Updated May 5th, 2026
Cinco de Mayo is upon us. This year, it’s lining up with Taco Tuesday. The calendar really understood the assignment. And what better way to celebrate than with an Asian inspired margarita? Ok, maybe it’s not the first thing that comes to mind, but one sip of these citrusy Yuzu Margaritas will have you yelling, “Ole!”. Or maybe “Kanpai!”, like we do in Japan. Yu zu you. Sorry, maybe sampling these drinks has me a little punch drunk…
What is Yuzu?
If you’ve never cooked with yuzu before, think of it as the wild child of the citrus world. It’s intensely fragrant, sharply tart, and a little floral all at once. Yuzu is primarily grown in Japan and China.
It’s not something you eat straight, but the juice and zest are magic in sauces, desserts, and—most importantly here—cocktails.
Fresh yuzu is hard to come by in the U.S., so bottled juice from an Asian market is your best bet (and works beautifully).
Let’s Talk Tequila
These margaritas do not mess around. They’re bright and citrusy, but they’ve got backbone.
I usually reach for a silver (blanco) tequila here—it keeps the drink clean and lets the yuzu shine. But if you love the warmer, oaky notes of a reposado, go for it.
Cointreau is my go-to orange liqueur, but if you’re swapping, just make sure you’re using a true orange liqueur—not something blended with other spirits.
One thing I love about these Yuzu Margaritas is that they are party ready. Some cocktail recipes are so complicated that making them for a large crowd is a multistep process. Not these! Make one big batch ahead of time, chill, and you’re done. I give the measurements for a single margarita as well, but what fun is that?!
The simple syrup is essential, but as the name implies, is also super easy. Just dissolve sugar into water, and chill. Simple syrup is also excellent for sweetening iced coffee and teas, and will last for months in the fridge.
Start making these cocktails by adding the yuzu juice to a cocktail shaker:
Then add the tequila:
Then add the Cointreau:
Once you measure out the juice and liquor, take a little taste. Add the simple syrup accordingly. There’s no shame in liking an unapologetically sweet drink. Just remember that even though it goes down like candy, it still packs a punch.
While yuzu may not be your standard margarita flavor, I do follow tradition with a salted rim. A little salt and a little citrus add just the kiss to balance out the tequila. Moisten the rim with either a little yuzu juice, or by running a lime around it, and then press it into the salt.
To round out your Cinco de Mayo party- Asian style, serve Yuzu Margaritas with BBQ Beef, wrapped in lettuce “tacos”, Sriracha Wings, and Tropical Ceviche.
When you make our Yuzu Margaritas, we want to hear all about it! Leave a comment below, and tag us in your fiesta pics @funkyasiankitchen.
Yuzu Margaritas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 drinks 1x
- Category: beverages
- Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Ingredients
For A Pitcher:
- 1 cup (8 oz) yuzu juice
- 1 cup (8 oz) Cointreau
- 1 ½ cups (12 oz) tequila*
- ½ cup to 1 cup simple syrup depending on taste
For One Drink:
- 1 oz yuzu juice
- 1 oz cointreau
- 1 ½ oz tequila
- 1 oz simple syrup or to taste
- Kosher Salt for rimming glasses
- Extra yuzu juice or a lime cut into wedges for rimming glasses
Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Make the salted margarita glasses by putting a little yuzu juice and salt separately into shallow plates. Dip the rim of the glass into the yuzu juice first and then into the salt. Set aside. (Alternatively, you could take a wedge of lime and run it around the rim of the glass to moisten it and then dip the glass into the salt.)
- Combine the yuzu juice, cointreau, and tequila.
- Taste and add simple syrup to taste.
- Refrigerate the drink or serve over ice in your prepared glasses.
For the Simple Syrup:
- Combine ½ cup of water with ½ cup of sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Let cool to room temperature and store in the fridge.
- Lasts for months in the fridge.
Notes
*Use Tequila Blanco (aged less than 2 months) for a more straightforward flavor or Reposado (rested) which is aged from 2-12 months and has oaky vanilla flavor.
Keywords: margaritas, cinco de mayo, asian cocktails, yuzo
