11 Editor-Approved Spring Cocktails
These cocktails are sure to get you excited about the warmer weather ahead.
Brie Goldman / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell
With the end of Daylight Savings time and hints of warmer weather ahead, it's hard not to dream of afternoons filled with spritzes, sparkling wine, and Sangria. While it isn't quite summer yet, we're already starting to swap out our Manhattans and Old Fashioneds for lighter, more floral cocktails.
Some of our favorites include The Monarch, a gin cocktail that calls for Lillet rosé (read: spring in a bottle) and grapefruit liqueur, as well as the Sharab Rose Raspberry Shrub, a rose-scented, simple nonalcoholic drink that proves some drinks actually do taste as good as they look. Read on to learn how to make 11 of our favorite cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks that are perfect for springtime soirées, the start of backyard entertaining season, or your next brunch gathering.
Aperol Fizz
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
It might not be peak Aperol Spritz season just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't make a batch of Aperol Fizzes. This frothy, bright orange cocktail is a cross between a spritz and a classic egg cream.
Yuzu Amaro Spritz
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
Inspired by the combination of citrus and honey seen often in a Hot Toddy this spring-ready spritz calls for amaro, lime juice, and honey syrup.
Hibiscus Agua Fresca
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
If hibiscus petals don't get you in the mood for warmer weather, we're not sure what will. Add a splash of mezcal or tequila to take your agua fresca to the next level.
Kind of Blue
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
This cocktail calls for Cappelletti, a wonderful next step for the Campari fan in your life. The addition of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, savory touch (especially when coupled with fino sherry) along with the subtle tartness of blueberry syrup.
Orange Wine Sangria
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
When you're tired of classic Red Sangria, grab a bottle or two of your favorite orange wine, chop up some pears and oranges, and make your new favorite crowd-pleaser.
Aviation
Tim Nusog
Floral créme de violette is balanced by acidic lemon juice and maraschino liqueur in this vibrantly hued, classic cocktail.
Sharab Rose Raspberry Shrub Cocktail
Ed Anderson
This tart nonalcoholic cocktail is bright and floral from the raspberries and rose water.
The Monarch
Pamplemousse liqueur lends mellow citrus flavor that highlights the grapefruit notes in Lillet Rosé in The Monarch cocktail, a martini-style drink from Shannon Tebay.
Tea Party
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon / Props from HAY
Pisco is the center of the party in this easy-drinking springtime sipper. While the combination of lychee, a naturally floral and aromatic fruit, and St-Germain, a perfumed elderflower liqueur, might sound overwhelming at first, they seamlessly blend together to create a balanced cocktail that happens to also smell incredible.
Cucumber Basil Martini
Brie Goldman / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell
Fresh basil adds aromatics that come through more heavily on the nose than in the Cucumber Basil Martini itself, complementing the gin’s juniper-forward notes. Ginger and cucumber then come together, balancing each other to create an effect that’s both spicy and cooling, without either overpowering the drink.
Orange Liqueur Mimosa
This elevated classic Mimosa calls for swapping out the traditional orange juice with splashes of homemade orange syrup and orange liqueur. Serve it at brunch, or your next garden party.
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