For Sakura's Sake! This Cherry Blossom Cocktail Is The Best-Ever Ode To Spring
Spring's in the air, folks. It's time to shake off the winter blues, step into the sunshine, and, of course, whip up some cocktails that welcome the first warm breeze of the season. There’s nothing that screams spring quite like the cherry blossoms do; those little pink and white flowers practically beg for a celebration. So, let’s talk about making a Cherry Blossom Cocktail that'll have you toasting to longer days and shorter sleeves in no time.
The Basics: What You'll Need
We're talking cherries (obviously), a good glug of Nigori Sake for that floral hit, a dash of vodka to bring the party, and a mix of citrus and grenadine to keep things lively. Specifically, grab some Smirnoff from your stash; it’s clean, it’s smooth, and it plays nice with the other flavors. Here’s the lineup:
A trio of cherries, and chuck a few more in if you’re feeling fancy.
60 ml Nigori Sake, because what’s a Cherry Blossom cocktail without a nod to its roots?
30 ml Smirnoff Vodka for that crisp kick.
15 ml freshly squeezed orange juice and 5 ml lemon juice—because we all need a bit of zest.
10 ml grenadine for sweetness and that sunset colour.
Just a whisper of almond extract will bring everything together.
Don’t forget the ice. And for the grand finale, a mint sprig to make it look as fresh as it tastes.
Mixing It Up: The How-To
Alright, roll up your sleeves; it's time to get mixing. Muddle those cherries right in the cocktail shaker; it's about flavour, sure, but it's also a great way to get out any residual winter frustration. Toss in the sake, vodka, both juices, grenadine, and that dash of almond extract. Fill the shaker with ice, cover it up, and give it a good shake. Think of it as your spring awakening ritual.
Strain your creation into a glass that's been chilling in the freezer (because no one likes a lukewarm cocktail), and garnish with your extra cherries and that mint sprig. It’s like a little spring garden in a glass.
Food for Thought: Pairing Ideas
This Cherry Blossom Cocktail’s got a bit of a personality—it's sweet, it's tangy, and it's got a bit of a kick. So, what to pair it with? Light, fresh flavours are your best bet. Think a nice, crisp salad with some goat cheese thrown in there, or a platter of sushi that brings its own blend of subtle flavours to the party. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try it with some spicy Thai dishes; the cocktail’s sweetness will be a nice counterbalance to the heat.
Wrapping It Up
Spring's all about new beginnings, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a Cherry Blossom Cocktail that's as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate? It’s a little reminder in the glass that warmer days are ahead.
