Other countries have so many special flavors and foods that only appear in that specific country. If you want to try a sakura cherry blossom latte, you better get over to Japan during the spring when cherry blossom season occurs. But a trip to Japan just for a limited edition Starbucks drink is not on my list and probably not on yours either — so let's get ready for cherry blossom season with a sakura latte.
Where to Find Sakura Cherry Blossom Powder
One thing you'll need no matter what is sakura powder, which is food-grade, finely ground, dried cherry blossoms. You'll want to use this because it's easier, safe, and more readily available. I absolutely do not recommend using cherry blossoms from trees in your yard or neighborhood because of pesticide concerns. Plus, it takes a lot of blossoms to get even a tablespoon of powder, so just go with the easy option and buy it.
I use this specific sakura powder. Make sure whatever sakura powder you use is food-grade, and check the reviews to make sure it's real. The thing about cherry blossom powder is that it's inherently floral. So it can seem a bit "soapy" if you're not used to or do not like floral flavors. If you don't like lavender lattes, this one also may not be for you.
But if you're adventurous in your tastes and like the idea of floral foods and drinks, please proceed with this fun pink drink!
While you're ordering things, go ahead and add this portable electric milk frother to the list. It helps immensely to up your home barista game. You'll use it twice in this recipe, and countless times in the future, believe me.
A Pink Drink - Ish
It isn't as pink in these photos as it is in person, but even still, the in-person pink factor is a little less bright pink than I hoped for. If you want to up the color factor, add pink food coloring, or even a pinch of beet powder.
I also contemplated adding a sprinkle of dried food-grade florals to the top for visual interest but honestly, the night before I made this recipe I had a lavender French 75 that has lavender buds floating in the drink. It was delicious but I also had to keep pulling wet pieces of lavender off my tongue, so that swayed me from using dried food grade floral sprinkles on this. But it is an option if you're not averse!
Sakura Chery Blossom Latte
Ingredients
Sakura Simple Syrup
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons sakura powder
- 2-3 drops vanilla extract optional
Latte
- 3 ounces espresso or strong coffee
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon sakura powder
Instructions
Sakura Simple Syrup
- Microwave the water and sugar together in a microwave safe container (I prefer a Pyrex 2 cup measuring cup) in 30 second blasts until the sugar has dissolved, usually 1 or 1 and a half minutes.
- Once done heating, mix in the 2 tablespoons of saukra powder and 2-3 drops of vanilla extract, to taste. The vanilla is optional but adds a little dimension and helps make the overall taste creamier and slightly less floral in a good way.
- You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days if preferred.
Make the Latte
- Brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using strong coffee, I prefer 3 ounces, espresso you may want only 2.
- In the meantime, heat the ½ cup of milk in a microwave safe container (again, the Pyrex measuring cup is perfect here) in 30 second increments. Mine was hot to the touch in 1 minute.
- Mix in the ½ teaspoon of sakura powder and froth with a milk frother.
- In your coffee cup, add 1 tablespoon of the sakura simple syrup and then top with the coffee/espresso.
- Use a spoon to hold back the foam as you pour the heated milk in, then gently release the foam atop the latte.
- Top with dried flower petals if desired.
Do you enjoy floral-forward lattes and coffee drinks in the spring?
Other Fancy Lattes and Coffee Syrups
Charred Sage Caramel Coffee Syrup