Sakura Royale cocktail recipe by 8 at The Londoner
Inspired by the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms, the Sakura Royale is floral, fruity and utterly effervescent
A glamorous hideout in the West End, The Londoner hotel has made its name as a trendy hot spot to see and be seen in, despite only having opened in 2021. Overlooking Leicester Square, the 16-storey five-star hotel offers avant-garde interiors, panoramic views of the West End, theatrical flourishes around every corner and an array of dining options. In fact, it is home to five distinct bars and restaurants. You’d be forgiven for displaying a lack of enthusiasm here as hotel eateries can often disappoint, especially when compared to the bevy of remarkable restaurants in London. Not so at The Londoner.
There’s fresh Mediterranean fare at Whitcomb’s, dramatic champagne-centric meals at The Stage and fine Japanese cuisine at 8 at The Londoner. And, it’s at the latter that we found our Cocktail of the Week.
Perched on the eighth floor of the hotel, the bar’s intimately lit, dark wood interiors create a romantic atmosphere in which to share small bites and signature cocktails. A menu of Asian favourites is served alongside a robust cocktail list influenced by Japanese spirits and flavours, including the Matcha Martini (featuring Matcha 16 Haku vodka and shochu blend, matcha, Martini Ambrato, and black and white chocolate wash) to the Adzuki Sour, mixing Toki whiskey infused and clarified with peanut butter, anko bean paste and Gran Volante wine.
Most fitting for summer, however, is the Sakura Royale. An homage to cherry blossom trees, which are as synonymous with Japanese culture as sushi and sake, the refreshing concoction is a twist on the Kir Royale and aims to capture the cheerful jubilance of the season, according to head mixologist Pierpaolo Schirru. “This cocktail is inspired by the ‘Sakura Bloom’ – a beautiful moment in Japan when cherry blossom trees are at their peak,” he says. “Crafted with Japanese ingredients, a celebratory splash of champagne and a glittery shine, the Sakura Royale encapsulates the essence of this magical time.”
Perfect to wow guests at your next barbeque or brighten up a rainy day, here’s how to create the bubbly cocktail at home.
Recipe
Sakura Royale
Ingredients
- Roku gin 15 ml
- Sencha green tea cordial* 25 ml
- Kokoro Cherry Blossom Liqueur 25 ml
- Silver dragees (gives a shiny effect in flash images 1 teaspoon
- Strawberry bitters A dash
- Veuve Clicquot To top up
Method
- Combine all ingredients except the champagne in a shaker full of ice.
- Shake well and double strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Top with champagne and garnish with an edible flower.
Recipe
Sencha green tea cordial*
Ingredients
- Caster sugar
- Sencha green tea
- Water
- Citric acid (or lemon juice)
Method
- Bring the water and tea to a high heat, then infuse with green tea for 10 minutes.
- Add the sugar and stir.
- Strain the loose leaf tea.
- Add the citric acid.
Read more: The Burlesque Soirée cocktail recipe by Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour
