Lychee Agar Jelly, Sparkling Yuzu (Printable Version)

Translucent lychee agar cubes in sparkling yuzu water—refreshing, vegan, gluten-free, perfect for warm-weather entertaining.

# Components:

→ Lychee Agar Jelly

01 - 400 ml lychee juice (from canned lychees, drained and reserved)
02 - 1 tbsp agar-agar powder
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - 8 whole canned lychees (optional, to embed in jelly)

→ Sparkling Yuzu Water

05 - 500 ml sparkling water, chilled
06 - 60 ml yuzu juice (fresh or bottled)
07 - 2 tbsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
08 - Ice cubes, as needed

→ Garnish

09 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)
10 - Thin slices of lime or yuzu (optional)

# Method Steps:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine lychee juice, agar-agar powder, and sugar. Whisk until fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes to activate agar. Pour the mixture into a square or rectangular mold. If desired, cut the reserved lychees in half and evenly distribute them throughout the liquid. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for about 1–2 hours until fully set.
02 - Once set, remove the jelly from the mold and cut into 2 cm cubes. Place several jelly cubes into individual serving glasses.
03 - In a pitcher, combine chilled sparkling water, yuzu juice, and simple syrup. Stir gently.
04 - Add ice cubes to each glass with jelly cubes. Pour sparkling yuzu water over the jelly cubes. Garnish with mint leaves and citrus slices, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This dessert practically makes itself, and it&aposs always impressive in looks and flavor.
  • You can prep it ahead, meaning more time laughing with friends and less time at the stove.
02 -
  • I once hurried the chilling and ended up with a sticky mess—let the jelly set fully; patience pays off.
  • Swapping in lychee syrup for some of the juice gave an irresistible lychee punch the second time around.
03 -
  • Let the jelly fully cool before refrigerating to avoid condensation that makes it slippery.
  • A drizzle of elderflower cordial takes the whole dessert unexpectedly floral and bright.
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