Cherry Blossom Sour

The Cherry Blossom Sour is a soft, floral take on the classic sour. It blends the gentle sweetness of cherry with a hint of floral liqueur like elderflower or sakura syrup balanced by fresh lemon juice and your spirit of choice, usually vodka or gin. An egg white can be added for a smooth, foamy finish, but it’s just as good without. This cocktail is light, slightly tart, and has a mellow fruitiness that feels right for spring or early summer. It’s easy to sip and brings a fresh twist without being too bold or too sweet.

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Tasting Notes

The Cherry Blossom Sour is a silky, fruit-forward take on a classic whiskey sour, combining rich cherry flavor with nutty almond undertones and a beautifully creamy texture. Whiskey provides the warming, oaky foundation, while lemon juice adds citrusy brightness. Cherry syrup and orgeat introduce layers of sweetness and floral depth, and the egg white creates a luscious foam cap. Garnished with a fresh cherry, it’s a romantic, elegant cocktail with a vibrant, springtime flair.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker for dry and wet shaking, a jigger for precision, and a fine mesh strainer for a smooth, velvety finish. Serve in a chilled coupe for sophistication or a rocks glass over a large ice cube for a more casual presentation. Garnish tools like tweezers or a cocktail pick enhance the final touch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz cherry syrup
• ¼ oz orgeat
• 1 egg white
• Fresh cherry or edible flower petals (for garnish)

Instructions

• Dry Shake: Add whiskey, lemon juice, cherry syrup, orgeat, and egg white to a shaker. Shake without ice for 10–15 seconds to build foam.
• Shake Again: Add ice and shake again until chilled and frothy.
• Strain: Double strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
• Garnish: Top with a fresh cherry or edible flower petals for a bright, elegant touch.

Pro Tips

• Use a reverse dry shake (shake with ice first, then without) for extra foam.
• For a smoky twist, use a peated or charred cask whiskey.
• Chill your glass ahead of time to help the foam hold longer.
• Want more floral notes? Add a drop of rose water or cherry blossom extract.

When to Serve

The Cherry Blossom Sour is an ideal choice for spring and summer evenings, offering a refreshing yet sophisticated profile that suits warm-weather sipping. Its delicate balance of sweet, tart, and nutty notes makes it a lovely companion for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings. Inspired by the beauty of cherry blossom season, this cocktail adds a poetic touch to any occasion.

Its graceful appearance and rich flavor also make it a standout signature cocktail for weddings, bridal showers, or celebratory events. Whether served beneath blooming trees or at a candlelit table, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Recommended Brands to Use

• Lemon juice: Always fresh-squeezed for best balance
• Whiskey: Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit Bourbon
• Cherry syrup: Luxardo, Monin, or homemade with cherry juice and sugar
• Orgeat: Small Hand Foods, Liber & Co., or Giffard

Similar Cocktails

• Passion Fruit Whiskey Sour
• Pomegranate Whiskey Sour
• Mango Tango
• Cherry Gin Fizz
• Pineapple Vodka Sour

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