Cherry Blossom Gin & Tonic with Edible Flowers

Inspired by a Coastal San Diego Evening

Some of our favorite ideas are inspired by places we've visited and moments we'd like to recreate at home.

During a recent stay at one of our favorite coastal San Diego retreats, we found ourselves lingering by the fire pit as the evening settled in. A simple cocktail, warm conversation, and the glow of the flames were all it took to make the moment memorable.

Back home, we wanted to capture that feeling — relaxed, unhurried, and beautifully simple.

This Cherry Blossom Gin & Tonic was inspired by that evening. Fresh citrus, fragrant herbs from the garden, edible flower petals, and botanical gin come together to create a cocktail that feels both elegant and effortless. It's the kind of drink that encourages you to slow down, stay awhile, and savor the moment.

For this recipe, we chose Akori Cherry Blossom Gin. The freshness of juniper, delicate notes of dragon fruit, bright citrus nuances of kumquat, subtle ginger spice, and soft cherry blossom create a beautifully balanced cocktail with a smooth, silky finish. The floral and citrus notes pair especially well with edible flower petals and fresh herbs.

To complement the botanical flavors, we gathered fresh rosemary and lavender from the garden just before serving. Combined with a touch of finishing sugar and edible flower petals, the result is a cocktail that is as beautiful as it is refreshing.

Of course, any quality gin may be substituted, making this an easy recipe to enjoy with ingredients you already have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 4 ounces premium tonic water
• 1 lemon wheel
• 2 frozen cherries
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh lavender
• Ice

For the Garnish and Pairing

• Finishing sugar
• Edible flower petals (available in Armand's Pantry)
• Salted Rosemary Shortbread (available in Armand's Pantry)

Instructions

While preparing your ingredients, place your glasses in the freezer to chill.

1. Lightly moisten the rim of a balloon gin glass with lemon.
2. Dip the rim into finishing sugar mixed with edible flower petals.
3. Fill the glass generously with ice.
4. Add the gin and tonic water.
5. Add the lemon wheel and frozen cherries.
6. Tuck the rosemary and lavender sprigs into the glass.
7. Finish with a few edible flower petals and serve immediately.

Serving Notes

A balloon-style gin glass showcases the botanicals beautifully while allowing the aromas of rosemary, lavender, and citrus to develop with each sip.

Frozen cherries help keep the cocktail chilled while adding a subtle touch of fruit and color. The rosemary and lavender provide a fragrant herbal note that complements the floral and citrus characteristics of the gin, while the edible flower petals add a delicate finishing touch.

For an especially inviting presentation, we enjoy serving this cocktail alongside Salted Rosemary Shortbread. The savory shortbread's rosemary notes pair beautifully with the fresh rosemary garnish and botanical character of the drink, creating a simple yet memorable combination for gathering and entertaining.

Add a simple cheese board or a few favorite provisions, and you have everything needed for an effortless evening around the table.

Gather. Savor. Celebrate.

At Armand's Maison & Marché, we believe meaningful moments are often found in life's simplest rituals.

A thoughtfully prepared cocktail. Fresh herbs gathered from the garden. A favorite treat shared with family or friends.

These small details encourage us to slow down, savor the moment, and create lasting memories around the table.