Cherry Blossom Cheers: Celebrate Spring With Six Japanese-Inspired Cocktails
Springtime is the season of cherry blossoms, the beautiful flowers of cherry trees that come to life in all their pleasant pink, white and lilac hues – littering gardens and parks with a carpet of fresh flowers that would put a smile on the grouchiest face. In Japan, the season of cherry blossoms attracts a lot of tourists as winters give way to pleasing spring, bright mornings and welcoming cool breezes. And while dreaming about the delights of these happy blossoms, one can also indulge in some fragrant cocktails and recipes that are reminiscent of the cherry blossoms in this region.
There are tons of cocktails that incorporate cherry blossom liqueur, or a spirit that is infused with the floral elements of the Sakura variant of the cherry trees which bloom so wonderfully during springtime. Along with that, there are other ingredients like sake, yuzu, sochu, green tea and Japanese whisky that go into crafting drinks inspired by the flavours and produce so readily available in Japan. These Japanese-inspired drinks have some earthy, fruity notes, a bit of zest and quite a lot of kick that would make you just a tad tipsy.
Read on below to know more about some of the Japanese-inspired cocktails you can make this spring to revel in the beauty of the blooming cherry trees:
Cherry Blossom Sour
Put a Japanese spin on a classic whisky sour recipe by introducing flavours of cherry blossom liqueur into the traditional cocktail. Cherry blossom liqueur is quite fragrant, subtly floral and has a pleasing quality which would pair well with quality whisky and the egg white that forms a foamy layer on top of the drink. The cherry blossom liqueur also goes well with lime juice which adds a sour and tangy layer to the cocktail so you can craft this drink by following its signature recipe with the addition of this floral spirit. Garnish using a cherry for a dramatic flourish.
Tangerine Ginger Sake Sangria
Celebrate the sweet, inviting flavours of a traditional sake by turning a conventional sangria into a Japanese cocktail made from this spirit and the zesty notes of a citrusy tangerine. You can also pack a spicy kick into the drink with the addition of ginger shavings and tons of ice – ingredients that will come together to make a drink that is fresh and rejuvenating and packing a bit of a kick.
Sakura Aperitif
Make an aperitif out of cherry blossom liqueur by mixing it with prosecco and aperol. The drink can be sipped on as you enjoy a beautiful spring evening in a leisurely way before heading out to dinner. Add a splash of club soda and ice to the recipe so you can craft an aperitif in the conventional way with a hint of the sakura liqueur that imbues a welcoming freshness into the recipe.
Sake Martini, or Sakitini
A spin on the classic martini, you can craft a sakitini out of the Japanese liquor and some quality Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka. To this, add cucumber for its hydrating qualities and its distinctly fresh flavour that pairs well with vodka and the slightly sweet texture of sake.
Cherry Blossom Fizz
A simple recipe comprising cherry blossom liqueur, gin, elderflower liqueur and some lime juice, this drink is a floral delight in a glass. The botanical elements in a good old Tanqueray No. Ten gin coupled with other fragrant and light floral liqueurs adds quite a spring-like touch to your glass.
Matcha Highball
One of the most favoured ingredients in Japanese cuisine that is rapidly becoming popular across the globe is matcha tea. Craft a cocktail out of this drink by mixing it with whisky, honey and lemon juice. Follow a classic highball recipe and add to it matcha tea powder that will infuse the drink with a rather pleasing and bright hue.
