The Cherry Blossom Cocktail Recipe feels light, floral and gently sweet. It reminds me of spring afternoons and soft pink skies.
This drink looks fancy but stays very easy to make. I first made it during a quiet weekend at home. I wanted something pretty and calming. One sip felt fresh and joyful.
This Cherry Blossom Cocktail Recipe is perfect for special moments or slow evenings. If you want to learn how to make Cherry Blossom Cocktail at home, this guide will help you step by step.
Why I Love Making This Cherry Blossom Cocktail
I love this cocktail because it feels like a celebration in a glass. The color is soft and lovely. The taste is gentle, not too strong. It feels refreshing and light.
I often make it when friends visit. Everyone smiles when they see it. It also feels calming to make. Stirring, shaking and garnishing feels almost peaceful. This drink always lifts the mood.
Equipment List
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger or tablespoon
- Fine strainer
- Cocktail glass or coupe glass
- Spoon
- Small plate for garnish
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Cherry Blossom Cocktail
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Course: Drink
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Cherry Blossom Cocktail
- 90 ml gin or vodka
- 60 ml cherry liqueur
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 30 ml simple syrup
- 60 ml soda water
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: edible cherry blossom, maraschino cherry, lemon twist
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Chill the Glass
Place your cocktail glasses in the fridge. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
2. Prepare the Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Use fresh ice for best taste.
3. Add the Spirits
Pour gin or vodka into the shaker. Measure carefully for balanced flavor.
4. Add Cherry Liqueur
Pour cherry liqueur into the shaker. This gives color and soft sweetness.
5. Add Lemon Juice
Add fresh lemon juice. It brightens the drink and balances sweetness.
6. Add Simple Syrup
Pour in simple syrup. Adjust slightly if you prefer sweeter cocktails.
7. Shake Well
Close the shaker tightly. Shake for fifteen seconds until well chilled.
8. Strain the Drink
Strain the mixture into chilled glasses. Remove ice shards for smooth texture.
9. Add Soda Water
Top each glass with soda water. Stir gently to keep the fizz.
10. Garnish
Add cherry blossom, cherry or lemon twist. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use sake instead of gin for softer flavor.
- Add rose water for extra floral notes.
- Swap lemon juice with lime juice for sharper taste.
- Use sparkling wine instead of soda for elegance.
- Reduce syrup for a drier cocktail.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Cherry blossoms are called sakura in Japan. They symbolize beauty and short-lived moments. Drinks inspired by cherry blossoms celebrate spring and renewal.
The Cherry Blossom Cocktail often appears during spring festivals. Its soft color reflects blooming trees. This cocktail blends tradition with modern mixology.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
Serve with sushi or rice dishes.Pair with light salads and seafood.Enjoy with fruit tarts or sponge cakes.Serve alongside small appetizers or snacks.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Serve at spring parties or brunches.Make it for romantic dinners at home.Offer it at bridal showers or gatherings.Enjoy during quiet evenings or celebrations.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Mix only what you need.
- Store mixed base without soda for few hours.
- Keep chilled in fridge before serving.
- Add soda just before serving.
- Do not freeze the cocktail.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Alcohol | Moderate |
Health Benefits
This cocktail is light and refreshing when enjoyed in moderation. Lemon juice provides vitamin C. Cherry flavors contain antioxidants.
Soda water keeps it light and hydrating. Choosing fresh ingredients helps reduce added sugars. Enjoying slowly supports mindful drinking and balance.
Cherry Blossom Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 90 ml gin or vodka
- 60 ml cherry liqueur
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 30 ml simple syrup
- 60 ml soda water
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: edible cherry blossom maraschino cherry, lemon twist
Instructions
Chill the Glass
- Place your cocktail glasses in the fridge. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
Prepare the Shaker
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Use fresh ice for best taste.
Add the Spirits
- Pour gin or vodka into the shaker. Measure carefully for balanced flavor.
Add Cherry Liqueur
- Pour cherry liqueur into the shaker. This gives color and soft sweetness.
Add Lemon Juice
- Add fresh lemon juice. It brightens the drink and balances sweetness.
Add Simple Syrup
- Pour in simple syrup. Adjust slightly if you prefer sweeter cocktails.
Shake Well
- Close the shaker tightly. Shake for fifteen seconds until well chilled.
Strain the Drink
- Strain the mixture into chilled glasses. Remove ice shards for smooth texture.
Add Soda Water
- Top each glass with soda water. Stir gently to keep the fizz.
Garnish
- Add cherry blossom, cherry or lemon twist. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use sake instead of gin for softer flavor.
- Add rose water for extra floral notes.
- Swap lemon juice with lime juice for sharper taste.
- Use sparkling wine instead of soda for elegance.
- Reduce syrup for a drier cocktail.
FAQs about Cherry Blossom Cocktail
Can I make a non-alcoholic Cherry Blossom Cocktail?
Yes, replace alcohol with cherry juice or floral syrup. Add lemon juice and soda water. The drink stays beautiful and refreshing.
What cherry liqueur works best for this recipe?
Any good quality cherry liqueur works well. Choose one that tastes natural and not overly sweet for best balance.
Can I prepare this cocktail ahead of time?
You can mix the base ingredients ahead. Store chilled. Add soda water and garnish just before serving.
Is this cocktail very strong?
No, it is light and balanced. You can adjust alcohol amount to suit your preference easily.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice tastes better. Bottled juice works but may reduce brightness and freshness slightly.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Blossom Cocktail Recipe feels soft, joyful and elegant. It brings beauty and calm into any moment. This drink proves that simple ingredients can feel special.
Whether shared with friends or enjoyed alone, it always feels like a gentle celebration. Once you try it, you will return to it every spring and beyond.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.