Cheers to Spring: 5 Delightful Cocktails to Celebrate in Style
The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and it's time to welcome the vibrant season of spring with open arms. What better way to do that than with a refreshing cocktail in hand? In this post, we're shaking things up and sharing 5 delightful spring cocktails that'll have you celebrating in style. From zesty citrus concoctions to floral-infused sips, these libations are sure to brighten up any gathering or simply make an ordinary day extraordinary. Cheers to spring, and let's get mixing!
1. Strawberry Basil Smash
Say hello to spring with a vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Basil Smash. This cocktail combines the fruity sweetness of ripe strawberries with the herbal notes of fresh basil, creating a symphony of flavors that's perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients:
2 oz. gin
1 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
4-5 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
4-5 fresh basil leaves
Instructions: Muddle the strawberries and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a strawberry and basil leaf.
2. Lavender Lemonade Spritz
Embrace the delicate flavors of spring with a Lavender Lemonade Spritz. This elegant cocktail combines homemade lavender syrup with lemonade and sparkling wine, making it the perfect drink for a brunch or garden party.
Ingredients:
1 oz. lavender syrup (see recipe below)
2 oz. lemonade
2 oz. sparkling wine
Lemon wheel and lavender sprig for garnish
Lavender Syrup Recipe:
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
Instructions: To make the lavender syrup, combine water, sugar, and lavender in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup into a jar, discarding the lavender. To assemble the cocktail, pour lavender syrup and lemonade into a glass with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon wheel and lavender sprig.
3. Cucumber Mint Gimlet
Refresh your taste buds with a crisp and cool Cucumber Mint Gimlet. This modern twist on a classic cocktail combines cucumber-infused gin with zesty lime and a touch of mint, resulting in a drink that's as refreshing as a spring breeze.
Ingredients:
2 oz. cucumber-infused gin
1 oz. lime juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup
4-5 fresh mint leaves
Instructions: To make cucumber-infused gin, simply add cucumber slices to a bottle of gin and let sit for at least 24 hours. For the cocktail, muddle the mint leaves in a shaker. Add cucumber-infused gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cucumber slice and mint leaf.
4. Cherry Blossom Fizz
Celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms with a Cherry Blossom Fizz. This delightful cocktail combines cherry brandy, lemon juice, and sparkling water for a fizzy and fruity concoction that's perfect for a spring evening.
Ingredients:
2 oz. cherry brandy
1 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
Sparkling water
Fresh cherry blossoms and lemon twist for garnish
Instructions: In a glass filled with ice, combine cherry brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well, then top with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh cherry blossoms and a lemon twist.
5. Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer
Add a touch of sophistication to your spring gatherings with a Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer. This delightful cocktail features the tartness of grapefruit juice, the herbal aroma of rosemary, and the gentle bubbles of sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
2 oz. vodka
2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1oz. rosemary simple syrup (see recipe below)
2 oz. sparkling wine
Rosemary sprig and grapefruit twist for garnish
Rosemary Simple Syrup Recipe:
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions: To make the rosemary simple syrup, combine water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup into a jar, discarding the rosemary. To assemble the cocktail, pour vodka, grapefruit juice, and rosemary simple syrup into a glass filled with ice. Stir well, then top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and grapefruit twist.
Conclusion
As the days grow warmer and the flowers begin to bloom, there's no better way to welcome the season than with a refreshing spring cocktail. These five delicious concoctions showcase the flavors and aromas of spring, making them perfect for sipping on a sunny patio or toasting at a garden party. From fruity and fizzy to herbal and tart, there's a drink to suit every taste. So grab your cocktail shaker, gather your ingredients, and celebrate the arrival of spring in style. Cheers!