703-778-8000

Rocklands Catering

Pointing finger Back to ROCKLANDS website
Home » Catering Blog » Cocktails and Mocktails » Cherry Blossom Season in a Glass – The Cherry Julep

Cherry Blossom Season in a Glass – The Cherry Julep

by

Welcome the beauty of spring and the peak of DC’s cherry blossom season with our Cherry Julep, a cocktail that’s as vibrant and inviting as the blooms themselves. Tart, ruby-red cherry brandy and bright, zesty lemon juice mingle with smooth gin, a hint of grenadine, and just enough simple syrup to balance, while fresh mint leaves and plump cherries add refreshing aroma and stunning visual appeal. Bursting with color, layered flavor, and seasonal charm, it’s an elegant, crowd-pleasing cocktail that elevates garden-view brunches, outdoor gatherings, and catered spring events.

Cherry Julep Recipe

Cherry Julep cocktail recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. grenadine
  • 1 tsp. simple syrup
  • 1.75 oz. gin
  • 1 oz. cherry brandy
  • Soda water, to top
  • Garnish: Mint leaves, lemon zest, and fresh cherries
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  1. Combine lemon juice, grenadine, simple syrup, gin, and cherry brandy in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well to chill.
  3. Fill a glass with crushed ice and strain the mixture over the top.
  4. Top with a splash of soda water.
  5. Garnish generously with fresh mint leaves, lemon zest, and cherries.

Cherry Julep Mocktail

A refreshing, non-alcoholic twist that captures all the seasonal spirit of the original.

Ingredients:

  • 8–10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • 3–4 fresh sweet cherries
  • 1 oz. simple syrup
  • ½ oz. lime juice
  • 3–4 oz. club soda or ginger ale
  • Garnish: Luxardo cherries, mint sprig, and/or lime wheel
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle the mint leaves and fresh cherries with the simple syrup in the bottom of a glass.
  2. Add the lime juice and fill the glass with crushed ice.
  3. Top with club soda or ginger ale.
  4. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
  5. Garnish with extra mint, Luxardo cherries, and a lime wheel.

Cheers to the Season (and BBQ)

The return of the blossoms and the warmer weather means the season for outdoor celebrations is officially in full swing, DMV!

Don’t let the stress of planning overshadow the fun of the season. You handle the guest list and the perfect spring playlist, and let Rocklands handle the feast. Whether you’re organizing a corporate lunch, a backyard graduation party, or an intimate spring brunch, we’re here to make sure every single guest leaves happy, satisfied, and full.

Ready to lock in your stress-free menu? Contact Rocklands Catering today to discuss your catering needs and let us handle the delicious details!

Ready to lock in your stress-free menu? 

Contact Rocklands Catering today to discuss your catering needs and let us handle the delicious details.

Start Your Planning Today

Need more ideas? Check out more of our drink recipes:

Jenn Carter

About Jenn Carter

Meet Jenn Carter, whose love of Rocklands spans more than three decades and made her love official in 2005 when she joined the Rocklands family as a Sales Rep in their Catering Department. There she worked with the team to create events: from intimate backyard gatherings to high-profile political fundraisers. Making sure every client’s event featured both Rocklands’ legendary barbecue and impeccable service. Though life has taken her from DC to Japan, to New Mexico, Tennessee and now to Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband Michael, son Jackson, and pup Francis, you’ll still find bottles of Rocklands Barbecue Sauce making their way to her doorstep. Some loves know no distance.