Lychee Agar Jelly Cubes (Printable View)

Lychee agar jelly cubes in effervescent yuzu water—light, vegan, gluten-free summer treat.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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)

# Directions:

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 Hints:

01 -
  • The jelly cubes melt on your tongue, making every spoonful taste like summer with a twist.
  • It’s unfussy to make ahead—so you look effortlessly put-together at any gathering.
02 -
  • If the agar mixture cools before you pour, it will set in the pot and make lumpy cubes—work quickly and stay close.
  • Chilling the sparkling water ahead means you won’t dilute the flavors with melting ice as you serve.
03 -
  • Scrape the sides of your mold with a thin knife to pop the jelly out cleanly—don’t rush or it splits.
  • A splash of elderflower cordial in the yuzu water brings out floral notes most people can’t quite place, but absolutely love.
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