Griffin Parker
Multiple 2026 innovation calendars have rolled into my inbox this week, folks. But nothing on those calendars has been particularly groundbreaking—until this. A few nights ago, I got a sneak peek at what Red Bull has cooking for next year. While the Summer and Winter Editions are still TBD, Red Bull Spring Edition 2026 is set in stone—and it’s a juicy one. America will finally get to try a Red Bull released in Japan ten years ago. Get ready for Cherry Sakura Red Bull.
What is Cherry Sakura?
Sakura, also known as cherry blossoms, are the flowers of ornamental trees common across East Asia (and my own Columbus, Ohio, thanks to a generous transfer of trees from Japan back in 2012). The flavor derived from those flowers is often described as being similar to rose with subtle vanilla or almond notes.
Now, here’s some conjecture: I assume that “Cherry Sakura” is Red Bull’s way of making Cherry Blossom sound more palatable to all the Americans scared of trying new things—but I could be wrong! This could be a new flavor that blends the fruity cherry flavor we all know and love with the more unique cherry blossom flavor. That said, after this year’s very floral Spring Edition, I think they’re gonna do this properly.
How did Japan get this first?
Cherry blossom is a quintessentially Japanese flavor, so it makes plenty of sense that Red Bull Japan released a sakura flavor as their first-ever Spring Edition back in 2016. That particular can was hot pink, very similar in hue to this year’s Wild Berries Pink Edition. To avoid confusion, Red Bull Spring Edition 2026 will feature a new white-and-red can design rather than the hot pink used previously.
When will Red Bull Spring Edition 2026 hit shelves?
Per the calendar I was sent, this will hit shelves right at the beginning of March 2026. It’s almost like these are timed to the seasons or something. Anyway, this will hit shelves in 8.4oz and 12oz cans in both full sugar and sugar-free variants.
Justine Sterling
