Our Best Spring Cocktail Recipes

Spring has arrived, and it’s time to refresh your drink menu with some delicious seasonal cocktails.

As the weather warms up, these spring-inspired beverages featuring fruity, floral, and herbal flavors are perfect for celebrating longer days and blooming gardens.

You’ll find these 21 spring cocktail recipes offer wonderful combinations of seasonal ingredients.

From light and refreshing options to creative twists on classic drinks, these recipes are easy to make at home and ideal for any spring gathering, from casual backyard get-togethers to special celebrations.

1. Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey

This refreshing spring cocktail combines the botanical notes of gin with bright citrus and floral lavender.

To make it, you’ll need 2-3 ounces of gin, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of lavender flavor.

Mix the gin with about 3/4 to 1 ounce of lemon juice and add lavender simple syrup or honey for sweetness.

Then, top with seltzer water for effervescence.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender if available. Some versions include elderflower liqueur for added complexity.

This drink perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors, making it an ideal choice for welcoming warmer weather.

2. Mezcal Michelada

The Mezcal Michelada puts a smoky twist on the classic Mexican beer cocktail. By adding 1 oz of mezcal to the traditional recipe, you’ll get a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

This cocktail is perfect for spring gatherings and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The combination of spicy, savory, and smoky elements creates a refreshing drink that’s still bold enough for cooler spring days.

You can easily make this at home despite its impressive bar-worthy profile.

Start with a salt-rimmed glass, add the mezcal, lime juice, hot sauce, and your favorite Mexican beer.

3. Orange Ginger Mint Soda

This refreshing spring drink combines bright citrus, spicy ginger, and cool mint for a perfect seasonal beverage. You can enjoy it as a mocktail or add your favorite spirit to make it a cocktail.

To make this delightful drink, you’ll need oranges, raw sugar, water, fresh ginger pieces, mint, and club soda.

The sweet-tart orange balances beautifully with the warming ginger and refreshing mint notes.

Serve your Orange Ginger Mint Soda over crushed ice in a tall glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and an orange slice for a beautiful presentation.

This low-calorie option is perfect for spring gatherings or simply enjoying on a warm afternoon.

4. Rick Pick’s Bloody Mary

Rick’s Picks Bloody Mary Mix offers a rich, flavorful base for a classic spring cocktail. The recipe combines low-sodium tomato juice with bold seasonings for a perfect balance.

You’ll need tomato juice, beef bouillon, garlic, lemon zest and juice, along with Rick’s Picks Mean Beans for garnish. The mix blends savory and tangy notes beautifully.

For the full cocktail, simply add vodka and ice, then strain into a tall glass. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to match your preference.

This drink makes an excellent addition to spring brunches or outdoor gatherings when the weather warms up.

5. Italian Gin & Tonic

The Italian Gin & Tonic puts a Mediterranean twist on the classic cocktail. It adds Campari or Aperol plus sweet vermouth to give it a negroni-inspired flavor profile.

To make this spring favorite, combine 2 ounces of gin with 1 ounce of lemon juice. Add ½ ounce of elderflower liqueur like St. Germaine and ½ ounce of Campari (or use Aperol for a less bitter taste).

Finish with a dash of orange bitters and top with tonic water. The result is a beautiful pink-hued drink with complex flavors perfect for warm evenings.

Garnish with an orange slice or fresh berries to enhance the spring vibe of this refreshing cocktail.

6. Sakura Martini

The Sakura Martini brings a taste of spring to your glass with its delicate cherry blossom flavor. This elegant drink combines sake, gin, and a touch of cherry liqueur for a floral twist on the classic martini.

To make this cocktail, combine 2.5 oz of sake, 5 tsp of gin (Roku works well), and just 1/8 tsp of maraschino liqueur in a mixing glass with ice.

Stir about 50 times until well-chilled.

Strain your creation into a chilled martini glass. The result is a refined, lightly floral cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of cherry blossom season.

7. Tequila Highball

The Tequila Highball is a refreshing spring cocktail that’s simple to make but full of flavor. This light drink combines the earthy notes of tequila with the fizzy brightness of club soda.

To make a Tequila Highball, you’ll need 2 oz of quality tequila, 4-6 oz of club soda, and fresh lime juice.

Pour the tequila over ice in a highball glass, add a squeeze of lime, and top with club soda.

You can customize your highball with fruit-forward additions like grapefruit or orange juice. These citrus flavors pair beautifully with tequila’s natural profile, making it perfect for warm spring days.

8. Prosecco Mint Julep

The Prosecco Mint Julep offers a refreshing twist on the classic Southern cocktail. This lighter version combines bourbon with the effervescence of dry prosecco for a bubbly spring drink.

To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint leaves with simple syrup. Add bourbon and crushed ice, then top with prosecco for a sparkling finish.

A dash of Angostura bitters brings depth to the flavor profile.

This festive drink is perfect for low-key cocktail hours and spring gatherings when you want something refreshing yet sophisticated.

You’ll appreciate how this cocktail maintains the mint julep’s essence while adding a lively, effervescent quality that’s ideal for warmer weather.

9. Blueberry Gin & Tonic

The Blueberry Gin & Tonic adds a fruity twist to the classic cocktail, perfect for spring gatherings. Fresh blueberries give it a beautiful purple hue and sweet flavor.

To make this drink, muddle fresh blueberries with rosemary, simple syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.

Add gin and ice, then shake well.

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few blueberries.

You can also make blueberry syrup in advance to simplify preparation. This refreshing cocktail balances the botanical notes of gin with sweet-tart blueberry flavor.

10. Key Lime Mojito

The Key Lime Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito that’s perfect for spring gatherings. This cocktail combines the traditional mint and rum base with the bright flavor of key limes.

To make this drink, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar before adding key lime juice and white rum.

Pour the mixture over ice and top with club soda for a fizzy finish.

For an extra special touch, garnish with a mint sprig and half a key lime on the rim.

Some variations even include a splash of heavy cream for a creamy taste reminiscent of key lime pie.

This mojito works well as a single serving or can be prepared in a pitcher for parties.

11. Spiked Arnold Palmer

A Spiked Arnold Palmer combines the refreshing taste of iced tea and lemonade with a splash of alcohol for a perfect spring cocktail. The traditional recipe mixes these two beverages with bourbon, though some variations use vodka instead.

To make this drink, simply stir together equal parts tea and lemonade, then add your choice of bourbon or vodka.

Add some simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.

This cocktail is ideal for afternoon sipping on warm spring days. You can garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves for a fresh touch. Serve over ice in a tall glass for maximum refreshment.

12. Spiked Sparkling Basil Lemonade

This refreshing cocktail brings together the bright flavors of lemonade with aromatic basil for a perfect spring drink. The combination creates a balance of sweet, tart, and herbal notes.

To make this cocktail, muddle fresh basil leaves with sugar and vodka in a shaker.

Add lemonade and ice, then shake well.

Pour into glasses filled with ice and top with seltzer for that delightful fizz.

Garnish with lemon slices and additional basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of sugar or using a sweeter lemonade.

This drink works wonderfully for garden parties or relaxing on warm spring afternoons.

13. Gin Fizz

The Gin Fizz is a perfect spring cocktail that brings together bright flavors with a refreshing fizz. This classic drink features gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water.

To make a Gin Fizz, combine 1.5 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice.

Shake until well-chilled, then strain into a glass.

For a spring twist, try the Petal Pink Gin Fizz by adding a splash of floral liqueur or a few drops of rose water. You can also garnish with edible flowers to enhance the springtime feel.

14. Fresh Berry Delicious

Springtime brings an abundance of fresh berries that are perfect for cocktails.

You can create a refreshing drink by muddling raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries with your favorite spirit.

Try a Blackberry Bourbon Smash for a tangy twist on a classic. Simply muddle blackberries with mint, add bourbon, and top with club soda.

For something lighter, a Blueberry Gin Sour combines fresh blueberries with gin, lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup. The vibrant color makes it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Raspberries pair wonderfully with tequila or vodka for a bright, fruity flavor that captures the essence of spring.

15. Strawberry Pisco Sour

The Strawberry Pisco Sour is a fruity twist on the classic South American cocktail. This spring favorite combines the grape-based spirit pisco with fresh strawberry flavors.

To make this cocktail, you’ll need about 2 ounces of pisco, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, 1 ounce of strawberry simple syrup, and 1 ounce of egg white.

Some recipes also include a few drops of rose water for extra complexity.

Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker or blender. Shake or blend until smooth and frothy, then strain into a lowball glass.

The result is a beautiful pink drink with a silky texture and perfect balance of sweet and sour.

16. Green Margarita

The Green Margarita is a refreshing spring cocktail that adds a vibrant twist to the classic recipe. This eye-catching drink gets its color from fresh cucumber juice and lime.

To make this cocktail, combine 3 ounces of cucumber juice, 2 ounces Grand Marnier, 1½ ounces tequila, and 2 ounces fresh lime juice.

Add 1½ ounces of simple syrup for sweetness.

You can garnish with cucumber slices and jalapeño for a spicy kick. The cool cucumber balances perfectly with the citrus and tequila.

This bright green cocktail is perfect for spring gatherings or Cinco de Mayo celebrations. It’s both visually stunning and deliciously refreshing.

17. Pimm’s Cup

Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing spring cocktail that originated in England and has become a seasonal favorite.

To make this drink, you’ll need Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur with herbal flavors.

Fill a tall glass with ice and add 2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1.

Top it with lemonade or a mixture of lemonade and ginger beer for extra kick.

The garnish makes this cocktail special. Add fresh cucumber slices, lemon slices, strawberries, orange, and mint leaves to your glass.

These fruits not only look beautiful but enhance the flavor.

This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for garden parties and spring gatherings.

18. French 75

The French 75 is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for spring gatherings. It combines gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and champagne for a refreshing and celebratory drink.

To make this elegant cocktail, mix gin with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Then, strain into a champagne flute and top with chilled champagne.

For the simple syrup, simply boil equal parts water and sugar until dissolved. Let it cool before using in your cocktail.

You can create variations like the Elderflower 75 by adding elderflower syrup. Or, try a Lavender French 75 for a fragrant twist on the classic.

19. Spring Fever

The Spring Fever cocktail is a refreshing drink perfect for warm weather gatherings. This tasty gin-based cocktail combines fresh strawberries with elderflower syrup for a sweet floral note.

To make it, add strawberries, elderflower syrup, lemon juice, and bitters to a shaker with ice. Then, shake until well-chilled and strain into a wine glass over fresh ice.

The bright, fruity flavors capture the essence of spring. You can garnish with a fresh strawberry or lemon twist for an extra touch of elegance.

This cocktail balances sweet and tart notes beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser at any springtime event.

20. Caipirinha

Brazil’s national cocktail is perfect for spring with its refreshing taste. You’ll need lime, sugar, ice, and cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane.

To make a caipirinha, cut half a lime into wedges and place them in a rocks glass. Then, add 1-2 teaspoons of white sugar and muddle until the lime releases its juices.

Next, pour in 2 ounces of cachaça and fill the glass with ice. Stir well to combine all ingredients and chill the drink.

For a party, you can make a pitcher version by multiplying the ingredients. Keep it refrigerated for at least 4 hours before serving.

21. White Negroni

The White Negroni is a refreshing spring cocktail that offers a lighter twist on the classic Negroni. It replaces Campari with gentian liqueur like Suze and swaps sweet red vermouth for Lillet Blanc.

This cocktail balances bitter and sweet notes perfectly. The gin provides a botanical base while the gentian liqueur adds a unique bitterness that’s less intense than Campari.

For a seasonal variation, try the White Negroni & Tonic. This simple recipe is ideal for spring gatherings and adds effervescence to the traditional formula.

Garnish your White Negroni with a lemon twist instead of the traditional orange to complement its lighter profile.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The foundation of any outstanding spring cocktail lies in selecting fresh, seasonal ingredients and quality spirits. These elements will elevate your drinks from ordinary to exceptional with minimal effort.

Seasonal Fruits and Herbs

Spring brings an abundance of fresh produce perfect for cocktails. Strawberries, cherries, and pears are excellent fruits to incorporate into your drinks during this season. They add natural sweetness and vibrant color.

Herbs like mint, lavender, and basil are at their peak freshness in spring. Try muddling mint for a refreshing note or using lavender syrup for a delicate floral touch. Edible flowers make stunning garnishes and add a touch of elegance to any glass.

For citrus elements, fresh lemon juice brightens cocktails and balances sweetness. Always squeeze citrus fresh rather than using bottled versions for the best flavor profile.

Spring Flavor Combinations to Try:

Strawberry + basil
Lemon + lavender
Cherry blossom + vanilla
Pear + ginger

High-Quality Spirits

Your choice of spirits forms the backbone of your cocktail. Invest in good-quality base spirits that you enjoy drinking on their own.

Clear spirits like gin and vodka work beautifully in spring cocktails. Pear vodka pairs wonderfully with floral elements, while a botanical gin complements herbal ingredients. Look for small-batch or craft options for more distinctive flavors.

Don’t forget about wine-based cocktails. Both rosé and red wines make excellent bases for spring sangrias. Add fresh fruit and a splash of something bubbly for a perfect patio sipper.

For non-alcoholic options, club soda or sparkling water adds effervescence. Premium tonic waters with interesting flavor profiles can elevate even the simplest drinks.

Remember to consider balance in your cocktails. The right ratio of spirit to sweet and sour components makes all the difference.

Balancing Flavors in Spring Cocktails

Creating spring cocktails requires careful attention to flavor balance. The right combination of ingredients can transform a simple drink into a memorable experience that captures the essence of the season.

Sweet and Sour Pairings

Spring cocktails shine when they balance sweetness with acidity. Fresh citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and grapefruit add brightness that cuts through sweetness for a refreshing finish.

Try pairing tart ingredients with natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. These have more complexity than plain sugar and complement floral or herbal elements.

A good ratio to remember is 2:1:1 – two parts spirit, one part sweet, one part sour. This creates a balanced foundation you can adjust to taste.

Popular sweet-sour spring combinations include:

Strawberry and lemon
Elderflower and grapefruit
Blueberry and lime

Using Bitters and Spices

Bitters and spices add depth and complexity to spring cocktails without overwhelming seasonal flavors. Just a few drops of bitters can transform a flat drink into something extraordinary.

Aromatic bitters work well with whiskey-based spring drinks, while fruit bitters complement gin or vodka cocktails.

Try orange bitters with floral ingredients like lavender or rose.

Light spices that enhance spring cocktails include: