Yuzu Peach Soda Recipe

Prepare peaches

Wash the peaches, halve and pit them. Slice one peach into thin slices for garnish if using. Coarsely chop the remaining peach flesh (skins can remain on for color and pectin). You should have about 1 to 1 1/4 cups chopped peach.

Cook syrup

Combine the chopped peaches, 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften and the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 8–10 minutes.

Mash and finish

Remove the pan from heat. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the peach pieces to release juices and break up the fruit. Stir in 3 tablespoons yuzu juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon yuzu or lemon zest, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 more tablespoon sugar if you prefer sweeter syrup, or a little more yuzu/lemon for brighter acidity.

Strain (optional) and cool

For a smooth syrup, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids. For a pulpier soda, skip straining. Let the syrup cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes). Transfer to a container and chill in the refrigerator if making ahead.

Fill two tall glasses with about 1 cup ice each (total 2 cups).

Divide the cooled yuzu peach syrup between the two glasses: about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per glass for a lightly flavored soda, or up to 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml) per glass for a sweeter, fruitier drink. (Total syrup used will be roughly 1/4 to 1/3 cup.)

Pour 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) chilled club soda into each glass slowly to preserve fizz. Stir gently once or twice with a long spoon to combine syrup and soda without flattening the bubbles.

Garnish each glass with 3 fresh mint leaves and two thin peach slices. Optionally, add a small pinch of extra yuzu zest on top for aroma.

Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.