Spring has sprung! Yet we feel like it’s never truly spring until all of the flowering trees around town burst forth from hibernation. A profusion of dainty pink cherry blossoms or “sakura” is also what makes honeymooning in Tokyo or Kyoto extra romantic during their spring season. The sextet of Saké restaurants around Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane celebrate the famous arrival of the cherry blossoms annually.

They’re shaking up a limited-time menu of four original cherry-inspired cocktails (available September only) including the one we’re sharing with you today for our Spring Issue.

This recipe is a twist on a classic sour cocktail and the name refers to viewing cherry blossoms at night – swoon! You can find yukari shiso salt at Japanese specialty stores, but this drink is worth a shake even if you can’t find it.

This month, all Saké venues are also hosting a series of weekend picnics that would make for a brilliant bridal shower idea or even a lovely thank you lunch for your bridal party. Guests will feast on delicate Japanese picnic bites and sip free-flowing rosé bubbles while sitting on the floor tatami-style surrounded by an influx of blossoms. Mix up a Yozakura cocktail or two this afternoon and ponder your guest list!

Yozakura by Saké

  • 60ml Ketel One Citroen vodka
  • 20ml Monin cherry syrup
  • 30ml lemon juice
  • 15ml egg whites
  • Pinch of salt
  • Edible flowers, T2 Turkish Cherry tea and/or Yukari shiso salt, to garnish (optional)

Dip one side of the rim of a Nick and Nora glass in lemon juice, then dip the rim in cherry tea and salt. Pour remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker and dry shake for 30 seconds. Add a handful of ice and shake for another 30 seconds. Double strain into glass and garnish with edible flowers.

About Ms Fleur De Lys: Aside from being Ms Polka’s Editorial Assistant, Ms Fleur de Lys is also Polka Dot Bride’s Melbourne correspondent so you’ll see her running all over town finding wedding inspiration. As both a lifestyle journalist and cocktail aficionado, Fleur appreciates the power of words whipped up as deftly as a good martini.