Spring brings the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, and now you can capture their essence in a glass. This fresh and tangy cocktail mixes the sweet notes of cherry with bright citrus flavors to create a perfect springtime drink.
The Cherry Blossom Sour combines cherry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and gin with a splash of simple syrup for a balanced and refreshing cocktail that takes just 5 minutes to make. The pale pink color matches the season’s most beloved flowers.
The recipe works great for garden parties, brunches, or any spring celebration. It can be made ahead in batches, making it simple to serve multiple guests without spending extra time mixing individual drinks.
Cherry Blossom Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Coupe glass
- Ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz sakura-infused gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- 2-3 drops pink food coloring optional
- Dried cherry blossom or fresh cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
- Perform a dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to create foam.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 10-12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass using both strainers.
- Add food coloring if desired and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Top with a dried cherry blossom or fresh cherry.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
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 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
This cherry blossom sour cocktail offers a bright, floral aroma with hints of sweet cherry and citrus notes. The first sip reveals a perfect balance between tart and sweet flavors.
The drink starts with a gentle cherry blossom flavor that brings a subtle sweetness. Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty tang that complements the floral notes.
A smooth egg white foam creates a silky texture and adds a luxurious mouthfeel. The foam also helps carry the cherry blossom fragrance to your nose with each sip.
The finish is clean and refreshing with a light tartness that lingers briefly. The gentle sweetness from the cherry blossom syrup prevents any harsh sour notes from taking over.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Floral cherry blossom
- Bright citrus
- Light sweetness
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Clean, tart finish
The cocktail’s pale pink color and white foam top make it as visually appealing as it is tasty. Each element works together to create a refined spring-inspired drink.
Substitute
The cherry blossom syrup can be swapped with other floral syrups. Rose syrup adds a sweet, romantic note, while lavender syrup brings a calming purple touch.
Don’t have fresh lemon juice? Use lime juice instead. The drink will have a slightly different taste but keeps its tart character.
Replace the gin with vodka for a cleaner taste. Non-drinkers can skip the alcohol and add sparkling water for a fresh mocktail version.
Alternative garnishes include:
- Pink rose petals
- Fresh mint leaves
- Edible flowers
- Lemon wheels
- Candied hibiscus
The egg white can be traded for 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea liquid). This plant-based option creates the same foamy texture and works well for vegan drinkers.
Store-bought simple syrup mixed with a drop of rose water makes a quick stand-in when cherry blossom syrup isn’t around.
