Fun spring party cocktails
Now that winter has begun to melt into a distant memory, it’s time to gear up for spring. From your wardrobe to your apartment decor, just about everything in your life requires a seasonal update. That includes your list of go-to cocktail recipes. If you’re hosting a happy hour at your apartment this spring, try whipping up a batch of one of these seasonally inspired recipes.
Lavender Lemon Drop [The Spruce]
The tart flavor of the classic Lemon Drop collides with the floral aroma of fresh lavender in this artisan cocktail, which is as pretty as it is tasty. It’s super simple to make. Simply muddle a sprig of fresh lavender with simple syrup, then add ice, lemon vodka, and fresh lemon juice. Shake it all together and pour into a chilled martini glass. For an extra flourish, garnish with another sprig of lavender.
Cucumber-Rosemary Gin and Tonic [The Kitchn]
A gin and tonic is perfect for warmer weather thanks to its light and refreshing taste. This fun twist on the classic adds extra layers of springtime flavors. Muddle cucumber, a fresh sprig of rosemary, lime juice, and gin, then strain the concoction into a highball glass. Toss in a few ice cubes, add a few extra slices of cucumber, and top with a classic gin-tonic combo.
Rosés and Berries [Cosmopolitan]
If you like your cocktail a little sparkly, you’ll love the Rosés and Berries beverage. It combines the fresh taste of basil simple syrup with tangy lime juice and bubbly rosé. Blend these ingredients, then pour over ice and garnish with a few slices of fresh strawberries and basil leaves. You can purchase basil-infused simple syrup or easily make your own at home (the recipe includes instructions to do so).
Lilac Shandy [The Spruce]
Don’t worry, beer-lovers will have something fun to sip on during happy hour, too. This lilac shandy recipe couldn’t be easier — it contains a mere three ingredients. Start with your favorite light beer or wheat beer. Fill a pint glass about halfway with your chosen brew and some ice. Then add a sweet layer of lilac lemonade or any other craft lemonade that you like. Stir the contents and embellish the glass with a slice or wedge of fresh lemon. Then sip your spiked lemonade with fresh spring breezes floating in through an open window.
Blueberry Rum Smash [The Kitchn]
Blueberry season begins in April, so this cocktail couldn’t be more appropriate for a spring party. If you opt to make it before local, seasonal blueberries hit the shelves at your grocery store, you can use frozen instead — they double as ice cubes, resulting in an even frostier drink. Either way, begin by coating the bottom of a glass with a layer of the berries. Then muddle them with brown sugar and lemon juice. Pile on a few cubes of ice, pour in about a shot of rum, and add ginger ale. Then, stir and sip!