Sumo Citrus: The Ultimate Citrus for Vodka Cocktail

Sumo Citrus

It’s Sumo Season

Sumo Citrus, a seasonal gem celebrated for its sweetness and easy-to-peel skin, has captured the hearts of citrus enthusiasts. Its limited availability, typically lasting from January to April, makes it a sought-after ingredient. With its distinctive flavor and abundant juice, Sumo pairs beautifully with Felene Vodka to create exceptional cocktails.

What is Sumo Citrus?

Sumo, also known as Shiranui or Dekopon, is a hybrid of orange and mandarin. Its large size, knobby top, and vibrant orange skin make it instantly recognizable. Nearly seedless and effortless to peel, it is perfect for juicing and cocktail crafting.

This fruit is primarily grown in California and Japan in small quantities, which adds to its exclusivity. The short growing season means fans eagerly anticipate its arrival each year.

Flavor Profile and Comparison

Sumo offers a sweet, tangy flavor that is both rich and refreshing. It has less acidity than oranges and more complexity than mandarins. Unlike lemons or grapefruits, its mild acidity complements vodka without overpowering the other ingredients.

This balance makes Sumo ideal for cocktails, where extreme tartness or excessive sweetness can throw off a drink’s harmony. Its juicy nature also ensures a generous yield, making it efficient and flavorful.


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Why Sumo Orange is Perfect for Vodka Cocktails

The juice of Sumo boasts natural sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugar in many recipes. Its mild tanginess blends seamlessly with Felene Vodka’s clean and smooth profile. The vodka’s neutral pH and additive-free nature enhance the brightness of Sumo Citrus, resulting in perfectly balanced cocktails.

Moreover, the fruit’s unique flavor and limited availability lend an exclusive touch to any drink, elevating it to a seasonal specialty.

Three Sumo Vodka Cocktails

Sumo Citrus Breeze
Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Felene Vodka
  • 3 oz fresh Sumo juice
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • Splash of soda water
  • Ice
  • Orange slice or zest for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Combine Felene Vodka, Sumo Citrus juice, and cranberry juice.
  3. Stir gently and top with soda water.
  4. Garnish with an orange slice or zest.

Sumo Citrus Mule
Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Felene Vodka
  • 3 oz fresh Sumo Citrus juice
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
  2. Add Felene Vodka and Sumo Citrus juice.
  3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Sumo Citrus Martini
Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz Felene Vodka
  • 1.5 oz fresh Sumo Citrus juice
  • 0.5 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
  • Ice
  • Twist of orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add Felene Vodka, Sumo Citrus juice, and triple sec.
  3. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Sumo Citrus, with its exceptional flavor and seasonal rarity, offers a luxurious twist to vodka cocktails. Paired with the smooth and additive-free Felene Vodka, it turns simple recipes into unforgettable experiences. Enjoy these creations while Sumo Citrus is still in season, and savor its unique taste.

Kim Laderer

Kim Laderer-Veiga is the President of Felene Inc. Kim's unique and close-up knowledge of the on and off-premise alcohol business has given her a look into the trends and staples of the liquor industry. In the Kim Factor blog, Kim shares her expertise, her discoveries and her observations of the spirits business.

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