Spring has finally sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing cocktail (or two, or three…)? As the weather warms up, our thirst for light, fruity, and herbaceous drinks only grows stronger. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of the most delightful spring cocktail recipes that are sure to become your new go-to’s for sunny days and starry nights.
From classic combinations like strawberry basil and peach thyme, to innovative twists like lavender lemonade and grapefruit rosemary, these recipes will transport you straight to a lush garden or a beachside oasis. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a dinner party, or just want to treat yourself to a little afternoon delight, we’ve got the perfect cocktail for every occasion.
So grab your favorite glassware, pop some ice into a shaker, and get ready to raise a toast (or two) to the beauty of spring!
Strawberry Basil Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic gin fizz, featuring sweet strawberries and savory basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup
– Juice of 1 lime
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and basil leaves together until well combined.
2. Add gin, simple syrup, and lime juice to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with an additional strawberry slice and basil leaf.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy cocktail perfect for any occasion.
Lavender Lemonade Spritz
Revive your senses with this refreshing twist on classic lemonade, infused with the subtle charm of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– Sparkling water
– Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add water and stir to combine.
3. Add dried lavender buds and let it steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another pitcher or individual glasses, discarding lavender buds.
5. Top with sparkling water and garnish with lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time)
Cucumber Mint Mojito
Cool down with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito cocktail. This Cucumber Mint Mojito is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh mint leaves
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup white rum
– 1/4 cup club soda
– 2 tablespoons simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils and flavors.
2. Add the sliced cucumber to the pitcher and stir to combine.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and add the white rum.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Mint Mojito mixture over the ice.
6. Top each glass off with club soda and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a cucumber slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Elderflower Prosecco Punch
This refreshing punch combines the delicate flavors of elderflower syrup with the effervescence of Prosecco, perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter Prosecco
– 1/2 cup elderflower syrup
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of lemon and orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Prosecco, elderflower syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the punch over ice in glasses and garnish with lemon and orange slices.
Cooking Time: None
Peach Thyme Bellini
Peach Thyme Bellini Recipe
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Peach Thyme Bellini, perfect for warm weather gatherings or any occasion that calls for a fruity twist on the classic Bellini.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed peach puree
– 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
– Ice cubes
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together diced peaches, simple syrup, and honey until well combined.
2. Strain the peach mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, leaving a smooth puree.
3. Fill a champagne flute with ice and add 1/4 cup of the peach puree.
4. Top the puree with 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of dried thyme over the top for garnish.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in no time!)
Raspberry Rosemary Collins
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins. This Raspberry Rosemary Collins combines sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of herbaceousness, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed raspberry puree
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz rosemary-infused water (see note)
– Club soda
– Fresh raspberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, raspberry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
4. Top with rosemary-infused water (see note) and club soda.
5. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Note: To make rosemary-infused water, combine 1 cup water with 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary in a glass. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and using in the recipe.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Honeydew Melon Margarita
This refreshing twist on the classic margarita combines the sweetness of honeydew melon with the tanginess of lime and tequila. Perfect for warm weather sipping!
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup honeydew melon chunks
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and honey syrup.
3. Add honeydew melon chunks to the shaker and muddle gently.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This is a drink, not a dish!
Blackberry Sage Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic smash. The sweetness of blackberries pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of sage, creating a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– 1/4 sprig of sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon or whiskey, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add blackberry puree and shake until well combined.
3. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of sage leaves.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Total time: 10 minutes
Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma, combining the tanginess of grapefruit with the earthy charm of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce grapefruit juice
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 1/4 cup club soda
– 1/4 cup ice
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Blueberry Lavender Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Blueberry Lavender Martini, perfect for warm evenings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz blue curaçao liqueur
– 1/2 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 cup ice
– Fresh blueberries and edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, blue curaçao liqueur, lavender syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with fresh blueberries and edible flowers.
Note: To make lavender syrup, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup dried lavender buds in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain the syrup and let it cool before using.
Pineapple Coconut Rum Cooler
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing cocktail! This Pineapple Coconut Rum Cooler combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add pineapple juice, coconut cream, and dark rum.
3. Squeeze in fresh lime juice.
4. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
6. Top with a splash of club soda.
7. Garnish with pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy cocktail to prepare.
Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. The sweetness of watermelon pairs perfectly with the spicy kick from jalapeño, making for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/2 cup tequila (silver or reposado work well)
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt for rimming glass
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a blender, puree watermelon chunks until smooth.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and chopped jalapeño.
4. Add the watermelon puree to the shaker and fill with ice.
5. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
6. Strain into the prepared glass.
7. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Kiwi Lime Daiquiri
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of kiwi with the tanginess of lime, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a cool treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh kiwi, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup white rum
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine kiwi, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add rum and blend until well combined.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (including prep time)
Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
A refreshing twist on the classic Italian aperitif, this Blood Orange Aperol Spritz combines the bitterness of Aperol with the sweetness of blood orange juice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup blood orange juice
– Slice of blood orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
3. Add blood orange juice to taste (start with 1/2 cup and adjust).
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Cooking Time: None! This spritz is ready in just a few minutes.
Pear Ginger Mule
A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of pear with the spicy warmth of ginger for a unique and delicious taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup pear puree
– 1/4 cup ginger beer
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Stir until chilled.
4. Add the pear puree and ginger beer.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink and drop it in.
7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, so just mix and enjoy!
Cherry Blossom Gin Sour
As spring awakens, treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz cherry blossom syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Dash of club soda
– Edible flowers or cherry blossom garnish (optional)
Cherry Blossom Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dried sakura (cherry blossom) petals
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan, stirring until dissolved. Add dried sakura petals and remove from heat. Let steep for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Strain syrup before using.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, cherry blossom syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with edible flowers or cherry blossoms (if desired).
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Cherry Blossom Gin Sour while basking in the beauty of spring!
Apricot Cardamom Fizz
A refreshing twist on traditional sparkling water, this Apricot Cardamom Fizz combines the sweetness of apricots with the warm spice of cardamom.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup fresh apricot puree
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Soda water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and apricot puree.
2. Add the ground cardamom and stir well to combine.
3. If desired, add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, fill glasses with ice and pour the Apricot Cardamom Fizz over the ice.
6. Top each glass off with soda water and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Mango Mint Rum Punch
Refresh your senses with this tropical twist on classic rum punch! This sweet and tangy concoction combines the flavors of ripe mangoes, cooling mint leaves, and smooth rum to create a truly unique drinking experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed fruit juice (orange, pineapple, and grapefruit)
– 1 cup light rum
– 1/2 cup mango puree
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Splash of lemon-lime soda (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine mixed fruit juice, light rum, and mango puree.
2. Add chopped mint leaves and stir gently to combine.
3. Stir in honey until dissolved.
4. Chill punch in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add a splash of lemon-lime soda (if using).
6. Serve immediately over ice in tall glasses.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and chill.
Lemongrass Ginger Mojito
Elevate your mojito game with the addition of lemongrass and ginger, adding a bright and citrusy twist to this classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz lemongrass-ginger syrup (see below for recipe)
– Handful of ice
– Fresh mint leaves and lemongrass sprigs for garnish
Lemongrass-Ginger Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 4 stalks lemongrass, bruised
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Add ginger and lemongrass; simmer for 10-15 minutes or until syrupy. Strain and let cool.
Instructions:
1. Muddle mint leaves and lemongrass sprigs in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Add rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and lemongrass-ginger syrup.
3. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves and lemongrass sprigs.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy!
Pomegranate Hibiscus Sangria
Pomegranate Hibiscus Sangria Recipe
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy with this refreshing Pomegranate Hibiscus Sangria recipe, ideal for warm weather gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle white wine (750ml)
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1 cup hibiscus tea, brewed and cooled
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh mint leaves
– Sugar or simple syrup to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, pomegranate juice, and hibiscus tea.
2. Add sliced oranges and lemons; stir gently.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add sprigs of fresh mint leaves and adjust sweetness to taste with sugar or simple syrup.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy as a refreshing apéritif or use as a unique base for cocktails. You can also serve it as a delightful drink for brunch or dinner parties.
Summary
Get ready to shake off those winter blues with these 20 refreshing spring cocktail recipes! From fruity fizzes to herb-infused spritzers, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try the Strawberry Basil Gin Fizz, Lavender Lemonade Spritz, or Cucumber Mint Mojito for a taste of spring in every sip. Whether you’re looking for sweet and sippable or bold and bubbly, these recipes are sure to brighten up your sunny days.
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