Spring and gin go hand in hand, especially with these 14 creative cocktail recipes. From zesty spritzers to herb-infused drinks, these cocktails bring out the best in gin while embracing the flavors of spring. Perfect for brunches, gatherings, or a relaxing evening, these drinks are a must-try!
Gin And Tonic
The classic Gin and Tonic is perfect for spring. It’s clean and refreshing. You use just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 4 oz tonic water
- 1 lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the gin over the ice.
- Add tonic water and stir gently.
- Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink.
- Garnish with the lime wedge.
You get versatility with this drink. You can explore variations. Add cucumber slices for a fresh twist. Use rosemary for an aromatic touch.
The choice of gin matters. Look for botanical notes. Choices like juniper or floral will elevate the drink. Always use fresh ingredients for a bright taste.
French 75
The French 75 is a classic gin cocktail known for its fresh, bubbly taste. Popular for spring, it combines gin with citrus and Champagne, making it both refreshing and sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 2 oz Champagne
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne.
Feel free to garnish with a lemon twist for added flair. The French 75 is easy to make yet offers a complex taste that’s ideal for any spring occasion. Its balance of flavors is perfect for kitchen experimentation.
Tom Collins
A Tom Collins is a refreshing choice for a spring gin cocktail. It’s light, citrusy, and bubbly. You can enjoy it on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- 3 ounces club soda
- Lemon slice and cocktail cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glass:
Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes. Set aside. - Mix Your Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice to the shaker. Shake well. - Assemble the Cocktail:
Strain the mixed ingredients into the prepared glass. Top with club soda. - Garnish:
Add a lemon slice and a cocktail cherry on top.
This cocktail is part of the Collins family, known for pairing a spirit with citrus, sugar, and soda water. Enjoy its simple elegance and crisp taste. It’s a true classic.
Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees cocktail offers a delightful balance of flavors. It’s perfect for spring, combining gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. This cocktail highlights the fresh, floral notes that gin can offer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup
Instructions:
- Make the honey syrup by combining equal parts honey and hot water. Stir until fully mixed.
- In a shaker, add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Consider using a floral gin to enhance the cocktail’s natural flavors further. You can customize the honey syrup with flavors like lavender for a unique twist. The Bee’s Knees is versatile and refreshing, ideal for a warm spring day.
Southside
The Southside cocktail is a refreshing gin drink. Known for its bright flavors, it combines herbal and citrus notes. This classic hits the spot when spring arrives.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. gin
- 0.75 oz. lime juice
- 0.75 oz. simple syrup
- 6 to 8 mint leaves
Instructions
- Muddle Mint: Place mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Muddle gently to release oils.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice.
- Shake: Shake the mixture until the shaker feels chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a mint sprig for a fresh finish.
The combination of gin with mint and citrus creates a zesty aroma. This drink is known for its smooth, balanced taste. Enjoy your Southside cocktail on a sunny patio or as a lively pre-dinner drink.
Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail perfect for spring. Its combination of gin, citrus, and fizz makes it a delightful choice for warmer weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well.
- Serve: Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
- Top Up: Add club soda to fill the glass. Stir gently.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a lemon wheel or mint sprig.
Enjoy the bright and effervescent flavors of a Gin Fizz as you sip your way into the spring season.
Clover Club
The Clover Club is a classic cocktail that combines elegance and refreshing flavors. You’ll find it perfect for a spring gathering. This drink offers a blend of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz raspberry syrup
- 1 egg white
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cocktail Shaker:
Add gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. - Dry Shake:
Shake without ice for about 15 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white. - Add Ice and Shake:
Add ice cubes and shake again vigorously until chilled. - Strain and Serve:
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. - Garnish:
Skewer a few raspberries and place them on the glass for garnish.
Cucumber Gin Cooler
Experience the refreshing taste of a Cucumber Gin Cooler. This cocktail pairs well with sunny spring days.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4-5 cucumber slices
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Tonic or soda water
Instructions
- Step 1: Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Step 2: Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake briskly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Step 5: Top with tonic or soda water.
Enjoy the cool blend of flavors. Adjust sweetness to preference. Garnish with additional cucumber or mint if desired. Perfect for casual gatherings or refreshing afternoons.
Elderflower Gin Spritz
The Elderflower Gin Spritz is a refreshing spring cocktail that combines floral and citrus flavors. It’s perfect for enjoying in the garden with friends or relaxing on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
50ml gin
- Choose a gin infused with botanicals like elderflower.
10ml elderflower cordial
Chilled prosecco or soda water
- Use to top up the cocktail.
Ice cubes
- Fill your glass for a perfectly chilled drink.
Garnishes
- Mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare your glass.
- Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
Add the gin and cordial.
- Pour 50ml of gin and 10ml of elderflower cordial over the ice.
Top with sparkling liquid.
- Add prosecco or soda water to your preference, filling to the top.
Garnish and serve.
- Garnish with mint, cucumber, and lemon. Serve immediately.
Basil Gimlet
The Basil Gimlet is a fresh take on the classic cocktail. You’ll enjoy its zesty and herbal flavors. The combination of lime and basil adds a unique twist to the traditional gimlet.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 8 basil leaves
- Ice
- Extra basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Place basil leaves in a shaker. Use a muddler to gently press them. This releases the oils.
- Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well until the drink is chilled. This usually takes about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a glass. You can add a splash of soda if you like.
- Garnish with a basil leaf. It adds visual appeal and an aromatic touch.
Spring Negroni
The Spring Negroni is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. It features a lighter, floral profile that suits the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. gin
- 1 oz. Lillet Blanc
- 1 oz. Suze or white vermouth
To make it:
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
Try adding a splash of rose water for a floral hint. Use an orange twist to garnish and enhance the aroma.
This variation retains the balanced bitterness and sweetness of a Negroni. Yet, it introduces gentian liqueur or white vermouth for a unique twist.
It’s both refreshing and invigorating. Perfect for springtime gatherings or a quiet evening at home.
Lavender Gin Sour
The Lavender Gin Sour is a refreshing cocktail choice for spring. Its fragrant aroma and vibrant flavors make it perfect for a warm evening. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup creates a balance of tartness and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup
- Optional: Egg white for froth
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- Mix 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon dried lavender in a saucepan.
- Heat until sugar dissolves, and let cool.
- Strain and store syrup.
Make the Cocktail:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, and egg white if using.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Serve:
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge or lavender sprig.
Rhubarb Gin Smash
The Rhubarb Gin Smash is a refreshing spring cocktail. It balances tart rhubarb with smooth gin.
Ingredients:
- Rhubarb: 2 cups, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- Strawberries: 1 cup, hulled and sliced
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Water: 1 cup
- Gin: 2 ounces per serving
- Sparkling water: Splash, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the syrup: Combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Strain the mixture: Remove from heat. Let it cool. Use a fine mesh strainer to separate the syrup. Discard solids.
- Mix the drink: In a shaker, add 2 ounces of gin and 2 ounces of rhubarb syrup. Add ice. Shake well.
- Serve: Pour into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with mint or an extra strawberry if desired.
Rosemary Gin Lemonade
Rosemary Gin Lemonade is a refreshing drink for spring. It combines the herbal notes of rosemary with the citrusy zing of lemonade. This cocktail is both fragrant and flavorful.
To create this delightful beverage, start by making a rosemary simple syrup. This syrup brings an aromatic twist to your lemonade.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
Make the Rosemary Syrup
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepan.
- Add rosemary sprigs.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat. Let it steep for 45 minutes.
- Strain into a container.
Mix the Lemonade
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and 1 oz rosemary syrup.
- Top with cold water or club soda.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a lemon slice.
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