Our Best Spring Cocktails Recipes

BY Valerie Russo February 14, 2025

Spring brings warm breezes and sunny days, making it the perfect time to refresh your drink menu.

The season’s fresh ingredients like citrus, herbs, and berries create exciting new flavor combinations for your cocktail adventures.

You’ll discover bright and vibrant drinks that capture spring’s essence, from classic mojitos to creative new combinations like pineapple jalapeño margaritas.

These recipes mix seasonal ingredients with traditional spirits to create drinks that work well for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.

1. Cherry Blossomtini

This light and refreshing cocktail brings spring to your glass with a mix of sake and floral notes. You can make it with basic ingredients found in most home bars.

Mix 2 ounces of sake with 1 ounce of vodka as your base. Add half an ounce of orange juice and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

A dash of almond extract adds depth.

For a sweeter version, add a bit more cranberry juice. Garnish with a brandied cherry to make it picture-perfect.

This drink works great for parties or quiet evenings at home.

Keep your ingredients chilled for the best results.

The crisp, clean taste matches perfectly with spring celebrations and outdoor gatherings.

2. Strawberry Pisco Sour

This refreshing spring cocktail brings together the bold flavors of pisco with sweet strawberries and tart lime juice.

You’ll need 2 ounces of pisco, 2 ounces of fresh crushed strawberries, 1/2 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup.

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled glass.

For extra flair, you can garnish your drink with a fresh strawberry slice or a lime wheel.

The bright pink color makes this cocktail perfect for spring gatherings.

3. New York Sour

This classic cocktail adds a unique twist to the traditional whiskey sour by floating red wine on top.

You’ll need bourbon or rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dry red wine like Shiraz or Beaujolais.

Start by combining 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled.

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Carefully pour 1/2 ounce of red wine over the back of a spoon to create a beautiful layered effect on top of your drink.

For an extra silky texture, you can add an egg white to the initial shake. If using egg white, shake all ingredients except wine without ice first, then add ice and shake again before straining.

4. Green Giant

This fresh spring cocktail combines gin with sugar snap peas and tarragon for a bright, garden-fresh flavor. You can make it with either Old Tom gin or London dry gin.

Mix 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce lemon juice, 3/4 ounce simple syrup, and 1/2 ounce dry vermouth.

Muddle 4 sugar snap peas and 8 tarragon leaves in a shaker with the simple syrup.

Add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a sugar snap pea.

Pick fresh, crisp peas with bright green color for the best results.

5. Gin Fizz

The Gin Fizz brings a light and refreshing twist to your spring cocktail menu. You’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda to create this classic drink.

Mix 2 ounces of gin with 1 ounce of lemon juice and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.

Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with club soda and watch as the drink transforms into a fizzy delight.

The bubbles create a smooth, creamy texture that makes this cocktail perfect for warm spring afternoons.

6. Margarita

The classic margarita shines as a spring cocktail with its bright citrus flavors. Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice for a crisp, refreshing drink.

You can rim your glass with salt or sugar depending on your taste. Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim before dipping it in your chosen garnish.

For a spring twist, try adding fresh cucumber and mint to your margarita. The cool flavors complement the tequila and lime perfectly.

Want something spicier? Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker before mixing. The heat pairs well with the citrus and creates an exciting balance of flavors.

7. Lemon Basil Vodka Collins

The Lemon Basil Vodka Collins adds a fresh herb twist to the classic Collins cocktail. You’ll need vodka, fresh lemon juice, basil simple syrup, and club soda.

Make basil simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water with fresh basil leaves. Heat until dissolved, then strain and cool.

Mix 2 ounces vodka with 1 ounce lemon juice and 1/2 ounce basil simple syrup in a tall glass. Add ice and top with club soda. Give it a quick stir.

Garnish your drink with a lemon slice and fresh basil sprig.

The bright citrus and herbal notes create a perfect springtime refreshment.

8. Blossoming Sake Cocktail

This spring-inspired cocktail combines sake with cherry liqueur for a drink that captures the essence of cherry blossom season. You’ll need sake, cherry liqueur, gin, and a splash of lemon juice.

Mix 2 ounces of sake with 1 ounce of cherry liqueur and 1/2 ounce of gin in a shaker filled with ice. Add 1/4 ounce of lemon juice for brightness.

Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a brandied cherry as garnish to make it extra special.

The drink has a soft pink color that matches the spring theme. Its light and refreshing taste works great for outdoor parties or afternoon gatherings.

9. Cucumber Mint Spritz

The Cucumber Mint Spritz offers a light and refreshing taste that captures the spirit of spring. You’ll need vodka, fresh cucumber slices, mint leaves, lime juice, and club soda.

Muddle 2-3 cucumber slices with a few mint leaves in your glass. Add 2 ounces of vodka and a splash of lime juice. Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda.

Give it a gentle stir to combine all ingredients. Garnish with a cucumber wheel and fresh mint sprig for an extra touch of elegance.

This drink works great for outdoor gatherings or relaxing on warm spring afternoons.

10. Lavender Lemonade Gin Cocktail

A lavender gin lemonade brings spring flavors to life in your glass. Mix gin, fresh lemon juice, and lavender syrup for a bright and floral drink.

You can use Empress 1908 Gin to add extra magic to your cocktail. This special gin changes color from indigo to lavender or pink when you add citrus.

Top your drink with a splash of soda water for a light fizz. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and a sprig of lavender to make it picture-perfect.

Your drink needs 2 oz gin, 1 oz lavender syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, and soda water to top. Shake the first three ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and add the soda water.

11. Raspberry Rosé Sangria

This refreshing spring cocktail combines crisp rosé wine with sweet raspberries for a perfect warm-weather drink.

Start with a bottle of chilled rosé wine and add fresh raspberries, sliced peaches, and a splash of brandy. The fruit adds natural sweetness and beautiful color to your drink.

Add a touch of Triple Sec and simple syrup to enhance the flavors. Let the mixture chill for at least 2 hours so the fruits can infuse the wine.

Before serving, top each glass with a splash of soda water for extra fizz.

This drink works great for spring parties and outdoor gatherings.

12. Elderflower Collins

The Elderflower Collins puts a floral spin on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. You’ll need gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and club soda to make this refreshing drink.

Mix 2 ounces of gin with 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled.

Strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir.

Garnish your drink with a lemon wheel or fresh elderflowers if available.

This light and fizzy cocktail makes a perfect choice for spring gatherings or outdoor parties.

13. Peach Bellini

A Peach Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that started at Harry’s Bar in Venice during the 1940s. The drink combines prosecco with sweet peach puree for a light and refreshing spring beverage.

You can make this cocktail two ways. Use fresh peaches when they’re in season, or opt for peach nectar or puree when fresh fruit isn’t available.

To make your Bellini, blend ripe peaches until smooth. Add a spoonful of the peach puree to your champagne flute, then slowly pour in cold prosecco. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

For an extra special touch, you can garnish your glass with a fresh peach slice.

This cocktail works great for spring brunches and celebrations.

14. Honeysuckle Daiquiri

This floral twist on the classic daiquiri combines light gold rum with honey syrup and citrus juices. The drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

To make your own Honeysuckle Daiquiri, combine 2 ounces of light gold rum with 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice and a splash of orange juice. Add honey syrup to taste.

Shake all ingredients with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

You can garnish your drink with a lemon twist or small edible flower to enhance its springtime appeal.

The cocktail’s smooth texture and bright flavors make it an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings.

15. Blood Orange Paloma

A Blood Orange Paloma adds a vibrant twist to the classic Mexican cocktail. You’ll need reposado tequila, fresh blood orange juice, lime juice, and grapefruit soda.

To make this drink, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of reposado tequila and 1 ounce each of blood orange and lime juice. Top with grapefruit soda and give it a gentle stir.

The blood orange creates a beautiful deep orange color and adds sweet-tart notes with hints of raspberry. The aged tequila brings subtle smoky flavors that blend perfectly with the citrus.

Your drink should be fizzy and refreshing, perfect for spring gatherings. Garnish with a blood orange wheel or lime wedge if you like.

Understanding Spring Cocktails

Spring cocktails bring fresh, light flavors that match the season’s bright energy. These drinks use seasonal ingredients and balanced combinations to create refreshing experiences.

Key Ingredients for Spring Cocktails

Fresh citrus fruits are essential for spring cocktails, especially lemons and limes. These add bright, zesty notes to your drinks.

Floral elements like elderflower liqueur, lavender syrup, and rose water create delicate aromatic layers in spring drinks.

Light spirits work best in spring cocktails. Choose vodka, gin, or light rum as your base. These allow other ingredients to shine through.

Fresh herbs make excellent garnishes and flavor enhancers. Mint, basil, and thyme are popular choices that add both visual appeal and taste.

The Art of Balancing Flavors

Start with a 2:1 ratio of spirit to citrus juice. This creates a balanced foundation for most spring cocktails.

Sweet and tart elements need careful balance. Use simple syrup or liqueurs to offset citrus, but don’t overpower the drink’s freshness.

Add sparkling elements like prosecco or soda water to create lightness. These bubbly additions make drinks more refreshing.

Mix flavors in layers. Begin with your base spirit, add citrus, then incorporate sweet and floral notes. Taste as you go to achieve the right balance.

Crafting Visual Appeal

The look of your spring cocktails matters just as much as their taste. Beautiful drinks catch the eye and make any occasion more special.

Garnishing Techniques

Fresh edible flowers like lavender and rose petals bring a seasonal touch to cocktails. Place them gently on top of the drink or freeze them in ice cubes.

Dehydrated citrus wheels add elegance and color. Layer them along the glass rim or float them on the surface.

Use fresh herbs as both garnish and aromatics. Mint sprigs, rosemary stems, and basil leaves work great when lightly clapped between your hands to release oils.

Top garnishing tools:

Glassware Selection

Pick glasses that showcase the colors and layers of your drinks.

Clear crystal or glass works best to display vibrant spring hues.

Best glasses for spring cocktails:

  • Coupe glasses for elegant presentations
  • Collins glasses for tall, refreshing drinks
  • Nick & Nora glasses for refined sips
  • Wine glasses for aromatic floral drinks

Your glass should be chilled before serving.

This prevents the ice from melting too quickly and keeps the drink colder longer.

Match glass size to drink volume.

A properly filled glass looks more appealing than one that’s too empty or overflowing.