Top 5 Tasty Fresh Spring Cocktail Recipes

As temperatures begin to rise, the warm sun shines down once again, the cold rain and snow subside, becomes one of the most exciting times in the cocktail season, spring. Enjoy a tasty fresh spring cocktail recipe alfresco, now's the time to switch up your drinking styles from the heavier spirits and big wines, and look forward to fresh spring cocktails using light and fresh ingredients.

Meyer Lemon Lavender Martini Recipe 

One of the most refreshing spring cocktail recipes is this Meyer lemon lavender martini is a fresh spring twist on the traditional lemon drop martini recipe. Lavender adds a light perfume and unique floral note to the cocktail. The clean, crisp notes of vodka, complimented with bright citrus, the touch of floral notes become a delicious and unique cocktail to enjoy on a warm spring day with friends.

Ingredients for Meyer Lemon Lavender Martini: 

• 1.5 Ounces Fresh Squeezed Meyer Lemon Juice
• 2 Ounces Absolut Citron Vodka
• 2 Organic Lavender Sprigs
• 1 Tablespoon Simple Syrup
• Twist of Meyer Lemon Zest

How to Prepare: 

1. In a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle one of the lavender sprigs and simple syrup together.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Add in the Meyer lemon juice and Absolut Citron Vodka.
4. Shake well for a minimum of 20-30 seconds.
5. Strain into a frozen martini glass.
6. Garnish with the remaining lavender sprig and a twist of Meyer lemon zest.

Elderflower Champagne Spritz Cocktail Recipe 

When spring has sprung and you're hosting a delicious Sunday brunch with cocktails in the backyard, this refreshing elderflower champagne cocktail should be at the top of your list. This cocktail features St. Germain, a tasty elderflower perfumed liqueur that is widely available in most liquor stores nationwide. If you can't find the liqueur, then you can use elderflower cordial instead.

Ingredients: 

• 3 Ounces of Brut Champagne
• 2 Ounces St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (or Elderflower Cordial)
• 1 Ounce Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic Water (or club soda)
• Fresh Organic Raspberries 

How To Prepare: 

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the champagne and elderflower over the ice to chill.
3. Stir using a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds.
4. Using a cocktail strainer, strain into a chilled champagne flute.
5. Float the tonic water on the top, and garnish with a few fresh raspberries.

Caribbean Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe 

This cocktail recipe is a fruity rum based cocktail recipe that is a unique play on the traditional screwdriver cocktail. The combination of flavors from the freshly squeezed orange and key lime juices and the nuances of vanilla and anise from the Galliano is reminiscent of your last warm tropical vacation but in a glass!

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 Ounces Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
• Juice of 2 Key Limes
• 1 Ounce White Rum
• 1 Ounce Dark Rum
• 1/2 Ounce Galliano Liqueur
• Amarena Cherry (Garnish)
• 4 Drops Amarena Cherry Syrup
• Sprig of Fresh Organic Mint, Dill or Edible Flowers (Garnish) 

How to Prepare: 

1. Using a handheld citrus press squeeze the key lime and orange juices.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add in the white rum, orange juice, key lime juice, cherry syrup, and Galliano.
4. Shake well for 20-30 seconds.
5. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
6. Top with the dark rum.
7. Garnish with the Amarena cherry and garnish.

Spring Gin Kiss Cocktail Recipe

The spring gin kiss cocktail is a unique and wonderfully elevated gin martini. While most gin martini recipes are dry and can be sharp, the use of the grenadine, fresh citrus, and the unique twist of the infusion of apple brandy gives this delicious spring martini cocktail recipe a round of applause. Serve the spring gin kiss in a well chilled or frozen martini glass as an aperitif cocktail to welcome guests to your home.

Ingredients: 

• 1 Teaspoon Meyer Lemon Juice (fresh squeezed)
• 2 Ounces Bombay Sapphire Gin
• 1 Ounce Apricot Brandy
• 1/2 Teaspoon Grenadine
• 1 Ounce Noilly Pratt Extra Dry Vermouth
• Amarena Cherry (to garnish) 

How To Prepare: 

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, brandy, vermouth, Meyer lemon juice, and grenadine.
3. Shake well for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled or frozen martini glass.
5. Garnish with an Amarena cherry.

Little Hot Pink Dress Cocktail Recipe 

The little hot pink dress cocktail is always a little bit spicy and always a touch sassy. The unique blend of fresh pink grapefruit, combined with the aromas of reserve orange bitters, and the spicy kick of fresh organic jalapeno will keep you coming back to the glass again and again with this delicious spring cocktail.

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 Cup Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 Cup Pink Grapefruit Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 Ounces Don Julio Blanco Tequila
• 2 Teaspoons Blue Green Organic Agave Nectar
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper (sliced thin)
• 2 Dashes Reserve Orange Bitters

How to Prepare: 

1. Fill a double rocks glass half full with ice.
2. Pour in lime juice, grapefruit juice and agave nectar.
3. Add in Don Julio Blanco tequilla.
4. Stir Well.
5. Top with 2 dashes of the reserve orange bitters.
6. Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit and thinly jalapeno wheel.
7. Optional: If you like your drinks a touch sweeter, rim the glass with a sugar & salt combination.

Conclusion:

No matter what cocktail you choose, step outside, relax and enjoy! Also, check out our tips below on other ways to enjoy spring outdoor living.

Check out other great recipes, and tips and tricks for Easy, Effortless Entertaining from AWG Private Chefs 

• 5 Helpful Backyard Entertaining Tips You Need to Know!
• 4 Awesomely Yummy Easter Brunch Ingredients
• Never Ending Food Trend: The Fully Edible Grazing Table
• 7 Tips for Entertaining Safely During COVID-19

About the Author: Certified Master Chef, Sommelier & Wine Educator, Sean Andrade is the Executive Chef Owner of AWG Private Chefs headquartered in Northern California. Voted best personal chefs and best caterers in San Francisco, and #1 Private Chef company in California. Chef Sean has worked in the restaurant and hospitality industries worldwide for more than 25 years. AWG Private Chefs offers highly custom-tailored, bespoke private chef dining experiences, personal chef service, and private event catering in over 30 countries around the globe.