There’s something about a cold, citrusy cocktail that makes any sunny day feel like a vacation. That’s exactly what the Yucca cocktail delivers — a bright, fizzy blend of vodka, citrus, and a touch of sweetness that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s one of my go-tos for laid-back afternoons or when friends drop by. Let’s walk through how to make it, along with a few tips to make it your own.
Yucca
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or mason jar
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) simple syrup
– Club soda, to top
– Ice cubes
– Lemon or lime slice, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, fresh lemon or lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This chills and slightly dilutes the drink — just what you want.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. (You can use a mason jar for a more casual look — works just as well!)
- Top off with club soda. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon or lime slice. Serve immediately.
Make-Ahead Tip
If you’re hosting, mix the vodka, citrus juice, and syrup ahead of time in a pitcher and keep it chilled. Add ice and club soda just before serving so it stays fizzy and fresh.
Storage
Store any leftover vodka-citrus-syrup mix in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just don’t add the club soda until you’re ready to serve — it’ll go flat.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh citrus juice — it makes a huge difference in brightness and flavor. Bottled juice tends to taste dull or bitter.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring to keep the drink cold longer.
- Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, simmered until dissolved. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredient Swaps
– Swap vodka for white rum if you prefer a slightly sweeter, tropical flavor.
– Use honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a natural twist.
– Try orange juice instead of lemon/lime for a softer, fruitier version.
Flavor Variations
Yucca Mojito-Style
Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Use white rum instead of vodka for a mojito feel.
Spicy Yucca
Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a gentle kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.
Yucca Sunrise
Swap in orange juice, then drizzle a bit of grenadine down the side of the glass after mixing. It’ll settle at the bottom and create a gorgeous sunrise effect.
Virgin Yucca
Skip the vodka and double the club soda — or use ginger ale for a little spice. Still citrusy, still refreshing.
Pair It With
This cocktail shines with light, summery dishes. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
Grilled Seafood
The bright acidity of the Yucca cuts through the richness of shrimp, scallops, or even grilled fish. It’s a match made for warm evenings.
Spicy Dishes
If you’re serving tacos, wings, or anything with heat, the Yucca’s cool fizz balances things out nicely.
Fresh Salads
A crunchy cucumber or citrusy arugula salad goes hand-in-hand with this drink — fresh on fresh.
Common Questions
Can I make this for a group?
Absolutely. Just multiply the vodka, citrus, and syrup, mix in a big pitcher, and let guests top off their glasses with club soda.
What if I don’t have a shaker?
No problem. Just stir everything (except the club soda) with ice in a glass or mason jar. Then strain into your serving glass, top with soda, and stir again.
Is bottled citrus juice okay?
In a pinch, yes. But fresh juice really brings the drink to life — it’s worth squeezing.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use less simple syrup or switch to a less sweet option like agave. You can always start with a little and add more to taste.
Does it have anything to do with the Yucca plant?
Funny enough, no. The name is more about its *sharp*, refreshing taste than the actual plant. There’s no yucca root or flower involved.
A Little Background
The Yucca cocktail doesn’t have a long, fancy history, but it’s long been a favorite at beach parties and casual gatherings. It’s simple, refreshing, and endlessly customizable — which is probably why it’s stuck around. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work cocktails because it’s so easy to pull together and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or a few for friends, the Yucca is a great reminder that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or effort to make something delicious. Just a bit of citrus, a splash of spirit, and some bubbly to bring it all to life. Cheers!
