Drink Mixes

Yuzucha (柚子茶, literally “yuzu tea”) resembles a marmalade containing yuzu, sugar and usually pieces of fruit or citrus zest. Despite its name, it does not necessarily contain tea leaves: simply dissolve a few spoonfuls in hot water to obtain a mild, tangy and highly fragrant drink.

It can also be mixed with cold or sparkling water, added to tea or used like a marmalade. Simply adjust the quantity according to the desired intensity.

Amazake (甘酒), literally “sweet alcohol”, is a preparation made from fermented grains. No sugar is added to these products: their sweetness develops naturally through the enzymes in the kôji, which convert some of the grain starch into simple sugars.

Rice, millet and oat varieties can be eaten as they are, like a creamy dessert, or diluted with water or a plant-based drink to make a more fluid beverage served either hot or cold.

Despite the presence of the character 酒 (sake) in its name, amazake made with kôji does not normally contain alcohol. These preparations can also be used in dessert creams, cakes and smoothies, to which they naturally add sweetness and a smooth texture.

Originally from Taiwan, bubble tea generally combines tea, milk or a fruit drink with cooked tapioca pearls. The pearls provide a soft, slightly elastic texture but relatively little flavour: most of the taste comes from the syrup and drink with which they are served.

After cooking, the pearls should be sweetened and used fairly quickly to preserve their texture.