🌸 Saffron Infused Sparkling Yuzu Elixir
Category: Beverage (Non-Alcoholic / Can be adapted to cocktail)
Cuisine Style: Modern Fusion / Wellness Beverage
Yield: 1 Serving (Can be scaled for batch preparation)
🕒 Preparation Time
Active Time: 10 minutes
Infusion Time: 30 minutes (saffron steeping)
Total Time: 40 minutes
📋 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saffron threads | 4–5 strands | High-quality Iranian or Spanish preferred |
| Warm water | 30 ml | ~40–50°C, for saffron steeping |
| Yuzu juice (fresh or bottled) | 30 ml | Can substitute with a mix of lemon + mandarin if unavailable |
| Honey or agave syrup | 10 ml | Optional, adjust for sweetness |
| Sparkling water (chilled) | 150 ml | Or soda water |
| Ice cubes | As needed | Prefer crystal-clear ice for presentation |
| Edible flowers or citrus peel | For garnish | Optional, for presentation |
🧰 Equipment
Small bowl (for saffron steeping)
Citrus juicer (if using fresh yuzu)
Bar jigger or measuring spoons
Stirring spoon
Highball or stemmed glass (chilled)
Cocktail strainer (optional)
Fine mesh sieve (if using fresh juice with pulp)
👩🍳 Method
Infuse the Saffron:
- Place the saffron threads into a small bowl.
- Pour in warm (not hot) water and let steep for at least 30 minutes until the color turns a deep golden-orange.
Mix the Base:
- In a glass or shaker, combine yuzu juice and honey/agave syrup.
- Stir or lightly whisk until the sweetener is dissolved.
Assemble the Drink:
- Fill a chilled highball or stemmed glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the yuzu-sweetener mix.
- Gently pour the saffron infusion over the mixture.
- Top up with chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish & Serve:
- Float an edible flower, or twist of citrus peel on top.
- Optionally, add a few micro saffron strands on the surface.
🍸 Serving Style
Serve in: Tall highball or elegant stemmed glass, pre-chilled
Style: Minimalist presentation, crystal-clear glass preferred for visual appeal
Ideal For: Welcome drink, wellness menus, mocktail bars, non-alcoholic pairing menus
📌 Special Notes
- Flavor Balance: Yuzu is intensely aromatic and tart; balance acidity with honey/agave to taste.
- Carbonation Tips: Always add sparkling water last to preserve fizz.
- Saffron Quality: Use high-grade saffron for a rich infusion—avoid overuse to prevent bitterness.
- Optional Alcoholic Version: Add 30 ml premium gin, sake, or vodka for a cocktail twist.
📦 Storage & Batch Prep
- Saffron Infusion: Can be made in advance and refrigerated up to 24 hours.
- Yuzu Base Mix: Can be premixed (juice + honey) and stored chilled up to 2 days.
- Do Not Pre-Mix Carbonation: Always add sparkling water just before serving to retain effervescence.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving - approx.)
- Calories: 40–60 kcal (depending on sweetener)
- Vitamin C: High (from yuzu)
- Free from: Caffeine, gluten, dairy, artificial preservatives
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