# Japanese-Inspired Spritzes Asuki Enhances Aperitivo Moments with Flavors Like Yuzu Citrus By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-03-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asuki References: [thespiritsbusiness](https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/global-brands-bets-on-the-japanese-inspired-spritz/)  To meet the demand for Asian-inspired flavors and tap into the spread of aperitivo culture around the world, Asuki launched two Japanese-style liqueurs: Yuzu Citrus and Cherry Blossom. Both bottled at 17% ABV, these lower-ABV serves provide a refreshing, full-flavor experience—Yuzu Citrus is said to be bright, fresh and lifted, while Cherry Blossom shares delicate sweetness and soft floral notes. "Within the drinks space, we saw a clear gap for a liqueur that brought elegance and flavour traditionally associated with Asia, but at an accessible price point for the mass market, and Asuki was born," detailed Craig Chapman, head of brand at Global Brands. Positioned as contemporary alternatives to popular aperitivo options, signature serves include the Yuzu Citrus Spritz, Cherry Blossom Highball, and a Cherry Blossom Martini. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 66% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Japanese-inspired Aperitivo:** Emergence of Japan-derived aperitivo flavors indicates room for mainstream spirits to incorporate Asian botanicals and presentation aesthetics into cocktail culture. - **Low-abv Flavor-forward Drinks:** Growing consumer preference for lower-ABV serves highlights opportunities to reframe liqueurs as sessionable, flavor-rich alternatives to traditional cocktails. - **Floral-citrus Hybrid Flavors:** Interest in delicate floral notes paired with bright citrus suggests innovation potential in crafting nuanced, multi-dimensional flavor profiles for mass-market beverages. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Beverage Alcohol:** Shifts toward accessible, Asia-inspired liqueurs point to disruptive product lines that blend regional botanicals with competitive pricing models. - **Hospitality and Bars:** Adoption of Japanese-style spritzes in menus signals potential for venue differentiation through themed aperitivo programs and sensory-driven drink experiences. - **Retail and E-commerce:** Retail channels showing demand for contemporary, lower-ABV bottles reveal possibilities for curated assortments and storytelling-led merchandising tied to cultural origins. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Izakaya-Inspired Citrus Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mirai-no-lemon-sour.md) - [Summer Bridal Guest-Of Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bridal-guestof-collection.md) - [Adaptogenic THC Spritzes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruby-red-ranch-water.md) - [Fruity Creamy Body Spritzes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mist-me-with-that.md) - [Savory Citrus Juices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sudachi-juice.md) - [Non-Alcoholic Rhubarb Aperitifs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mother-root-rhubarb.md) - [Aromatic Alcohol-Free Aperitifs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laperitivo.md) - [Citrusy Japanese-Style Gins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-drinks-etsu-gin.md) - [Elevated Summertime Rooftop Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creatures-rooftop.md)