Spring is finally here! Leaves are returning to the trees, flowers are blooming, and birds are chirping once again. With warmer days ahead and summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing flavors. Spring brings with it a variety of festive occasions, from Easter and Mother’s Day to bridal showers, baby showers, garden parties, and brunches.
This post is about crafting seasonal cocktails that capture the essence of spring. Whether hosting a lively celebration or simply unwinding on a relaxing evening, these drinks add a delightful touch to any gathering. Plus, for those choosing to forgo alcohol, I’ve included mocktail alternatives for each drink.
To make things even easier, I’ve provided a difficulty rating for each recipe, so whether you’re a cocktail novice or a seasoned mixologist, you’ll find a drink that suits your skill level.
Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive into these refreshing spring cocktails!
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Cocktail Essentials
If you are new to cocktail making, there are a few key ingredients to have on hand that will make whipping up a cocktail on short notice super easy. Those ingredients are simple syrup (recipe below), lemons, limes, and soda water.
Simple Syrup Recipe
Simple syrup is used in many cocktails and mocktails and sometimes even non-alcoholic beverages like coffee and iced teas or as a garnish for desserts like pastries or ice cream. There are many ratios for making simple syrup, but I prefer a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. It’s super easy to make and takes about 15 minutes total.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Steps:
- Add water and sugar to a pot over medium-low heat.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Pour syrup into a sealable glass container.
Simple syrup will last about 2 weeks in the fridge.
1. Strawberry Basil Smash
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin or vodka
- 4 fresh strawberries
- 3 basil leaves
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle strawberries and basil in a shaker.
- Add gin/vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well and strain over ice.
Why it’s great for spring: The combination of fresh strawberries and fragrant basil screams springtime. This cocktail pairs beautifully with a fresh caprese salad or bruschetta for a light, flavorful appetizer.
Mocktail Tip: Swap the gin/vodka for sparkling water or lemonade.
2. Lavender Bee’s Knees
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz honey-lavender syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
Why it’s great for spring: Lavender’s floral notes paired with citrus make for a beautifully aromatic drink. Serve this alongside lemon shortbread cookies or a light vanilla sponge cake for a sweet treat.
Mocktail Tip: Replace gin with chamomile tea for a calming alternative.
3. Cucumber Mint Cooler
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka or gin
- 1 oz fresh cucumber juice
- 5 fresh mint leaves
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- Soda water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle cucumber and mint in a shaker.
- Add vodka/gin, lime juice, and shake.
- Strain into a glass with ice and top with soda water.
Why it’s great for spring: It’s crisp, cooling, and hydrating—perfect for warm weather. Pair it with cucumber tea sandwiches or a fresh Mediterranean hummus platter for a refreshing snack.
Mocktail Tip: Skip the alcohol and add extra soda water.
4. Elderflower Spritz
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Lemon slice
- Ice
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a wine glass over ice.
- Stir and garnish with a lemon slice.
Why it’s great for spring: Light, floral, and bubbly—ideal for brunch or a garden party. This drink goes great with smoked salmon canapés or a fruit and cheese platter.
Mocktail Tip: Replace elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and skip the prosecco.
5. Blood Orange Margarita
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- Salt for rim
- Ice
Instructions:
- Shake ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a salt-rimmed glass over ice.
Why it’s great for spring: Vibrant, citrusy, and packed with seasonal flavors. Enjoy this margarita with fresh guacamole and tortilla chips or shrimp ceviche for a bright and zesty pairing.
Mocktail Tip: Swap tequila for sparkling water or an orange-flavored soda.
6. Cherry Blossom Fizz
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz cherry blossom syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Club soda
- Ice
Instructions:
- Dry shake all ingredients except club soda.
- Add ice, shake again, strain, and top with soda.
Why it’s great for spring: Light, floral, and frothy, this elegant cocktail captures the essence of spring. Pair it with prosciutto-wrapped melon or smoked salmon crostini for a refreshing bite. Difficulty: Hard
Mocktail Tip: Use cherry blossom tea instead of gin.
7. Peach Rosé Sangria
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle rosé wine
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- 1 peach, sliced
- 5 strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup club soda
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
- Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why it’s great for spring: Sweet, fruity, and refreshing, this sangria is perfect for spring gatherings. Enjoy it with burrata salad or goat cheese crostini for a fresh, flavorful pairing.
Mocktail Tip: Replace rosé with white grape juice.
8. Honeydew Mojito
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 5 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz fresh honeydew juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- Soda water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle honeydew and mint in a shaker.
- Add rum and lime juice, shake, then strain over ice.
- Top with soda water.
Why it’s great for spring: Cool, crisp, and packed with melon and mint, this mojito is a springtime must. Pair it with shrimp ceviche or spicy mango salsa for a bright, tropical combo.
Mocktail Tip: Replace rum with coconut water.
9. Blueberry Thyme Gin & Tonic
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz blueberry syrup
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- Tonic water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle blueberries and thyme in a shaker.
- Add gin, shake, then strain over ice.
- Top with tonic water.
Why it’s great for spring: Earthy, herbal, and stunning, this twist on a gin & tonic pairs beautifully with a cheese board featuring brie and aged cheddar or roasted nuts and dark chocolate.
Mocktail Tip: Swap gin for sparkling grape juice.
10. Rhubarb Collins
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz rhubarb syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- Soda water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Shake gin, rhubarb syrup, and lemon juice with ice.
- Strain over ice and top with soda water.
Why it’s great for spring: Tart, citrusy, and refreshing, this rhubarb-infused Collins shines alongside fried goat cheese balls or lemony asparagus tartlets for a bold contrast.
Mocktail Tip: Use rhubarb tea instead of gin.
These 10 spring cocktails are the perfect way to welcome spring—light, refreshing, and full of seasonal flavors. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating with friends, or unwinding on a warm afternoon, there’s something here for every occasion.
Don’t be afraid to make them your own! Swap out ingredients, try different garnishes, or turn them into mocktails for a booze-free twist. However you mix it, these drinks are all about bringing a little extra joy to the season.
Which one are you trying first? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more party inspiration, entertaining tips, and drink ideas, check out my other posts. Cheers to spring and all the good times ahead!