Shake Up Your Happy Hour with These Springtime Cocktails

Posted: April 21, 2023 12:00 pm

Happy hour is the best hour of the day. It’s the magical time when the workday ends, the drinks begin to flow, and the stresses of the day just melt away. It’s the perfect excuse to have a drink or two (or three) and forget about our worries. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good excuse to have a drink?

And now that spring has arrived, happy hour just got even better! The weather is warmer, the sun is shining, and there’s no better time to enjoy a refreshing cocktail on a patio or rooftop bar.

Springtime happy hour is all about embracing the season with light, bright, and crisp drinks that awaken our taste buds and lift our spirits. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity sangria, a floral gin and tonic, or a zesty margarita, there’s a springtime cocktail out there that’s sure to put a smile on your face — and we’ve got a list of the best spring cocktails recipes to serve up this year.

So gather your friends, raise a glass, and cheers to happy hour and the joys of spring!

Aperol Spritz

If you happened to catch “The White Lotus” season 2, then you may have seen the characters indulging in this warm-weather cocktail treat.

The Aperol Spritz is a timeless Italian cocktail that has become increasingly popular around the world in recent years, particularly during the spring and summer months. Aperol, the main ingredient in this cocktail, is a bright orange, bittersweet liqueur that’s made from a secret blend of herbs and spices.

When mixed with chilled Prosecco and soda water, it creates a refreshing, bubbly, and low-alcohol cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.

The Aperol Spritz is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods, such as light appetizers, seafood, or grilled vegetables. Its bitterness and effervescence make it a great palate cleanser between bites, while its orange hue and elegant presentation make it an eye-catching addition to any table.

One of the reasons the Aperol Spritz is so popular in the spring is that it’s a light and refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with the season’s fresh produce. It’s also a great alternative to heavier cocktails like whiskey or brandy that are more commonly enjoyed in the winter months.

Get the Aperol Spritz recipe at Food Network.

Strawberry Basil Margarita

The Strawberry Basil Margarita is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic margarita, and it’s a perfect drink to enjoy during the springtime. The combination of fresh strawberries and fragrant basil creates a bright and fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the tequila and lime.

This cocktail is both sweet and tangy, making it a great choice for a warm spring afternoon or a casual get-together with friends.

To get this going, fresh strawberries and basil are muddled together in a cocktail shaker with lime juice and simple syrup. The mixture is then combined with tequila and triple sec, shaken with ice, and strained into a glass with a salted rim. The result is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny day.

This cocktail is a great choice for a springtime brunch or an outdoor barbecue, as it pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats and vegetables, as well as light salads and sandwiches.

So next time you’re in the mood for a margarita, why not give this fruity and herbaceous version a try? It’s a perfect springtime cocktail that’s sure to brighten up your day.

Get the Strawberry Basic Margarita recipe at Our Salty Kitchen.

Cucumber Gin and Tonic

The Cucumber Gin and Tonic is a simple yet elegant drink that’s another great spring cocktail recipe. This drink is a twist on the classic gin and tonic, which is a popular drink enjoyed worldwide for its simplicity and refreshing taste.

Adding cucumber slices to this drink adds a light and crisp flavor that’s perfect for the season. Start by filling a glass with ice and adding a few slices of fresh cucumber. Then, pour in a shot of gin and top with tonic water. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice for a bit of tang, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

The result is a light, refreshing, and sophisticated cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a warm spring day.

The Cucumber Gin and Tonic is a great cocktail to serve at outdoor gatherings, garden parties, or brunches. The fresh, crisp flavor of the cucumber is a perfect complement to the botanical notes in the gin, while the tonic water adds a bit of effervescence and balance.

This drink is also a great option for those who want a low-calorie drink that’s still full of flavor. Another added benefit is that it’s incredibly easy to customize. You can add different herbs, fruits, or even vegetables to create your own unique version of this classic drink.

Try adding some sliced jalapenos for a bit of heat, or swap out the cucumber for fresh watermelon or grapefruit slices.

Get the Cucumber Gin and Tonic recipe at Simply Delicious.

Pineapple Coconut Mojito

The Pineapple Coconut Mojito is a tropical-inspired happy hour cocktail that’s perfect for a springtime staycation. This twist on the classic mojito combines fresh pineapple and coconut rum to create a refreshing and flavorful drink that’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.

This calls for muddling fresh pineapple chunks in the bottom of a cocktail shaker with mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup. Then, add coconut rum and ice, and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, and top with soda water. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a pineapple wedge for a beautiful presentation.

The combination of sweet pineapple and creamy coconut rum creates a tropical flavor that’s super refreshing for springtime. The addition of mint and lime juice adds a refreshing and tangy taste that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and rum.

The soda water gives the cocktail a bit of effervescence and lightens the drink, making it a perfect choice for a warm day. The combination of flavors will transport you to a tropical island and make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just enjoying the drink in your own backyard.

This springtime cocktail recipe is easy to customize to suit your tastes. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup, or add a bit of heat with a splash of jalapeno-infused simple syrup. You could also swap out the pineapple for mango, or the coconut rum for a different type of rum to create your own unique version of this delicious drink.

Get the Pineapple Coconut Mojito recipe at Emily Enchanted.

Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Fizz

For a refreshing and sophisticated drink that combines the tangy flavor of grapefruit with the herbal notes of rosemary, add the grapefruit rosemary gin fizz to your spring happy hour menu. Gin adds complexity and depth to the drink, while a touch of rosemary simple syrup adds sweetness and balance.

Start by making the rosemary simple syrup. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add fresh rosemary sprigs to the mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool.

Next, combine fresh grapefruit juice, gin, and the rosemary simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of grapefruit.

The Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Fizz is one of the best springtime happy hour cocktails because it’s light, refreshing, and easy to drink. The tangy grapefruit juice adds a bit of zing, while the herbal notes of the rosemary and gin give the drink depth and complexity. The soda water adds a bit of effervescence, making the drink perfect for sipping on a warm day.

You can adjust the sweetness of the drink by adding more or less of the rosemary simple syrup, or swap out the gin for vodka if you prefer. You can also experiment with different herbs and fruits to create your own unique version of this delicious drink.

Get the Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Fizz recipe at Casa de Crews.

Cheers to a Refreshing and Delicious Springtime Happy Hour

Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing drink or a unique and sophisticated cocktail, these springtime happy hour recipes have it all.

The tropical flavors of the Pineapple Coconut Mojito is perfect for sipping on a warm day, while the herbal notes of the Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Fizz add complexity to your happy hour menu.

Choose one of these delicious springtime cocktails and cheers to a refreshing happy hour!

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