Sakura Martini

Before they drop, or before the next sudden wind squall blows them to smithereens, pick a few cherry blossoms off the tree to garnish a SAKURA MARTINI. It’s a great way to celebrate spring’s cherry blossom season. The Sakura Martini combines Japanese sake with dry gin and in so doing creates a softer martini than the standard gin & vermouth. It was created by NYC’s bartender and Bar Goto owner, Kenta Goto. It’s an ingenious mix of eastern & western spirits referencing Japan’s famous springtime cherry blossoms.

Requirements: dry sake, gin, maraschino liqueur (or juice), cherry blossom (or olive)

• 2.5 oz. dry sake
• 1 oz. dry gin
• .75 teaspoon maraschino liqueur/juice
• 1 cherry blossom or green cocktail olive for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a martini glass. Put a pinch of salt onto a cherry blossom and add to drink as garnish. If a cherry blossom isn’t available, add an olive instead.

Note: The recommended sake is Junmai Ginjo and recommended gin, Rutte Dry Gin. The juice from a maraschino cherry jar can substitute for the liqueur.