The concept for springtime cocktails is to create drinks that are light, refreshing, and incorporate seasonal ingredients. These cocktails often feature bright colors, floral notes, and a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Spring cocktails can be made with a variety of spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, and tequila, and often include fresh fruits, herbs, and edible flowers as garnishes. The goal is to create drinks that capture the essence of spring and are perfect for sipping outdoors or at springtime gatherings. So let’s dive into some delicious springtime cocktails that will leave your mouth watering.
What Makes a Springtime Cocktail?
As mentioned, the key to a delicious springtime cocktails is the focus on the liquor used and how it is paired with the flavors through cordials, fruits, and herbs. Thinking of springtime cocktails, the weather is warming up so the idea of having a cream-based, cinnamon and bourbon cocktail doesn’t sound the best. Not to say you can’t have your bourbon in the spring and summer, but thinking of how the cocktails are created. This is why lighter cocktails like the Aperol Spritz begin to grow in popularity during this time of year over cocktails like the espresso martini.
When I start recipe planning cocktails for our social media Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker, my brain starts shifting to citrus, lighter spirits, lavender, lemon, and more. I typically will pair springtime cocktails with Lavender or Lemon Smoke Dust as these two pair so well with lighter spirits.
Popular by the Season
Each season brings new flavors and new cocktails. Here are some of the top cocktails of each season! Take a look at each one to better understand the spirits in each and how the cocktails are crafted based on the weather.
Spring:
- Mojito: A refreshing cocktail made with rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water.
- Margarita: A classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, often served with a salted rim.
- Pimm’s Cup: A British cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and various fruits, herbs, and spices.
- Gin and Tonic: A simple and refreshing cocktail made with gin and tonic water, often garnished with a lime wedge or other citrus fruits.
Summer:
- Piña Colada: A tropical cocktail made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
- Daiquiri: A classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Mojito: Also popular in summer for its refreshing qualities.
- Aperol Spritz: A light and bubbly cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, often garnished with an orange slice.
Fall:
- Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus zest.
- Hot Toddy: A warm and soothing cocktail made with whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon, often enjoyed during colder fall months.
- Apple Cider Bourbon Smash: A seasonal twist on the classic smash cocktail, made with bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Pumpkin Spice Martini: A festive cocktail made with vodka, pumpkin spice liqueur, and cream, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Winter:
- Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps: A warm and comforting drink made with hot chocolate and a splash of peppermint schnapps.
- Irish Coffee: A classic cocktail made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream.
- Mulled Wine: A warm and spiced wine beverage, often made with red wine, spices, and citrus fruits.
- Spiked Eggnog: A rich and creamy holiday drink made with eggs, milk, sugar, and either rum or brandy.
These are just a few examples, and the popularity of cocktails can vary widely based on personal preference and location.
Springtime Cordials
A cordial is a sweet, flavored, often alcoholic liquid that is used in cocktails or as a digestif. Cordials are typically made by infusing fruits, herbs, spices, or flowers in a base spirit, such as brandy or vodka, and then sweetening the mixture with sugar. Cordials can be enjoyed on their own or used as a mixer in cocktails to add flavor and sweetness. Common types of cordials include fruit liqueurs, such as cherry or raspberry, and herbal liqueurs, such as chartreuse or absinthe.
There are several great cordials that are perfect for springtime cocktails. Here are a few popular options:
- Elderflower Liqueur (such as St-Germain): Elderflower liqueur has a delicate floral flavor that pairs well with a variety of spirits and mixers. It adds a lovely floral note to cocktails and is a great choice for springtime drinks.
- Rhubarb Liqueur: Rhubarb liqueur has a tart and slightly sweet flavor that is perfect for spring. It can be used in a variety of cocktails and adds a unique twist to classic recipes.
- Cherry Blossom Liqueur: Cherry blossom liqueur has a light and floral flavor that is reminiscent of spring. It can be used to add a subtle floral note to cocktails and is often used in Japanese-inspired drinks.
- Lavender Liqueur: Lavender liqueur has a fragrant and floral flavor that is perfect for spring cocktails. It can be used to add a floral note to drinks and pairs well with citrus flavors.
- Blossom Syrups: Various blossom syrups, such as cherry blossom or apple blossom, can add a delicate floral note to cocktails. These syrups can be used to sweeten drinks and add a subtle floral flavor.
5 Springtime Cocktails to Try Today
Give these simple springtime cocktails a try this spring!
Gin and Tonic with a Twist
The classic gin and tonic is a simple yet refreshing cocktail made with gin, tonic water, ice, and a garnish, typically a lime wedge. The cocktail is built directly in a glass filled with ice, with the gin and tonic water poured over the ice and stirred gently to combine. The bitterness of the tonic water balances the herbal and botanical notes of the gin, creating a crisp and effervescent drink that is perfect for warm weather or any time you’re craving a refreshing cocktail. Adding elderflower liqueur to a classic gin and tonic is a popular variation that adds a floral and sweet twist to the drink.
Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
Combining 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of lavender simple syrup, 1 oz of lemon juice with ice makes a delicious and perfectly paired springtime cocktail. Smoke this with one of our Lavender or Lemon Peel Smoke Dusts to make a delicious spring in a cup cocktail!
Cucumber Mint Cooler
The cooling effect of cucumber and mint comes from their natural properties, which can be particularly refreshing, especially in warm weather or when used in cocktails. To make this cocktail, combine 2 oz of gin with 1/2 simple syrup, 1/2 oz lime juice, 4 cucumber slices, 6-8 muddled mint leaves, and soda water.
Cucumber: Cucumber has a high water content, which gives it a hydrating and cooling effect. When used in drinks, cucumber can add a crisp and refreshing quality, making it a popular choice for cocktails, especially in summer.
Mint: Mint has a refreshing and invigorating flavor, with a cooling sensation that is due to the menthol content in the leaves. When muddled or used as a garnish in cocktails, mint can add a bright and herbaceous note, enhancing the overall freshness of the drink.
When combined, cucumber and mint create a dynamic duo that not only tastes great but also provides a cooling sensation that can be particularly enjoyable in warm weather. This combination is often used in cocktails to add a refreshing twist and enhance the overall drinking experience.
Peach Rose Sangria
A Peach Rose Sangria is a delightful and refreshing twist on the traditional sangria, perfect for spring and summer. It combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the floral notes of rose wine, creating a light and fruity cocktail.
To make this delicious springtime cocktail recipe, you will need to combine the following into a glass pitcher and let chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours :
- 1 bottle of rose wine
- 1/2 cup peach schnapps
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the peaches and wine)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1-2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
Do you have a favorite springtime cocktail that you love? Leave a comment below with your favorite for us to try!
