Last Updated on March 9, 2024
Make mine a Margarita
Everyone has a favourite cocktail. I have friends who love a Negroni and others who will order a Martini 007 style every time. If I indulge in a ‘proper’ cocktail, mine will always be a Margarita. I prefer the classic style of serving – shaken and served in a salt-rimmed glass. And, generally, I don’t want anything other than classic Margarita ingredients. But, having sipped a little Choya Yuzu Umeshu I did wonder if it would be a worthy addition. And, now I’m converted to the Yuzu Margarita.
Choyu Umeshu is a Japanese liqueur made from the ume fruit, a popular fruit in Japan that is something in between an apricot and a plum. It is one of the best-known drinks in Japan and is gaining popularity worldwide.
Yuzu is a small, bumpy, yellow citrus fruit that looks a bit like a smaller, rounder lemon or a yellow lime. It has a tart, sour flavour and a strong scent, and it tastes like a combination of a lemon and a grapefruit. However, yuzu’s flavour is more complex than traditional lemons and has distinct herbal and floral notes in addition to acidity. Yuzu’s flavour is too strong to eat on its own, but it’s delicious in sauces and desserts, and it’s also a great addition to cocktails. But, like ume, yuzu isn’t a fruit you’ll find in your local Tesco Express. Instead, if you want to make a Yuzu Margarita I highly recommend a bottle of Choya Yuzu Umeshu.
The Margarita cocktail’s origins are shrouded in mystery, with multiple stories claiming its creation. One popular legend attributes it to Mexican bartender Carlos “Danny” Herrera in the 1930s, who crafted the drink for a customer allergic to all alcohols except tequila. Another tale credits Dallas socialite Margarita Sames in 1948, concocting the cocktail during a vacation. The classic recipe typically includes tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Add Choya Yuzu Umeshu to that mix and you’ll have a Margarita that’s just a little more complex, with a softer finish thanks to the ume fruit notes.
Want to try for yourself? Here’s the recipe
A classic Margarita with extra depth from a measure of Choya Yuzu Umeshu
- 20 millilitres Fresh lime juice 1 lime
- 20 millilitres Choya Yuzu Umeshu
- 10 millilitres simple syrup (1:1)
- 30 millilitres Tequila
- 20 millilitres Triple Sec
- Ice
- Salt crushed or kosher
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Take a small brush and paint around the top of the glass with simple syrum
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Put the salt onto a sheet of silicon paper and roll the glass carefully in it.
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Fill the cocktail shaker with ice
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Add all the remaining ingredients
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Shake well
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Strain and serve
Choya has a great range of Umeshu to try – so if you prefer a sweeter or more floral Umeshu take a look at the full range. There’s even a sparkling wine – the perfect aperitif.
The Choya Range
Choya Extra Years Aged Umeshu – a premium Umeshu made with the finest grade Nanko-ume fruit, harvested in the Wakayama region of Japan. This fruit liqueur is well-balanced, sweet and slightly vicious.
RRP: 70cl from £26.99 ABV 10%. Available from Drink Supermarket and Amazon
Choya Extra Shiso Umeshu – Extra Shiso is essentially is an infusion of the Shiso herb with Extra Years. Related to the Mint family, the Shiso leaf results in a natural red Umeshu with a slightly more floral tasting note.
RRP: 70cl from £27.99. ABV: 17%. Available from DrinkSupermarket
Choya Royal Honey Umeshu – Choya Umemshu Extra Years can be made with Royal Honey which imparts additional sweetness and a darker vanilla colour which is completely natural. It is perfect enjoyed on the rocks or with soda to release the honey flavour.
RRP: 70cl from £32.99 ABV 17% Available from DrinkSupermarket, Amazon and Master of Malt
Choya Yuzu Fruit Liqueur – a sweet-tasting liqueur made with the filtered pulp of the Yuzu fruit, similar in size to a grapefruit and ume fruit. A delicious citrus drink it is a classic alternative to Pimms, Summer Pitchers or great in cocktails.
RRP: 75cl from £26.99 ABV 14.7% Available from DrinkSupermarket and Amazon
Choya Ume Salute Sparkling Wine – a crisp and refreshing blend of Italian wine blended with Choya’s exotic sparkling plum wine. A wonderful marriage of Japanese and Italian wines, best enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or with your favourite food.
RRP: 75cl from £11.99 ABV 5.5% Available from DrinkSupermarket and Master of Malt
Looking for more options? How about a Pomegranate Margarita? or – perfect for Valentine’s Day – a Rose Margarita with Lanique
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