As the snow melts and flowers start to bloom, it’s time to refresh our drink menus for the season. Spring is the perfect time to experiment with new flavors and ingredients, and what better way to do so than with a glass of citrusy goodness? In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 refreshing spring cocktail recipes that incorporate citrus twists, from classic gin fizzes to fruity spritzes.
From elderflower-infused gins to strawberry basil mojitos, these drinks are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp drink to enjoy on a warm afternoon or a bold and tangy cocktail to sip on a chilly spring evening, we’ve got you covered.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these 20 recipes, exploring the unique flavor combinations and techniques that make them truly special. So grab your shaker and let’s get started!
Elderflower Gin Fizz with Lemon Zest
Discover the refreshing combination of floral elderflower liqueur, crisp gin, and tangy lemon zest in this revitalizing cocktail. Perfect for warm evenings or as a unique twist on the classic fizz.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Elderflower liqueur
– 3/4 oz Gin
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slice of lemon, for garnish
– Lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Elderflower liqueur, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Strawberry Basil Mojito
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito, featuring sweet strawberries and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1 oz club soda
– 1 tsp sugar
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the strawberry slices with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their natural sweetness.
2. Add the basil leaves and mint leaves (if using) to the shaker. Muddle them slightly to combine.
3. Add the white rum, lime juice, and sugar to the shaker. Fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with additional strawberry slices and basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy!
Lavender Lemonade Spritz
Combine the sweetness of lemonade with the floral charm of lavender, and you’ll have a unique drink that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemonade and dried lavender buds. Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Strain the mixture into glasses filled with ice.
3. Top each glass off with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
4. If desired, add honey to taste and stir well.
5. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time)
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing Cucumber Mint Cooler! This simple and cooling drink is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a revitalizing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber slices and mint leaves.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in honey if using (to taste).
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Mint Cooler over the ice.
6. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready when you are.
Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Mint Cooler!
Peach Prosecco Punch
Elevate your next gathering with this sweet and bubbly punch, perfect for warm weather celebrations. This peachy keen drink is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Prosecco
– 1 cup peach puree
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of fresh peaches for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Prosecco, peach puree, and pineapple juice.
2. Stir in the simple syrup until dissolved.
3. Add lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill punch in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh peach slices.
Cooking Time: None! This punch is ready when you are.
Raspberry Rosemary Collins
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins, featuring the sweetness of raspberries and the earthiness of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 oz raspberry puree
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Club soda
– Fresh raspberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, raspberry puree, simple syrup, and rosemary-infused simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda.
5. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Note: To make rosemary-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Grapefruit Thyme Margarita
This refreshing margarita combines the tanginess of grapefruit with the earthy flavor of thyme, perfect for warm weather sipping. The subtle bitterness of the grapefruit is balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup and the tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
– Salt, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Add the thyme leaves and fill the shaker with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of thyme.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Honeydew Melon Martini
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic martini. Sweet honeydew melon and crisp citrus come together to create a unique and revitalizing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
– 1 cup vodka
– 1/2 cup simple syrup
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the honeydew melon until smooth.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the melon puree, vodka, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Rim the glass with salt, if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Blackberry Sage Smash
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of blackberries with the earthy flavor of sage, making it a perfect blend for warm weather. The smoky hint from the bourbon adds depth and complexity to this delightful drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz blackberry puree
– 1/4 oz sage-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Ice
– Blackberries and sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, blackberry puree, and sage-infused simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with blackberries and a sprig of fresh sage.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes!)
Note: To make sage-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 2-3 sprigs of fresh sage leaves in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and using.
Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
Get ready to escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch! This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a little island vibe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice cubes
– Fresh pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, rum, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in club soda and lime juice.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice.
5. Garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes ( preparation only)
Blueberry Lavender Gin Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful Blueberry Lavender Gin Sour. The combination of sweet blueberries, floral lavender, and tangy lemon juice creates a harmonious blend that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz blueberry puree
– 1/4 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 1 dash of egg white
– Ice
– Blueberries and dried lavender buds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, blueberry puree, and lavender syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of egg white and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with blueberries and dried lavender buds.
Cooking Time: None (a true quick cocktail fix!)
Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita
Transform your margarita game with this refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Sweet watermelon and spicy jalapeño come together to create a unique flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon puree
– 1/2 cup tequila
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and jalapeño slices.
3. Add watermelon puree to the shaker and fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail!
Kiwi Lime Daiquiri
Add a burst of tropical flavor to your daiquiri with the sweet and tangy combination of kiwi and lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the kiwi until smooth.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add the kiwi puree to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge or kiwi slice.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm weather!
Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
Elevate your apéritif game with this refreshing twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, featuring the vibrant flavor of blood oranges.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz blood orange juice
– 4 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of blood orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and blood orange juice.
3. Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
4. Add a splash of simple syrup to balance the flavors.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with slices of blood orange.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready when you are!)
Cherry Blossom Champagne Cocktail
As spring awakens, celebrate the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms with this delicate and refreshing champagne cocktail. This sweet and fizzy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a romantic toast.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– 1/2 oz Japanese whiskey
– 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
– 3 oz Champagne
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Edible flowers or cherry blossom petals for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Cherry liqueur, Japanese whiskey, and fresh lime juice.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
5. Top with champagne.
6. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup for a subtle sweetness.
7. Garnish with edible flowers or cherry blossom petals.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Mango Ginger Mule
Experience the tropical twist on a classic cocktail with this refreshing Mango Ginger Mule.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz ginger-infused vodka
– 1 oz mango puree
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– Slice of fresh mango, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the ginger-infused vodka and mango puree.
3. Top with ginger beer and squeeze in the lime juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of fresh mango and a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Pear Cardamom Fizz
This unique fizzy drink combines the sweet and buttery flavor of pears with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. Perfect for a sophisticated cocktail party or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and pureed
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– Lemon slice or twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the pear puree and ground cardamom.
2. Add the honey syrup and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with a lemon slice or twist.
Cooking Time: None
Rhubarb Rosemary Gin Sour
Add a twist to the classic gin sour with the sweet and tart flavors of rhubarb and rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) rhubarb syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup (120 g) ice
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, rhubarb syrup, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Note: To make rhubarb syrup, simmer 1 cup (200 g) of chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb with 1 cup (240 ml) water and 1/2 cup (120 g) sugar until the mixture thickens. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Passionfruit Mint Mojito
This tropical twist on the classic mojito combines the sweetness of passionfruit with the cooling essence of mint, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz passionfruit puree
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Handful of ice
– Sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavors.
2. Add the lime juice, passionfruit puree, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with white rum and stir gently.
5. Garnish with additional mint sprigs and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None required!
Lemongrass Vodka Tonic
Elevate your vodka tonic game with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass. This simple recipe adds a unique twist to a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz lemongrass-infused vodka (see note)
– 4 oz tonic water
– Juice of 1 lime
– Sprig of fresh lemongrass for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the lemongrass-infused vodka.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lemongrass.
Note: To make lemongrass-infused vodka, combine 1/2 cup vodka with 1/4 cup chopped fresh lemongrass in an airtight container. Steep for at least 2 hours or overnight. Strain and discard the solids before using.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just mix and enjoy.
Summary
Spring into the season with these refreshing cocktail recipes, each featuring a citrus twist. From classic gin fizz to fruity mojitos and spritzes, there’s something for every taste. Try the Elderflower Gin Fizz with Lemon Zest, Strawberry Basil Mojito, or Lavender Lemonade Spritz for a taste of spring in a glass. Or go bold with the Grapefruit Thyme Margarita, Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita, or Mango Ginger Mule. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply looking for a new drink to try, these citrus-infused cocktails are sure to hit the spot.
