world cup-2026
Cherry Blossom Capital — Washington DC
A delicate pink cherry blossom and white peach drink — celebrating DC as a World Cup host city with its iconic spring blossoms.
5 min1Easy
world cup 2026 · alcohol-free
Sakura Spritz — Japan
A delicate pink cherry blossom and yuzu spritz — Japan's fleeting sakura season captured in a glass.
Editorial recipe guidanceThis page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim.
Prep time
5 min
Total time
5 min
Serves
1
Difficulty
Easy
Bright & refreshing
A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.
Simple ingredients
Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.
Perfect for occasions
Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.
- 1 oz sakura (cherry blossom) syrup
- 1 oz fresh yuzu juice (or 0.5 oz lemon + 0.5 oz grapefruit)
- 4 oz sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Preserved sakura blossom or edible flower, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Prepare the glass
Fill a champagne flute or coupe glass with ice (optional — can also serve without ice).
- 2
Build the drink
Pour the sakura syrup into the glass.
- 3
Add the finishing touch
Add the yuzu juice.
- 4
Garnish & serve
Top with sparkling water and stir very gently once.
- 5
Garnish & serve
Float a preserved sakura blossom or edible flower on top.
- 6
Garnish & serve
Serve immediately — the pale pink color is ethereal.
Recipe Tips
- Sakura syrup and preserved sakura blossoms are available on Amazon or at Japanese grocery stores.
- If you can't find yuzu juice, mix equal parts lemon and grapefruit juice — it's the closest substitute.
- Serve in a coupe glass for the most elegant presentation — this drink is about beauty.
Make It Your Own
For a crowd: Prepare the citrus and tea base in advance, then whisk individual matcha portions and finish with bubbles near service.
Easy swaps: Use lemon plus mandarin juice when yuzu is unavailable. Use mild green tea if you do not have matcha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without matcha?
Yes. A chilled green tea and yuzu-style citrus base remains bright and aromatic.
Why whisk matcha first?
It breaks up clumps and gives a smoother drink.
Is it caffeinated?
Matcha contains caffeine; use a caffeine-free green tea alternative if needed.
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