Entertaining

The 11 Best Cocktails for Spring

James Spader’s character in The Blacklist described the Aviation best: “...tastes like spring, doesn’t it?” This floral-flecked variation on a gin sour may as well be the mascot for the fairest of seasons. To get its flavor and alluring violet hue, the Aviation employs the delicate but potent crème de violette, a violet-flavored liqueur that was revived in the United States by liqueur-maker Rothman & Winter in 2007.

 

The uplifting flavor of fragrant, fresh roses is a perfect match for effervescent sparkling wine, which tops this simple amalgam of Aperol and rose petal syrup. The spritzy, bittersweet drink will give you the feeling that you’re walking through a garden, and the leftover ingredients can even be used in an at-home pampering spa treatment.

Whiskey gets a breath of fresh air in this seasonal twist on the Sazerac, which doubles-down on the classic’s savory aromatics with the addition of caraway-tinged aquavit, cumin-flavored Kummel liqueur and celery bitters. A generous garnish of fennel fronds give it an ultra-fresh aroma—perfect for when you feel like lounging around outdoors.

Matcha tea lattes are one of our favorite winter indulgences, but come springtime, this bright, cold brew matcha cocktail really hits the spot. The vivid green spritz pairs the bitter notes of matcha with vegetal Bison Grass vodka, and gets a kick of sweetness from a zesty oleo saccharum syrup.

A simple Gin & Tonic may be an ideal spring cocktail on its own, but this floral variation is masterpiece for the season. Homemade lavender cordial, spicy ginger syrup and fresh lemon juice give the G&T new life, channeling fizzy lemonade with a delightful boozy kick.

This creamy egg white cocktail may be inspired by a field of flowers, but it’s not your average garden variety drink. Earl grey tea syrup and botanical-laced London Dry gin infuse this Gin Fizz with an herbaceous kick, while a few dashes of lavender bitters and an eye-catching lavender sprig add the perfect touch of perfume.  

 

The classic peach Bellini gets an herbal, bittersweet makeover in this White Negroni-inspired twist. Peach liqueur is added in place of purée and the bitter, citrusy flavor of Suze aperitif gives the drink some much needed edge. Finish it off with fresh tarragon for garnish, and you’ve got a balanced cocktail that worth of any bottomless brunch.

As dark and bitter as winter may be, you can always count on spring to come right around the corner and wipe away that slushy nightmare—and you can always count on a refreshing Mojito to pep you up for a season of fresh, minty summer cocktails. Be gentle as you muddle your cooling herbs, letting the full flavor of the leaves shine by just slightly pressing them to release their oils. Don’t crush them (like that winter blizzard crushed your soul).

With spring comes the promise of warm weather activities at the beach and the pool, which means you’ll need to find that summer body you put somewhere, and quick. Sage water makes a light and grassy mixer for mezcal, which only gets slightly sweetened with agave syrup for a healthy(ish) cocktail that won’t set back your fitness goals.

Bright, unaged pisco makes the perfect pairing for the sweet vegetal flavors of spring. Infusing sweet peas directly into the spirit makes for a great base in this slightly spicy sour, which gets some kick from ginger syrup and lemon juice. It’s the perfect aperitif before a veggie-heavy meal or to drink alongside a colorful brunch salad.

If you missed the memo that it was time to put away your heavy winter coat and don your lightest tee, bright red rhubarb will remind you it's springtime. This ruby Margarita variation embraces the sweet-tart flavor of lightly sweetened rhubarb, combining it with rosemary and elderflower liqueur for a sweet, sour and floral sipper. Consider taking yours al fresco once you run home and change.