As the cold, dark winter opens up to longer days and glorious sunshine, now is the perfect time to make the most of the crisp outdoor air. And what better way to relax in the spring sun than with a few ice-cold spring cocktails?
Even if it’s not quite summer, why not enjoy the beautiful weather and get a good head start on your cocktail making skills at the same time? From the fruity frozen strawberry daiquiri to a fragrant and fresh elderflower and apple gintini, the best spring cocktails evoke a sense of new beginnings.
Keep reading and be inspired by our all-time favorite spring cocktails!
The 6 Best Spring Cocktails!
Our favorite spring cocktail recipes are refreshing alcoholic drinks that blend fruit with light spirits. They can be sweet, or sour, or fizzy, or flat – what we’re looking for are the best floral ingredients that really give you a sense that spring is here and summer is not too far away.
Rather than the warm alcoholic cocktails that we enjoy in the cold, dark winter months, these floral-inspired spring cocktails need to be cool and refreshing. The sun is now far up in the sky, and we need lots of ice to enjoy the weather and those beautiful spring flavors!
Spring drinks and fruity cocktails are best served chilled (just like summer alcoholic drinks, too). And so, the best spring cocktails should always try to use the best ice.
We highly recommended using an ice ball maker to produce the clearest, purest ice that you can at home. Clear ice takes longer to melt, and so your cocktail remains fresh and undiluted for much longer than if you were using regular ice.
Now, here are our favorite trendy cocktails for springtime!
#1. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
You’ve been craving that icy, refreshing cocktail all winter. Now, the sun is up and you can finally enjoy a classic slushie cocktail. It’s time for a frozen strawberry daiquiri!
It’s easy to prepare at home. All you’re going to need is a lot of ice and the following ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Lime juice
- White rum
The secret to a good daiquiri is the ice. Load up a blender with crushed ice, then add in the rest of your ingredients. Serve in a cocktail or martini glass.
Tip: Try using frozen strawberries instead of ice, and don’t be afraid to try out other frozen berries, too!
#2. Honey Rose Margarita
The honey rose margarita is a springtime twist on a summertime favorite. This cocktail adds a classy dash of honey water and some floral rose water to really emphasize the freshness of the season.
To prepare a honey rose margarita, you need the following ingredients:
- Cointreau
- Tequila
- Lemon juice
- Honey water
- Rose water
Use a cocktail shaker to mix everything up before pouring your honey rose margarita straight over cold ice.
Tip: Use Blanco tequila for the freshest springtime cocktail!
#3. Mint Julep
Who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of minty goodness in the spring sunshine? We love it, which is why we highly recommend trying out a delectable mint julep.
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- Mint
- Bourbon whiskey
- Simple syrup
Mix your favorite bourbon with some sweet, simple syrup, then shake it up with some muddled mint. Pour over crushed ice, and serve with a few sprigs of fresh mint to finish!
Tip: Why not use a honey-infused bourbon whiskey for another welcome element of sweetness?
#4. Fruity Sangria
A fruity sangria is the ultimate relaxing spring drink. We love this one because you can add as much or as little fruit as you desire, make it as strong or weak as you need to, and mix up a large batch each time.
To make a fruit sangria, you’re going to need to the following:
- Oranges
- Lemon
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Orange juice
- Sugar
- Red wine
Slice up your fruit, add it to a large pitcher with ice, then pour in red wine and orange juice. It’s easy to make and even easier to drink all day long.
Tip: Try adding another alcoholic element, such as brandy (for flavor) or champagne (for the fizz).
#5. Elderflower and Apple Gintini
The elderflower and apple gintini could be our all-time favorite gin-based cocktail. And it’s perfect for the spring season!
The botanicals really bring out that sense of new life while adding a wonderfully floral element to this cocktail.
To make one, you’ll need:
- Gin
- Elderflower cordial
- Apple juice
- Apple slices
Just mix everything up and serve with lots of ice. In fact, we recommend mixing up a pitcher of this cocktail.
Tip: Add simple syrup to make this a much sweeter spring cocktail.
#6. Moscow Mule
The Moscow mule is another classic, and there’s no better time of the year to enjoy a refreshing ginger kick than the spring.
To make this famed drink, you’ll need:
- Vodka
- Ginger beer
- Lime juice
This is a super refreshing cocktail, so it’s important to add lots of ice to your cocktail shaker. Serve with an extra slice of lime for added garnish.
Tip: The Moscow mule is traditionally served in a copper mug, which keeps the drink cold!
How Do You Stop a Cocktail Headache?
When you’re trying out all the newest cocktails in the spring sunshine, it can be easy to get carried away!
We’ve got a few tips, though, to help you avoid the dreaded cocktail headache and to limit the after-effects the next day:
- Drink alcoholic cocktails in moderation – sip your drink slowly, savor the taste, and enjoy the ingredients!
- Mix lots of fruity beverages into the cocktails, and don’t go overboard on the alcohol.
- Try drinking one non-alcoholic drink or cocktail for every alcoholic cocktail you enjoy. This slows you down and keeps you hydrated.
Now It’s Time to Mix a Few Spring Cocktails!
The sun’s out, the skies are clear, and it’s starting to warm up. That means it’s time to mix up a few of your favorite spring cocktails.
Whether you prefer gin-based classics, a frozen strawberry daiquiri, or a new twist on an old favorite, there’s a spring cocktail that has your name on it!
Get the cocktail shakers ready and bookmark our cocktail recipes, so you can try out some delicious new spring cocktails!