Spring cocktails celebrate bright florals in color and flavor

As one season rolls into the next one, many favorite phrases come to mind. With spring, the promise of warmer weather, blooming florals and sunny skies offer a positive outlook after the dreary days of winter. Although statements about in like a lion and out like a lamb might be referencing the stars, the glass can offer some celestial sippers that celebrate the season’s change. With these spring cocktails, the garden holds a bounty of flavors to be enjoyed.

After warm cocktails and robust flavors, spring cocktails turn to lighter flavors and bright colors. While berries and florals are common, it is more than just a spoonful of jam. The sips offer a sense of promise, hope, and excitement.

Which of these spring cocktails bring a smile to your face?

Although watermelon might be a summer fruit, this light and airy cocktail gets a nuanced flavor from the lavender syrup. Plus, for anyone who has not used egg whites in a cocktail, do not be afraid. It adds viscosity to the cocktail.

Spring Flower Showers

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ parts Reyka Vodka
• 1 parts Fresh watermelon juice
• ¾ parts Fresh lemon juice
• ¾ parts Lavender syrup (see recipe below)
• Egg whites
• Cucumber slices

Method:

• In one cocktail shaker add egg white. In another muddle cucumber slice and add the remaining ingredients. Combine the shakers and dry shake. Add add ice and wet shake. Garnish and serve.

To make Lavender Syrup:

• 1 quart water, 4 cups granulated sugar, 1 ounce lavender buds. Cook the syrup first then steep the buds for 30 minutes off the heat, steep to taste.

As the garden begins to bloom in spring, this cocktail from Hendrick’s Gin is a bounty of flavors. Features the new Flora Adora, it is fruity, herbal, and quite refreshing.

Flora Adora Wildgarden Cup

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Flora Adora
• 1 Part Lemon Juice
• 1 Part Simple Syrup
• Top with Premium Sparkling Water
• 4 Raspberries
• 6 Mint Leaves
• 3 Cucumber Wheels

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with cucumber wheels, mint leaves & raspberries.

For some people, a strawberry daiquiri makes them think of frozen sips on Spring Break. While those little umbrella garnished cocktails have their place, they are not the only pours in the glass.

This Strawberry Daiquiri has a more robust flavor from Monkey Shoulder. It is still in the classic style, but the liquor twist makes it stand out.

Strawberry Daiquiri, but #makeitmonkey by Anna Mains, Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Monkey Shoulder
• ¾ part simple
• ¾ parts fresh lime juice
• 1-2 strawberries (sliced)

Method:

• Muddle strawberries in shaker, add ice, Monkey, lime, and simple. Shake. Double strain into coupe.

While the first weekend in May is always Derby Day, the classic Mint Julep might not be everyone’s favorite spring cocktail. With this version, the Kahlua helps to round out the Jameson Irish Whiskey. Plus, combining mint and Kahlua is a great flavor find. It might change that espresso martini for the better.

Kahlúa Jump-Up Julep

Ingredients:

• 1 Part Kahlúa
• 1.5 Parts Jameson Irish Whiskey
• 1 Sprig Mint Leaf

Method:

• Add some mint leaves and Kahlúa coffee liqueur into a mug or glass. Lightly muddle them together. Add the whiskey and crushed ice. Give it a stir until it’s chilled. Add a dome of ice on top. Garnish with a mint sprig.

When the bottle of Malibu is opened, just that coconut aroma can bring thoughts of sandy beaches. With this spring cocktail, the tropical coconut is contrasted with the bright mint and juicy strawberry. Rose all day season might be ahead but this cocktail should linger a little longer.

Malibu “Hello Spring” Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1 Part Malibu Original
• 4 Parts Sparkling Rosé
• 1/2 Part fresh strawberries, muddled
• Mint leaf sprig and sliced strawberries for garnish

Method:

• Add Malibu and fresh strawberry purée into a glass. Add ice cubes and top up with sparkling rosé wine. Mix together gently. Garnish with sliced strawberries and mint sprig.

The spritz, in its various forms, continues to have a moment. While some versions are herbal forward, this one takes a floral and spicy twist. The combination of spices is intriguing. It is definitely an eye opener.

Grapefruit and Rose Ginger Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces KOB Grapefruit + Rose
• 3 ounces Health-Ade Ginger Kombucha
• 1 dash Cardamom bitters
• Garnish: 1 grapefruit slice

What are some of your favorite spring cocktails? Do you change your signature cocktail every season?