Spring brings a fresh wave of flavors perfect for cocktail enthusiasts. From fruity options like strawberry and blueberry to floral notes such as elderflower and lavender, there are countless ways to celebrate the season in your glass.
As the weather warms up, these refreshing drinks offer a delightful way to toast to longer days and blooming flowers.
These 21 spring cocktail recipes will help you create bar-quality drinks at home with simple, seasonal ingredients.
You’ll find everything from classic favorites with a springtime twist to innovative new concoctions that showcase the best flavors of the season.
Whether you’re hosting a garden party or simply unwinding after a day outdoors, these cocktails capture the essence of spring in every sip.
1. Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey
The Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey is a refreshing spring cocktail that adds a floral twist to the classic Gin Rickey. It’s both low-calorie and easy to prepare, making it perfect for springtime gatherings.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 3 ounces of gin, 4 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, 4 ounces of seltzer water, and 2 sprigs of lavender for garnish.
Simply combine the gin, lemon juice, and honey in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with seltzer water and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for an elegant touch.
2. Mezcal Michelada
The Mezcal Michelada is a smoky twist on the classic Mexican beer cocktail. This version adds 1 oz of mezcal to bring a bold, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the traditional spicy and savory elements.
To make this cocktail, rim a glass with salt and tajin. Add lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and your mezcal, then top with cold Mexican beer.
The smokiness of the mezcal creates a more flavorful and bolder drink than the traditional recipe. It’s perfect for spring gatherings and especially fitting for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Try this cocktail when you want something refreshing with a kick that stands out from typical spring drinks.
3. Orange Ginger Mint Sodas
Orange Ginger Mint Sodas are refreshing spring drinks that combine zesty citrus with spicy ginger and cool mint. You can enjoy these as mocktails or add a splash of spirits to create cocktails.
To make this fizzy delight, you’ll need fresh oranges, ginger, mint, sugar, and club soda. Some recipes use honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetener.
The process is simple. Create a syrup with your sweetener, water, ginger, and orange juice. Add fresh mint leaves for that aromatic touch.
Pour over crushed ice and top with club soda for a bubbly finish.
This bright, invigorating drink perfectly captures spring’s essence with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
4. Prosecco Mint Julep
The Prosecco Mint Julep offers a refreshing twist on the classic Southern cocktail. This springtime version is lighter than the traditional recipe, making it perfect for casual gatherings.
You’ll need Maker’s Mark bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, and prosecco to create this bubbly delight.
The combination of bourbon’s warmth and prosecco’s effervescence creates a balanced drink that’s not too heavy.
This cocktail works well for spring celebrations when you want something festive yet easy to sip. The fresh mint adds a bright, seasonal flavor that pairs beautifully with the sparkling wine.
5. Best Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail that shines in spring. You can make this savory drink with vodka, though some variations use gin or bourbon instead.
A great Bloody Mary balances tomato juice with spice and acidity. Add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and lemon juice to taste.
Don’t forget the garnishes! Celery stalks, olives, capers, and pickled vegetables make excellent additions. Some people even add bacon or shrimp for extra flair.
For a refreshing twist, try making an “All-Day Bloody Mary” that’s lighter and more refreshing than traditional recipes. This makes it perfect for springtime sipping.
6. Blueberry Gin & Tonic
The Blueberry Gin & Tonic is a refreshing spring twist on a classic cocktail. This drink combines the botanical flavors of gin with sweet blueberries for a perfect seasonal sip.
To make this cocktail, muddle fresh blueberries with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add gin and ice, then shake well before straining into a glass.
Fill your glass with ice and top with tonic water. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh blueberries for a beautiful presentation.
The fruity sweetness of the blueberries balances perfectly with the juniper notes in the gin, creating a delightful spring cocktail you’ll want to make again and again.
7. Key Lime Mojitos
Key Lime Mojitos offer a refreshing twist on the classic mojito cocktail. They combine the zesty flavor of key limes with fresh mint for a perfect spring drink.
To make this cocktail, muddle mint leaves with key lime juice in a glass. Add light rum and a touch of simple syrup, then top with club soda.
For a creamier version, some recipes include a splash of heavy cream to create a drink reminiscent of key lime pie. This gives the cocktail a dessert-like quality while maintaining its refreshing nature.
These mojitos are especially popular when you have extra key limes after making a pie. They’re perfect for warm weather gatherings.
8. Spiked Arnold Palmer
A Spiked Arnold Palmer is a perfect spring cocktail that adds a boozy twist to the classic half tea, half lemonade drink. You can make this refreshing cocktail by combining iced tea, lemonade, and your choice of alcohol.
Most recipes use bourbon or vodka as the spirit. For a simple version, mix equal parts freshly brewed tea and lemonade, then add a shot of your preferred liquor.
You can enhance the flavor with simple syrup for added sweetness. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint for a complete spring vibe.
This cocktail works great for batch preparation, making it perfect for springtime gatherings on warm afternoons.
9. Spiked Sparkling Basil Lemonade
This refreshing cocktail combines the bright flavors of basil and lemon for a perfect spring drink. The herb-infused vodka creates a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both refreshing and unique.
To make this drink, muddle fresh basil leaves with vodka in a shaker. Add about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of lemonade per glass.
Pour the mixture over ice and top with seltzer or sparkling water. Garnish with lemon slices and additional basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
You can also use White Claw Pure as an alternative to the vodka and seltzer combination for a ready-made base.
10. Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail and a perfect spring refresher. This simple drink combines cachaça (a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane), lime, and sugar.
To make a Caipirinha, cut a lime into wedges and place them in a rocks glass with sugar. Muddle them together until the lime releases its juices.
Add ice and pour in cachaça, then stir well. The result is a bright, tangy cocktail that balances sweetness and citrus perfectly.
For a pitcher version, combine cachaça with brown sugar syrup and water, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving over ice.
11. White Negroni
The White Negroni is a bright, sophisticated spring cocktail that offers a refreshing twist on the classic Negroni. Instead of Campari and sweet vermouth, it uses gentian liqueur like Suze and Lillet Blanc.
This cocktail balances bitter and sweet notes perfectly, making it ideal for warmer weather. You can find it at upscale cocktail bars or easily make it at home with equal parts gin, gentian liqueur, and aromatized wine.
For a seasonal variation, try the White Negroni & Tonic, a popular spring drink. Some bars create unique spins like “Rel’s Royce” that add sweet and spiced elements to the basic formula.
12. Gin and Tonic
Gin and Tonic is a refreshing spring cocktail that’s simple to make but full of flavor. You need just a few ingredients: gin, tonic water, lime, and ice.
For a spring twist, try adding rhubarb syrup to your G&T. Mix 2 oz of gin, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and two tablespoons of rhubarb syrup before adding tonic water.
Blueberry syrup is another great addition that turns this classic into a fruity spring drink. The botanical flavors in gin pair perfectly with spring ingredients like elderflower and berries.
You can garnish your drink with fresh seasonal fruits or herbs to enhance the spring feel.
13. Elderflower Collins
The Elderflower Collins is a refreshing spring cocktail that combines the botanical notes of gin with sweet, floral elderflower liqueur. This drink is perfect for welcoming warmer weather with its light and fragrant profile.
To make this cocktail, add simple syrup, lemon juice, and elderflower liqueur in a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. Top with gin and give it a gentle stir.
You can garnish your Elderflower Collins with a lemon wheel or edible flowers for a seasonal touch. The balance of sweet elderflower, tart lemon, and aromatic gin creates a perfectly balanced spring sipper.
14. Crème de Violet Spritz
This floral spring cocktail brings a touch of elegance to your seasonal drinks menu. The Crème de Violet Spritz combines the delicate flavor of violet liqueur with sparkling wine for a refreshing experience.
To make this drink, you’ll need 1 ounce of Crème de Violette, a splash of lemon juice, and about 4 ounces of chilled champagne or prosecco. The violet liqueur gives the cocktail a beautiful purple hue that’s perfect for spring gatherings.
Pour the Crème de Violette and lemon juice into a chilled champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and stir gently. For an extra special touch, garnish with a lemon twist or fresh violet flower if available.
15. Honey Cardamom Sazerac
The Honey Cardamom Sazerac is a delightful spring twist on the classic cocktail. This version adds warm cardamom spice and sweet honey to complement the whiskey base.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need bourbon or rye whiskey, honey syrup infused with cardamom, Peychaud’s bitters, and a touch of absinthe. The absinthe is traditionally used to rinse the glass, giving just a hint of its herbal flavor.
Serve your Honey Cardamom Sazerac in a chilled rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon peel twist, which adds a bright citrus aroma that balances the rich, spiced flavors of this sophisticated spring sipper.
16. Sbagliato Rosa
The Sbagliato Rosa is a refreshing spring twist on the classic Negroni Sbagliato. It uses rosé wine instead of traditional prosecco for a lighter, fruitier flavor profile.
To make this cocktail, combine 1 oz of Cocchi Rosa (or Lillet Rosé) with 1 oz of Cappelletti (or Aperol) in a rocks glass filled with ice. You can also use Campari and sweet vermouth as alternatives.
Top with 3 oz of sparkling rosé wine and gently stir to mix the ingredients. The result is a beautiful pink drink that’s perfect for spring gatherings and warm afternoons.
For a fruity variation, you can add a splash of tart cherry juice or orange bitters to enhance the flavor complexity.
17. Coconut Cream and Lime Margarita
This tropical twist on a classic margarita combines the creamy sweetness of coconut with bright citrus flavors.
You’ll need blanco tequila, coconut cream, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau or another orange liqueur.
The preparation is simple. Blend coconut cream with lime juice, then add tequila and ice.
For an authentic touch, rim your glass with toasted coconut flakes before pouring.
You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less coconut cream. Some recipes include additional ingredients like honey syrup or rose water for extra complexity.
This refreshing cocktail makes a perfect spring drink when you want something creamy but still light and refreshing.
18. Grapefruit and Sage Gimlet
This refreshing spring cocktail combines the tangy brightness of grapefruit with the earthy notes of sage. It’s a creative twist on the classic gimlet that’s perfect for warmer days.
To make this drink, you’ll need gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and sage simple syrup.
For the syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar with chopped sage leaves.
Mix 2 ounces of gin, 1½ ounces of grapefruit juice, and ¾ ounce of sage simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a fresh sage leaf or grapefruit wedge for an elegant presentation.
19. French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for spring gatherings. This refreshing drink combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with champagne or sparkling wine.
Named after a powerful French artillery piece, this cocktail packs a punch while remaining elegant and bubbly. The citrusy flavor from the lemon juice brightens the drink, making it ideal for warm spring days.
To make simple syrup, boil equal parts water and sugar until dissolved. For a floral twist, try adding elderflower syrup or lavender to create seasonal variations.
Serve in a champagne flute garnished with a lemon twist for a sophisticated presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
20. Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail that dates back to Prohibition era. It combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup for a perfectly balanced spring drink.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and about 3/4 to 1 ounce of honey syrup. The honey syrup is made by mixing two parts honey with one part hot water until dissolved.
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The result is a bright, lightly sweet drink that truly lives up to its name as “the bee’s knees” – something excellent!
This refreshing cocktail works perfectly for spring gatherings and sunny afternoon sipping.
21. Campari Spritz
The Campari Spritz is a refreshing spring cocktail that offers a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors. This vibrant red drink is simple to make yet sophisticated in taste.
To create this cocktail, you’ll need 2 parts Campari, 3 parts prosecco, and 1 part sparkling water.
Pour the ingredients over ice in a wine glass and stir gently.
Garnish your Campari Spritz with a slice of orange to complement the bitter notes of Campari. The citrus adds a fresh aroma that enhances the drinking experience.
This cocktail is ideal for sunny spring afternoons. Its bittersweet profile and fizzy texture make it a perfect aperitif to enjoy before dinner.
The Origin Of Spring Cocktails
Spring cocktails emerged from a tradition of celebrating seasonal ingredients and marking the renewal of nature. These refreshing drinks reflect both cultural traditions and practical uses of available ingredients.
Historical Significance
Spring cocktails trace back to ancient celebratory drinks that marked the end of winter. In the 17th century, punch bowls featuring spring fruits became popular at social gatherings. These early versions combined available spirits with fresh ingredients like citrus and herbs.
By the 19th century, the concept of seasonal drinking became more formalized. Bartenders created special menus that highlighted spring’s bounty. The Victorian era saw the rise of floral-infused drinks using rose water, violets, and lavender.
Prohibition in America (1920-1933) pushed cocktail culture underground but didn’t stop it. Spring drinks during this time often disguised alcohol with sweet fruit juices and bright colors.
Regional Variations
Spring cocktails vary significantly across regions based on local ingredients and traditions.
In Mediterranean countries, you’ll find citrus-forward drinks like the Italian Limoncello Spritz that celebrate the lemon harvest.
In England, elderflower cordials became a spring staple, eventually evolving into sophisticated cocktails like the Elderflower Collins.
Japan embraces cherry blossom season with sakura-infused drinks that honor their cultural significance.
American spring cocktails often feature regional produce like rhubarb in the Northeast or strawberries in California. The Mint Julep, traditionally associated with the Kentucky Derby in May, represents one of America’s most iconic spring drinks.
France contributed the Kir Royale, which uses seasonal berries, while Mexico’s spring variations on margaritas incorporate fresh tropical fruits.
Key Ingredients For Spring Cocktails
Spring cocktails feature fresh, bright flavors that capture the essence of the season. The right ingredients can transform a simple drink into a seasonal masterpiece that delights the senses.
Fruits And Herbs
Citrus fruits are essential for spring cocktails. Fresh lemon juice appears in many recipes, adding brightness and acidity to balance sweetness. Orange flavors, whether from fresh juice or liqueurs, bring sunny notes to springtime drinks.
Berries start becoming available in spring. Strawberries pair wonderfully with herbs and can be muddled or used as garnish. They add both color and sweetness to cocktails.
Rhubarb is a quintessential spring ingredient. You’ll find it in liqueurs or as homemade syrup, offering a tart-sweet profile that works beautifully in cocktails.
Fresh herbs like mint, lavender, and rosemary wake up spring drinks. These aromatics add complexity and freshness. Try muddling mint in mojitos or using lavender syrup in lemon-based cocktails for a floral touch.
Spirits And Liquors
Vodka serves as a versatile base for spring cocktails. Its neutral profile allows seasonal ingredients to shine.
Flavored varieties like pear vodka can add subtle complexity without overpowering delicate spring flavors.
Tequila brings warmth to spring drinks. It pairs exceptionally well with citrus and can be the foundation for refreshing cocktails with lemon or lime juice.
The earthy notes complement floral and herbal elements.
Mezcal offers smoky complexity that balances sweet spring fruits. When used carefully, it creates sophisticated cocktails with depth.
Liqueurs add dimension to spring drinks. Orange liqueurs like Cointreau or floral options such as St-Germain (elderflower) enhance the seasonal character.
Specialty options like rhubarb liqueur deliver concentrated spring flavors.
Rose water provides delicate floral notes when used sparingly. Just a dash can transform a simple cocktail into something special and seasonally appropriate.
