3 Easy-To-Make Spring Cocktails Just BLOOMING For You To Try!
It’s nearly springtime! Here in San Diego at our Loft, we’re lucky enough to experience some classically gorgeous, sunny-and-75 days already. We’re breaking out our sun hats, propping up patio umbrellas, and enjoying the bay breeze. The only thing this setting needs now is a refreshing drink! We’ve gathered a few of our favorites for the season. Think sour citrus drinks to keep you cool as warmth spreads on the air, bubbly drinks to match your higher spirits, and bright colors, like the landscape waking up around you. After the elegant comfort of winter cocktails and before the unabashed party spirit of summer cocktails, these springtime signature drinks are perfect for sipping on the patio and enjoying the sun!
Classic Mint Julep
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The Mint Julep is an iconic refreshing bourbon cocktail. Drinks this well known can be intimidating to make, but this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and only requires a few ingredients.
Beyond the bourbon, sugar, and mint, this drink’s only other requirement is crushed ice. On the rocks won’t cut it for this one, so take the time to create a nice mound of crushed ice before mixing this cocktail. Traditionally, Mint Juleps are served in silver or pewter cups and held by the handle or rim, so the cup maintains optimum frost. They work just as well in any tall glass.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 mint sprigs (leaves only)
- 2 sugar cubes (or 1/2 ounce simple syrup)
- 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- Garnish: mint sprig
Instructions
- After gathering the ingredients, place the mint leaves and sugar (or simple syrup) into a Julep cup, Collins glass, or double-fashioned glass.
- Muddle these ingredients well, releasing the aromatic oils and dissolving the sugar.
- Add the bourbon, then fill the glass to the top with crushed ice. (It’s not a real Julep without the crushed ice.)
- Stir until glass is frosted, garnish with a mint sprig, serve with a straw, and enjoy!
Lavender Rose Lemon Drop
Floral, beautiful, and a fantastic twist on classic lemonade! This sunshine-sipper smells almost as good as it tastes with the lavender and rosebud garnish. Mix this one up for Mother’s Day Brunch, a Bridal Shower, or a tea party to impress your guests!
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple lavender syrup
- 2 ounces Belvedere Citrus Vodka
- 2¾ ounces Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade
- 1 stem lavender rose
- ice
- Into a cocktail shaker, add fresh lemon juice, Belvedere Citrus vodka, Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade, and ice.
- Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Pour simple lavender syrup into the bottom of a rocks glass and fill the glass with ice.
- Strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish the cocktail with a stemmed lavender rose.
- Serve.
- Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive
“Spring Buzz”
Ingredients
(Makes 2 Cocktails)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 bag Aloha Sleep tea
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 1/2 ounce St. Germain
- a squeeze of lemon juice
- edible flowers and a lemon wedge for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Steep 1 bag Aloha Sleep tea for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bag and stir in honey. Allow to cool completely.
- In a rocks glass over ice, stir in 1-ounce whiskey and 1/4 ounce St. Germain. Pour in 2/3 cup tea and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with edible flowers and lemon wedge, if desired. Repeat with a second glass.