With April coming to a close and May right in front of us, we’re in full spring mode. That means that our hands naturally reach for more refreshing drinks, as days are longer, nights are warmer and the sun shines through the intermittent rain showers. It’s a good time to be alive. And therefore, a good time to make some cocktails.
Easygoing spirits are always a good place to start, whether you’re enhancing your drinks with woodsier options like cedar and matcha or opting for fresh fruits, vegetables or flowers. Either way, you’ll get a healthy dose of vitamins and a real looker of a drink.
So below, we’ve got three spring cocktail recipes to get you started. Forage around your garden, hit the farmers market or visit your florist. Whatever it takes to arm yourself for the season.
MAY FLOWERS
1.5 oz Absolut Vodka
.75 East India Sherry
.75 oz fresh lemon juice
.25 oz maraschino liqueur
1-2 drops almond extract
Dry shake and strain over crushed ice in a short rocks glass. Garnish with a bouquet of edible flowers.
GRASS IS GREENER
1.5 oz Absolut Citron
1 oz fresh wheatgrass juice
.5 oz fresh lime juice
.25 oz agave nectar
2-3 mint leaves
Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a short rocks glass with no ice. Garnish with a sliced watermelon radish.
MASON DIXON SOUR
2 oz Clyde May’s Whiskey
1 oz Mandarin Napoleon
1 oz egg white
1 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 dash cardamom bitters
Dry shake all ingredients. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an edible flower.
