Whether you're lounging on the patio or hosting a weekend brunch, these seven easy spring cocktails are perfect. Each recipe uses accessible ingredients and minimal steps, so you can enjoy more sipping and less mixing.
1. Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz
Muddle 3 slices of cucumber and a few mint leaves, add 2 oz gin, 1 oz lime juice, and top with club soda. Serve over ice for an herbal hit.
2. Lavender Lemonade Spritz
Add 1 oz lavender syrup and 1 oz lemon juice to a glass of prosecco or sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower.
3. Strawberry Basil Smash
Muddle 2 strawberries and 2 basil leaves in a shaker. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz simple syrup, and 1 oz lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass.
4. Grapefruit Paloma
For a tangy twist, mix 2 oz tequila, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, ½ oz lime juice, and a splash of agave syrup. Top with sparkling water and serve over ice with a salted rim.
5. Honey Thyme Whiskey Sour
In a shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, ¾ oz lemon juice, and ½ oz honey-thyme syrup (just infuse honey with fresh thyme). Shake well and serve on the rocks with a thyme sprig garnish.
6. Rosé Sangria
Slice up oranges, strawberries, and peaches. Add to a pitcher with 1 bottle of dry rosé, 1 oz brandy, and 1 oz triple sec. Let it chill for at least an hour before serving over ice.
7. Coconut Pineapple Cooler
For something tropical, mix 2 oz white rum, 1 oz coconut water, and 2 oz pineapple juice. Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass.
Cover Photo by Rajesh Kavasseri
