As the spring equinox approaches, it’s a perfect time to shift from winter drinks to refreshing spring cocktails. Inspired by the concept of Oktoberfest, where beer is celebrated at the end of the season, why not create a Marchfest? This idea encourages us to use up our winter stock of spirits and citrus before fully embracing the lighter flavors of spring.

Winter drinks typically include richer flavors such as red wine, whiskey, and brandy, whereas spring brings cocktails like gin and tonics. As we transition between these two seasons, here’s an opportunity to blend both; a perfect time for a "spring cleaning" for cocktails.

Below are four reimagined winter cocktails well-suited for this Marchfest celebration, utilizing local ingredients that can help offset potential tariffs on imports.

New York Sour

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Sausalito Liquor Co.’s Unsinkable Bourbon
• 1 ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• ½ ounce aquafaba
• 1 ounce leftover red wine

Directions

1. Combine bourbon, Meyer lemon juice, simple syrup, and aquafaba in a cocktail shaker. Shake until cold and foamy.
2. Strain over ice in a serving glass and gently layer leftover red wine on top for a beautiful presentation.

The Meyer lemon adds a subtle orange flavor, reducing the need for additional sweeteners in the drink.

Sonoma Sazerac

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Griffo Distillery’s Barrel 151 reserve brandy
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 2 dashes Bitter Girl Bitters’ Garden Party bitters
• ¼ ounce Barber Lee Spirits’ Absinthe Blanche

Directions

1. In a shaker, combine the brandy, simple syrup, and bitters with ice. Shake vigorously until cold.
2. Coat a chilled glass with absinthe, then discard the excess. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass and garnish with an orange twist.

This classic cocktail returns to its cognac roots with California’s exceptional brandies.

An Almost Naked and Almost Famous

Ingredients

• ¾ ounce Santo Spirits’ Mezquila
• ¾ ounce Geijer Spirits’ California Amaro
• ¾ ounce Accompani’s Flora Green
• ¾ ounce Meyer lemon juice
• ½ ounce aquafaba

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled and foamy.
2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, piling the foam high on top.

Flora Green offers a lighter alternative to traditional liqueurs, making this a fresh addition to your cocktail repertoire.

Perfectly Clear Spring Manhattan

Ingredients

• 2 ½ ounces Griffo Distillery’s White Whiskey
• ½ ounce Alessio Vermouth Bianco
• ½ ounce Vya Whisper Dry Vermouth
• 1 Bada Bing stemmed all-natural cherry

Directions

1. In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey and vermouths with ice. Stir until thoroughly chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnishing with the cherry.

This light yet flavorful twist on the Manhattan presents a unique contrast with the dark cherry garnish.

These cocktails celebrate the season’s shift, encouraging creativity and sustainability while enjoying local spirits. Cheers to a refreshing spring!