What Is Yuzu? The Citrus in Our Sparkling Drink

If you have tasted yuzu once, you remember it. It smells like a cross between lemon, mandarin and grapefruit, with a floral lift no other citrus quite has. It is the first thing you taste in CALM, our sparkling yuzu drink, and it deserves an introduction.

Where yuzu comes from

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a small, knobbly citrus fruit grown in East Asia, especially Japan, Korea and China. It is hardy, aromatic and not very juicy, so a little goes a long way. In Japan it appears in winter dishes, sauces such as ponzu, and the custom of a warm yuzu bath at the winter solstice. In Korea it is often preserved with sugar to make a citrus tea.

What yuzu tastes like

Yuzu is tart and bright like lemon, but softer and more perfumed. Many people describe:

• a sharp grapefruit-like freshness at the start,
• a mandarin sweetness in the middle,
• and a floral, almost herbal finish.

That aroma is why chefs, pastry cooks and bartenders prize it.

Why yuzu and elderflower belong together

Elderflower brings a gentle, honeyed floral note that softens yuzu's sharpness without hiding it. The two meet in the middle: citrus first, then flowers, with a cool, clean finish. In CALM we add a touch of mint for that final lift, and keep it alcohol-free at 0.0%.

How to enjoy a sparkling yuzu drink

• Ice-cold, poured over plenty of ice in a tall glass.
• With food: yuzu loves grilled fish, suya-spiced chicken, salads and anything with chilli.
• As a slow ritual at the end of the day, when you want something considered without alcohol.

The can as part of the ritual

CALM comes in a 330 ml can engraved with yuzu and elderflower, with raised lettering you can feel. In daylight the engraving shines antique gold; after dark it glows a soft pearl-seafoam. Six colourways, from Vintage Ruby to Midnight Navy.

Taste it first

Pre-orders are open, with no payment taken until your order is ready to ship. Reserve CALM, or read our guide to choosing between alcohol-free and 3.5%.