What’s not to love about spring? The flowers are blooming, the sun rises and sets at reasonable times, and it’s the perfect temperature – not too hot, not too cold — which means picnicking outside is once again a viable option. While most foods, drinks, and desserts hit different in warmer weather, spring cocktails are especially delightful, and the ideal way to ring in a new season. Bright blue skies, warmer temperatures, and a whole extra hour of sunlight? I’ll drink to that.
When it comes to springtime cocktails, there are so many easy recipes and refreshing drinks for all different preferences. As for the foundation of the cocktail, there are plenty of foundations to choose from, from classic hard liquors and flavored spirits, to fruity or floral liqueurs and bubbly wine spritzers. Plus, there are plenty of seasonal excuses to bust out a booze-y bev, including a picnic in the park, a wine walk in the extra hour of sunlight, outdoor brunches on a restaurant patio with the girlies, and even a yummy mimosa for Easter celebrations with family and friends. No matter what the occasion, though, the most crucial aspect of a fantastic spring cocktail is that it’s bright and refreshing. And, bonus points if there’s floral or fruity notes to really brighten up a drink that’s best enjoyed in warm weather. Regardless of whether you prefer to drink gin, rum, vodka, tequila, or even wine, here are 10 easy spring cocktails to make the most of the new season.
Earl Grey Lavender Gin Sour
Just as the espresso martini is a booze-y spin on a morning beverage, @coaster.to.coaster pays homage to another popular A.M. drink: earl grey tea. Mix empress gin, lemon juice, brewed earl grey tea, lavender syrup, and an egg white for some foam. Top with a lavender sprig for garnish.
#SpoonTip: Want to make it vegan? Substitute the egg white with aquafaba.
Strawberry Spritz
A spring cocktail roundup wouldn’t be complete without spritzes. They’re crisp, refreshing, fun, and the possibilities of customization are endless. This easy strawberry spritz by @theblondecoachbar calls for vodka, fresh strawberries, prosecco, and soda water.
White Linen
Nothing screams “springtime” more than the smell of fresh linen, which is crisp, light, and fresh — just like this drink. TikTok user @boozyspells uses gin, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, cucumber, and some soda water to top it off. Sit back and sip this cocktail while you dry your laundry outside in the warm sun.
Blueberry Basil Smash
A basil smash is my go-to drink in the summer, and @kristiwithatwist makes a sweet and springtime version of the classic drink by adding fresh blueberries. While Kristi uses vodka in her recipe, you can also try using gin to keep the flavor light and botanical — perfect for spring florals.
Clementine & Rosemary Collins
For a springtime spin on the classic drink, Tom Collins, @beitudong26 mixes gin, triple sec, clementine juice, lemon juice, rosemary syrup, and soda water to create this bold beverage. Don’t forget to garnish with a rosemary sprig and a clementine wheel.
Cantaloupe & Olive Oil Margarita
Savory cocktail lovers, we see you. @yellowbellykelly creates a sweet and savory margarita by blending cantaloupe, tequila, lime, cointreau, and agave syrup together, before topping it with some olive oil. Pair it with chips and fresh guacamole for a perfect spring snack.
Spring Flower Gimlet
Upgrade your typical Gin Gimlet with this fun and floral cocktail that’s perfect for spring time. @Beitudong26 uses butterfly pea flower gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and a lime wheel for garnish. Once mixed together, you have a beautifully pink colored drink that tastes just as good as it looks.
Limoncello Rosé Sangria
If you’re having a group of friends over for spring brunch or heading out for a boozy picnic, make life easy with a simple batch of this delectable sangria by @itscocktailhour. In a large carafe, mix fresh raspberries, lemon slices, limoncello, raspberry purée and sparkling rosé. This recipe makes four to six servings, perfect for a yap session.
Lime & Yuzu Mojito
User @beitudong26 strikes again with this refreshingly sour mojito. She uses fresh mint, a non-alcoholic lime & yuzu mojito mix, and lemon slices. While the recipe is technically for a mocktail, you can easily add your desired rum or vodka to make it spirited.
Peaches & Cream Margarita
Peach season isn’t until late spring, but who says you have to wait till then to enjoy a peachy drink? User @drinkswithdanica uses peach purée, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, heavy cream, and agave to make this sweet treat. By the time you finish your drink (or two), it will have you feeling peachy keen.