Cherry blossom season brings a fresh twist to classic cocktails. The Cherry Blossom Collins is a sweet and tangy drink perfect for spring sipping.
This pink cocktail mixes gin, cherry blossom syrup, lemon juice, and soda water for a light, floral flavor.
The drink gets its name and rosy hue from cherry blossom syrup. This ingredient captures the essence of sakura flowers that bloom briefly each spring. Bartenders often garnish the glass with a real cherry blossom for extra flair.
This recipe offers an easy way to enjoy cherry blossom flavors at home. It needs just a few basic ingredients and tools to make. The Cherry Blossom Collins brings a taste of spring to any occasion.
Cherry Blossom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Highball glass
- Ice
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon
- Lemon zester or peeler
Ingredients
For one Cherry Blossom Collins, you’ll need:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz cherry liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Cherry and lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with club soda.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a cherry and lemon twist.
- Serve right away while the drink is cold and fizzy.
The pink color and fruity aroma make it perfect for spring gatherings.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Cherry Blossom Collins offers a refreshing blend of flavors. Its light pink color hints at the cherry sweetness to come.
On the nose, subtle floral notes mix with a bright citrus aroma. The first sip reveals a crisp, tart taste from the lemon juice.
Cherry flavors bloom across the palate next. They’re not overpowering, but add a fruity sweetness that balances the drink.
The gin provides a juniper backbone. Its herbal notes complement the cherry and lemon well.
A gentle effervescence from the soda water lifts the flavors. This gives the cocktail a lively, bubbly texture.
The finish is clean and slightly dry. Lingering cherry and citrus notes invite another sip.
This cocktail is best served cold. The chill enhances its crispness and makes it extra refreshing.
Garnish options can add visual appeal and extra flavor:
- Cherry blossom or sakura flower (when in season)
- Fresh cherry
- Lemon wheel or twist
The Cherry Blossom Collins works well as a springtime sipper. Its light, fruity profile makes it suitable for outdoor gatherings or as a pre-dinner drink.
Substitute
Cherry blossom syrup gives the Collins cocktail its unique flavor. But if you can’t find it, there are other options.
Rose syrup is a good stand-in. It has a similar floral taste.
Grenadine also works well. It adds a sweet, fruity flavor to the drink. Mix it with a dash of rosewater for a floral hint.
Simple syrup with a few drops of almond extract can mimic cherry blossom’s taste. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
For a non-alcoholic version, try cherry-flavored seltzer water. It gives a light, bubbly feel similar to the original cocktail.
Here’s a quick list of substitutes:
• Rose syrup • Grenadine with rosewater • Simple syrup with almond extract • Cherry-flavored seltzer (non-alcoholic)
Remember to adjust the amounts when using these substitutes. The goal is to balance the flavors in your drink.
