Yuzu, Mikan & Bankan: A Guide to Japanese Citrus Liqueurs
Japan is home to some of the world's most extraordinary citrus fruits — and at Premium Pour, we've brought three of the finest to Singapore. Meet yuzu, mikan, and bankan: the trio of Japanese citrus liqueurs that are changing the way people think about after-dinner drinks.
What Makes Japanese Citrus Special?
Japanese citrus fruits are prized for their complexity. Unlike a standard lemon or orange, they carry layers of aroma — floral, tart, sweet, and sometimes almost herbal — that make them extraordinary in both cooking and drinks. They're used extensively in Japanese cuisine, and now they're making their way into some of the most exciting liqueurs on the market.
Yuzu (柚子)
Yuzu is the most famous of Japan's citrus fruits — a small, bumpy fruit that looks a little like a lumpy lemon but tastes like nothing else on earth. It's intensely aromatic, with notes of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin, plus a floral quality that makes it instantly recognisable.
Our Yuzu Liqueur Kuramoto no Yuzu captures this beautifully. It's bright and zesty with a clean, refreshing finish — not too sweet, not too sharp. Perfect served over ice, mixed into a spritz with soda water, or used as a cocktail base.
Best enjoyed: Over ice as a digestif, in a Yuzu Spritz, or alongside fresh oysters and light seafood.
Mikan (みかん)
Mikan is the Japanese mandarin orange — smaller and sweeter than a regular orange, with a thin skin and intensely fragrant flesh. It's one of Japan's most beloved fruits, especially in winter, and its warm, rounded sweetness translates beautifully into a liqueur.
Our Mandarin Orange Liqueur Kuramoto no Mikan is rounder and warmer than the yuzu — think of it as a more indulgent, dessert-friendly option. It has a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate, cheese, and almond-based pastries.
Best enjoyed: On the rocks after dinner, mixed into festive cocktails, or alongside a cheese board.
Bankan (晩柑)
Bankan is less well-known outside Japan, but it's a gem. It's a large citrus fruit — similar in size to a pomelo — with a sweeter, more tropical flavour profile than yuzu or mikan. Think of it as the most exotic and unexpected of the three.
Our Bankan Liqueur Kuramoto no Bankan has a unique depth that sets it apart. It's aromatic and slightly floral, with a tropical sweetness that makes it incredibly versatile. It's wonderful in a spritz with prosecco, mixed with soda water, or paired with coconut-based desserts.
Best enjoyed: In a Bankan Fizz (prosecco + bankan liqueur), over ice, or with tropical fruit desserts.
How to Choose Between Them
- Want something bright and citrusy? → Yuzu
- Want something warm and sweet? → Mikan
- Want something exotic and tropical? → Bankan
- Can't decide? → Try all three — they make a beautiful tasting flight served over ice
A Note on Quality
All three liqueurs in our range are made by a traditional Japanese brewery (kuramoto) using real fruit — not artificial flavouring. The difference in quality is immediately apparent: the aromas are genuine, the flavours are layered, and the finish is clean. These are liqueurs made with the same care and craftsmanship as premium sake.
Browse all three in the Premium Pour range and discover your favourite Japanese citrus.