As those of us in chillier climes finally thaw out from winter, springtime brings visions of garden parties, cardigan-clad picnic outings and, of course, spring cocktails.
What makes a cocktail appropriate for spring? Naturally, you can sip anything you choose, but we think of spring cocktails as lighter-side libations appropriate for lunch or brunch-hour affairs. These drinks lean on ingredients that herald the season’s bounty—carrots, peas and other garden fare—not to mention floral and herbaceous elements.
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Many of these drinks are appropriate for an Easter gathering, where the traditional fare similarly hits on themes of rebirth. Others are suitable for Passover, so long as you make sure all the ingredients meet the holiday’s dietary specifications. Others still are ideal for every springtime moment in between, whether that’s a park hang with friends (a pre-batched spring cocktail conveniently stashed in a thermos) or a solitary moment on the balcony, stealing sips while listening to birds chirp.
In short, these are drinks that remind us life begins anew each year. And isn’t that something worth celebrating?
Yellow Bell Pepper Mary
Golden-hued bell peppers, pineapple juice, yellow beet juice and mango nectar put a bright and sunny spin on the classic Bloody Mary. White balsamic vinegar and horseradish deliver a zing.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Yellow Bell Pepper Mary
Gin Daisy
With a name like the gin Daisy, it’s hard to imagine a more spring-appropriate sipper. The drink combines herbal and floral gin with fruity orange liqueur and grenadine, all topped off with soda water.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Gin Daisy
Bunny in a Top Hat
Here’s one for the NA crowd. Vegetal and vividly hued thanks to carrot-orange juice, this zero-proof offering accommodates those who might like to drink their veggies.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Bunny in a Top Hat
Russian Spring Punch
This bubbly, single-portion punch can easily be scaled up to accommodate a crowd. It gets its blush hue from the black currant liqueur créme de cassis.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Russian Spring Punch
Strawberry Basil Caipirinha
Brazilian cachaça mingles with lime, strawberries and basil in this fresh springtime sipper, which lands somewhere between a classic caipirinha and a strawberry daiquiri.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Strawberry Basil Caipirinha
The Rêver
In French, rêver means “to dream,” and this bright, herbaceous drink certainly encourages reverie. The main ingredient, blanc vermouth, lends bold, sweet and oxidized notes, while caraway-accented aquavit adds backbone and herbaceous yellow Chartreuse a subtle sweetness.
Get the Full Recipe Here: The Rêver
Cadbury Egg Cocktail
For those not interested in subtlety at their Easter gathering, this Cadbury Egg-inspired number does the trick. This is hardly a one-note sugar bomb, though—white creme de cacao adds chocolate flavor and body, while white chocolate liqueur delivers aromatic notes and cocoa butter flavor. The traditional Dutch beverage Advocaat provides a custard-like consistency.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Cadbury Egg Cocktail
Oh, Snap!
This drink pays homage to two gin-based classics: the citrusy Tom Collins and the crisp gin and tonic. Salty, briny and nutty Sherry pairs surprisingly well with the natural sweetness of sugar snap peas.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Oh, Snap!
Night Vision Cocktail
Earthy carrot syrup uplifts barrel-aged gin in this savory cocktail, which also leans on nutty vermouth. A smattering of caraway lends a complex layer of spice.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Night Vision Cocktail
Sex on the Beach
Is there a more iconic Spring Break cocktail than the Sex on the Beach? This 80s-era classic is a blend of cranberry and orange juices with peach schnapps, which gives the provocatively-named drink a tropical vibe and acidity.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Sex on the Beach
Lavender Haze Cocktail
This Taylor Swift-inspired number is also right for springtime thanks to its amethyst-hued lavender syrup. Adapted from a cocktail served at stadiums on her epic Eras Tour, this version also features tart lemon juice, frothy egg whites, floral gin and elderflower liqueur.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Lavender Haze Cocktail
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Published: March 14, 2024
