give you a tasty result.

Yuzu Juice: Fresh lemon juice with a splash of grapefruit juice.
Honey or Simple Syrup: Maple syrup, agave, or a sugar-free alternative.
Jasmine Tea: Green tea, white tea, or a floral herbal tea like chamomile.
Citrus Slice: Lime or orange wheel.

Ingredient Spotlight

Yuzu Juice: Known for its highly aromatic and sour profile, yuzu adds a zippy citrus kick without overpowering the tea. It’s a unique flavor that stands out in a subtle way.

Jasmine Tea: Delicate and lightly floral, jasmine tea makes the perfect base for pairing with bright citrus. Its calming scent also adds a layer of luxury to every sip.

Instructions for Making Yuzu Shaken Jasmine Iced Tea

Let’s get into it—it’s quick, easy, and totally worth it.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Boil water, then let it cool slightly before brewing your tea.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Steep jasmine tea in 1½ cups of hot (not boiling) water for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain leaves.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   While the tea is still warm, stir in honey or syrup until fully dissolved. Let the tea cool, or chill briefly in the fridge.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In a shaker or mason jar, add ice, yuzu juice, and cooled tea.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is frothy and chilled.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Pour into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a citrus slice if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve immediately and enjoy that frothy, floral, citrus magic.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes this tea so unique is its frothy top layer, created by shaking with ice. The tea is smooth and floral, the yuzu adds a clean, tart citrus note, and the honey brings just enough sweetness to tie it all together. It’s bright and aromatic, with a satisfying texture from the foam.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Maximize your tea’s potential with these quick tips:

• Don’t steep too long or you’ll lose the delicate jasmine flavor.
• Shake with plenty of ice to aerate and chill the drink quickly.
• For extra flair, freeze yuzu juice into ice cubes to avoid dilution.
• Serve in chilled glasses for an extra-cold experience.

What to Avoid

Avoid these small mistakes to keep your tea tasting perfect:

• Don’t use boiling water for jasmine tea—it will taste bitter.
• Don’t skip shaking—it’s what gives the tea that signature froth.
• Avoid over-sweetening—it should be light and refreshing, not syrupy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1
Calories per serving: 45

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can brew and sweeten the jasmine tea ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add yuzu juice and ice right before shaking and serving. Avoid storing the mixed drink too long, as the foam disappears and the flavor fades quickly.

How to Serve Yuzu Shaken Jasmine Iced Tea

Serve in a tall, clear glass to showcase the golden tea and frothy top. Add a thin citrus slice or a few jasmine petals for a delicate finishing touch. A glass straw or bamboo straw adds a nice eco-friendly detail.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extra tea? Here are some fun ways to reuse it:

• Mix with sparkling water for a bubbly twist.
• Use in smoothies for a subtle floral flavor.
• Freeze into ice cubes for iced tea or cocktails.

Additional Tips

• Use high-quality tea and yuzu juice for best results.
• Add a drop of vanilla extract for a smooth finish.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra aroma.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in frosted glasses with a citrus twist hanging on the rim. Add a dusting of dried jasmine petals on the foam for visual flair. Present on a wooden tray with a linen napkin for the perfect café vibe.

Variations to Try

• Sparkling Yuzu Jasmine: Add sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
• Iced Yuzu Green Tea: Use plain green tea instead of jasmine.
• Coconut Yuzu Iced Tea: Add a splash of coconut water.
• Honey Citrus Jasmine: Mix in orange juice for more sweetness.
• Mint Yuzu Tea: Muddle fresh mint into the shaker for a cool herbal touch.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use bottled yuzu juice?

Yes, just make sure it’s pure yuzu juice without added sugar or flavorings.

Q2: What’s the best tea-to-water ratio?

Use 1 tea bag or 1 tsp per ¾ to 1 cup of water for a balanced flavor.

Q3: Can I make this without a shaker?

Yes, use a mason jar with a tight lid and shake well.

Q4: Is it caffeinated?

Yes, jasmine tea typically has a light amount of caffeine.

Q5: Can I drink it hot?

Absolutely, though it won’t be shaken—just brew and stir in yuzu and honey.

Q6: What if I don’t like floral teas?

Try using green tea instead for a milder base.

Q7: Can I use lemon juice instead of yuzu?

Yes, add a splash of grapefruit juice to mimic yuzu’s unique flavor.

Q8: How do I make it sweeter?

Add more honey or sweetener while the tea is still warm.

Q9: What does yuzu taste like?

It’s tart, fragrant, and similar to a blend of lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit.

Q10: Can I batch this for a party?

Yes, brew a larger amount of tea and shake individual servings just before serving.

Conclusion

This Yuzu Shaken Jasmine Iced Tea is a bright, floral, and perfectly balanced drink that’s easy to make and a joy to sip. With every glass, you get a mix of calm and energy, tradition and freshness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your refreshment routine.

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