As the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family for a delicious brunch. And what better way to kick off the celebration than with a glass of something cool, crisp, and refreshing? In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of our favorite spring cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests and provide the perfect accompaniment to your brunch menu. From fruity twists on classic cocktails to unique flavor combinations, these drinks are sure to bring a touch of springtime magic to your gathering.
Strawberry Basil Mojito
Reinvigorate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito, featuring sweet strawberries and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 cup fresh strawberry puree
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 10-12 fresh basil leaves
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or spoon to release oils and flavor.
2. Add rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and strawberry puree. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Lavender Lemonade Spritz
Escape to a refreshing summer evening with this unique twist on traditional lemonade, infused with the calming essence of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– Sparkling water (club soda or seltzer)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the dried lavender buds to the mixture and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, discarding the lavender buds.
4. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Lavender Lemonade Spritz over the ice.
6. Top each glass off with sparkling water and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time)
Enjoy your refreshing and relaxing Lavender Lemonade Spritz!
Elderflower Gin Fizz
A refreshing twist on the classic gin fizz, this recipe combines the sweet and floral flavors of elderflower liqueur with the crispness of soda water.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– 3 oz soda water
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with soda water and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing Cucumber Mint Cooler! This light and revitalizing drink is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 liter water
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cucumber slices and mint leaves.
2. Add the lime juice and stir well.
3. Pour in the water and stir until the cucumbers are fully submerged.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the cooler over ice cubes if desired, and add honey or sugar to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy way to cool down on a hot day.
Raspberry Rosé Sangria
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on traditional sangria. This fruity and bubbly drink combines the sweetness of raspberries, the tartness of rosé, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of rosé wine (12% ABV)
– 1 cup of fresh raspberries
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the rosé wine and sliced orange and lemon.
2. Add the fresh raspberries to the pitcher and muddle them gently with a spoon or spatula to release their juice and flavor.
3. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the fruit and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (chilling time)
Peach Bellini
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bellini. This peachy keen drink combines sweet and tangy flavors for a perfect summer sipper.
Ingredients:
– 2 peaches, diced
– 1 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup peach puree (or peach syrup)
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
– Slice of peach for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine diced peaches and peach puree/syrup until smooth.
2. Pour Prosecco into a chilled glass filled with ice.
3. Add the peach mixture to the Prosecco and stir gently.
4. If desired, add a splash of simple syrup for extra sweetness.
5. Garnish with a slice of fresh peach.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Watermelon Margarita
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on the classic margarita! This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the flavors of watermelon, lime juice, and tequila for a unique drinking experience.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups watermelon chunks
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup tequila (100% agave)
• 1/4 cup triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
• Salt, for rimming glass
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Rim a glass with salt and fill with ice.
5. Pour the margarita mixture over the ice.
6. Top with a splash of watermelon puree and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None (ready in under 10 minutes)
Enjoy your Watermelon Margarita!
Pineapple Ginger Mule
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this refreshing Pineapple Ginger Mule recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz fresh ginger liqueur
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add the fresh ginger liqueur and stir again.
4. Top with ginger beer and stir briefly.
5. Squeeze in a lime wheel and drop it in the glass.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (depending on the chilliness of your ingredients)
Enjoy your Pineapple Ginger Mule!
Blueberry Thyme Smash
Elevate your summer cocktails with this refreshing Blueberry Thyme Smash. This sweet and savory drink combines the flavors of blueberries, thyme, and mint for a unique and delicious taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blueberries and thyme leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon.
2. Add the bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional thyme leaves and blueberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! Just mix and serve.
Grapefruit Rosemary Spritz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic spritz, featuring the tangy flavors of grapefruit and rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1 oz Grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/4 oz Rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Splash of club soda
– Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Prosecco, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.
3. Add the rosemary-infused simple syrup.
4. Top with a splash of club soda.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Cooking Time: None!
Note: To make rosemary-infused simple syrup, steep 1/4 cup dried rosemary in 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar for at least 2 hours. Strain the mixture before using.
Kiwi Lime Daiquiri
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing kiwi lime daiquiri recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1 1/2 ounces white rum
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine kiwi chunks, lime juice, rum, and simple syrup.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add crushed ice and blend until well combined and frosty.
4. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cherry Blossom Martini
Cherry Blossom Martini Recipe
Experience the sweetness of spring with this refreshing Cherry Blossom Martini.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce cherry liqueur
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
• Splash of sparkling water
• Edible gold dust or glitter (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, cherry liqueur, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with an edible gold dust or glitter, if desired.
Cooking Time:
None! This is a cocktail recipe, so there’s no cooking involved.
Lemon Verbena Collins
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins. The subtle sweetness of lemon verbena pairs perfectly with the tangy citrus and herbal notes, creating a unique and delightful drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz lemon verbena syrup (see below for recipe)
– Soda water
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Lemon Verbena Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dried lemon verbena leaves
– Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and lemon verbena syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (all ingredients are prepared ahead of time)
Passionfruit Mimosa
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing twist on the classic mimosa, featuring sweet and tangy passionfruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup passionfruit puree (fresh or canned)
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine passionfruit puree and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add champagne or sparkling wine to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding honey if desired.
4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (mostly chill time)
Blood Orange Margarita
Elevate your cocktail game with this vibrant and tangy Blood Orange Margarita, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. This unique twist on the classic margarita combines the sweetness of blood oranges with the spiciness of tequila.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• 3 oz blood orange juice
• Salt, for rimming glass
• Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and blood orange juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Hibiscus Paloma
A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this Hibiscus Paloma combines the floral flavor of hibiscus with the tanginess of grapefruit and lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup hibiscus tea-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint or hibiscus flowers, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, lime juice, honey syrup, grapefruit juice, and hibiscus simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint or hibiscus flowers.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Pomegranate Mint Julep
A refreshing twist on the classic mint julep, this pomegranate-infused cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups crushed ice
• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• Edible gold dust or a sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine crushed ice, bourbon whiskey, lime juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup.
2. Stir until the mixture is well combined and chilled.
3. Muddle chopped fresh mint leaves into the mixture using a spoon or muddler.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
5. Pour into individual glasses filled with crushed ice.
6. Garnish with edible gold dust or a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Apricot Prosecco Punch
Apricot Prosecco Punch Recipe
Discover a refreshing twist on classic punch with the sweet and tangy flavors of apricots and Prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) can of apricot nectar
– 2 cups of Prosecco
– 1 cup of pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of fresh apricot for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the apricot nectar, Prosecco, and pineapple juice.
2. Stir in the simple syrup until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the punch over ice in glasses and garnish with slices of fresh apricot.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Chilling time: 30 minutes
Blackberry Sage Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Blackberry Sage Smash, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups blackberries, fresh or frozen
– 1/4 cup sage leaves, chopped
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the blackberries with a muddler or spoon to release their juices.
2. Add the chopped sage leaves to the shaker and muddle until well combined.
3. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Vanilla Pear Sangria
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of vanilla and pears with a hint of citrus, perfect for warm weather gatherings or cozying up on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1/2 cup Vanilla extract-infused vodka (or regular vodka with 1 tsp vanilla extract)
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine diced pear and vanilla extract-infused vodka (or regular vodka with vanilla extract).
2. Add red wine and stir gently.
3. In a small bowl, mix sugar and sparkling water until dissolved. Stir into the pitcher.
4. Add sliced orange and lemon to the pitcher.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Servings: 8-10
Summary
Get ready to elevate your brunch game with these refreshing spring cocktail recipes! From fruity and floral to tangy and tart, there’s something for everyone. Try making a Strawberry Basil Mojito or Lavender Lemonade Spritz to add some elegance to your gathering. Alternatively, cool down with a Cucumber Mint Cooler or Watermelon Margarita. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory, these 20 recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead, gather your friends, and toast to a perfect spring brunch!
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