On The Rocks Yuzu Matcha Marti

Yuzu Matcha Marti is a ready-to-pour liqueur from On The Rocks, made in Massachusetts. The name points to two flavors: yuzu, the Japanese citrus whose character sits between lemon, mandarin and grapefruit with a floral, slightly resinous edge, and matcha, the powdered green tea. The brand has not published an ABV or a tasting profile for this bottling, so the notes below describe what this flavor pairing usually delivers, not measured specifics. Expect a bright citrus top note from the yuzu, tart and aromatic, set against the grassy, faintly bitter, vegetal depth of matcha. Liqueurs built on this combination are normally sweetened enough to round off the tea's astringency, which lands them somewhere between a dessert drink and a cocktail base. The color is typically a muted green, and the texture is often a little fuller than a clear citrus liqueur because of the tea. The "Marti" in the name suggests a martini-style serving, and that is the most natural way to use it. Chill the bottle, or shake it with ice for about 15 seconds, and strain into a stemmed cocktail or coupe glass. Because the liqueur appears to be built for that format, it can be served straight, with no mixer needed. If you want it drier or longer, add a measure of vodka or a clean gin to cut the sweetness and stretch the pour. A splash of soda water over ice in a highball or rocks glass turns it into a lighter, spritz-style drink. A twist of lemon or grapefruit peel over the top brings out the yuzu aroma. As a modifier, a small pour can stand in for a citrus liqueur in a vodka sour or a gin and tonic variation. It also works as a green-tea accent in a highball with sparkling water. Sip it very cold. Warmth tends to flatten the citrus and push the sweetness forward. For food, styles like this suit sushi and sashimi, light tempura, white chocolate or sesame desserts, and fruit-based sweets such as citrus tarts or mochi.