Cherry Blossom Punch is a refreshing spring cocktail. It combines floral and fruity flavors for a light, sweet drink.
The key ingredients are sake, cherry liqueur, and lemon juice.
This pretty pink cocktail looks great in a punch bowl or individual glasses. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings during cherry blossom season.
The recipe is easy to make in large batches.
Cherry Blossom Punch pairs well with light appetizers and desserts. It’s a fun way to celebrate the arrival of spring. The drink offers a taste of Japanese-inspired flavors that many find appealing.
Cherry Blossom Punch Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large punch bowl or pitcher
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice bucket
- Glasses for serving
- A punch ladle is helpful but not required. You can use a regular ladle or cup to serve.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Cherry Blossom Punch:
- 2 cups cherry juice
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 bottle 750 ml sparkling rosé wine, chilled
- 2 cups club soda
- Ice
- Fresh cherries and edible flowers for garnish
- You can adjust amounts to taste.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and wine with more cherry juice and lemon-lime soda.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the punch:
- In a large punch bowl, mix cherry juice, vodka, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Slowly pour in the sparkling rosé and club soda. Stir gently to combine.
- Add ice to chill the punch.
- Float fresh cherries and edible flowers on top for garnish.
- Serve in glasses over ice. Add extra garnishes to each glass if desired.
Make the base mixture ahead of time and add the sparkling ingredients just before serving. This keeps the bubbles fresh.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Cherry Blossom Punch cocktail offers a delightful mix of flavors. Its pink hue catches the eye, hinting at the fruity taste to come.
The first sip reveals a sweet cherry flavor. This comes from the cherry liqueur and juice in the recipe. The sweetness is balanced by a tart edge from fresh lemon juice.
Floral notes add depth to the drink. These come from the addition of rose water. The floral taste is subtle, not overpowering.
The vodka provides a smooth base for the other flavors. It adds a mild kick without dominating the taste profile.
A light fizz from club soda gives the drink a refreshing quality. This makes it a good choice for warm weather sipping.
The cocktail has a medium body. It’s not too thick or thin, striking a nice balance.
The drink finishes with a lingering cherry flavor. This makes it easy to enjoy sip after sip.
Substitute
Cherry blossom punch typically uses sakura liqueur for its unique flavor. If this ingredient is hard to find, there are other options to create a similar taste.
Rose syrup can work well as a replacement. It has a floral sweetness that mimics cherry blossom. Use 1-2 tablespoons per drink.
Another choice is elderflower liqueur. It offers a light, fragrant flavor reminiscent of spring blossoms. Add 1 ounce per cocktail.
For a non-alcoholic version, try mixing equal parts rose water and simple syrup. This combo gives a subtle floral note without the alcohol content.
Cherry juice is a good stand-in too. While not exactly the same, it captures the fruit essence of cherry blossoms. Use 2-3 ounces per serving.
These alternatives let you enjoy a similar drink even without sakura liqueur on hand.
