Spring is a time for renewal, and what better way to refresh than through a cocktail celebration? Inspired by the tradition of Oktoberfest, which revolves around celebrating a specific type of beer, this approach encourages an event dubbed "Marchfest." Here, we focus on using up any leftover winter spirits to make room for the lighter drinks of spring and summer.

As winter cocktails are often rich with flavors—think whiskey, brandy, and roasted red wines—Marchfest brings a fresh twist, perfect for mixing seasonal drinks. By incorporating winter’s bounty, particularly citrus fruits like Meyer lemons, a range of delightful cocktails can be crafted.

Cocktail Recipes for Marchfest

New York Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Unsinkable Bourbon from Sausalito Liquor Co.
• 1 ounce fresh Meyer lemon juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• ½ ounce aquafaba (a chickpea water substitute)
• 1 ounce leftover red wine

Directions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, Meyer lemon juice, simple syrup, and aquafaba. Shake until cold and foamy.
2. Strain over fresh ice in a glass and carefully layer with red wine on top for a visually appealing effect.

Sonoma Sazerac

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Mix brandy, simple syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.
2. Coat a chilled glass with absinthe, discard the excess, and strain the mixture into the glass, garnishing with an orange twist.

An Almost Naked and Almost Famous

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until cold and foamy, then pour into a chilled coupe glass, topping with a generous mound of foam.

Perfectly Clear Spring Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2½ ounces White Whiskey from Griffo Distillery
• ½ ounce Alessio Vermouth Bianco
• ½ ounce Vya Whisper Dry Vermouth
• 1 all-natural Bada Bing cherry

Directions:

1. Stir the whiskey and vermouths in a mixing beaker with ice until very cold.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a stemmed cherry for an unconventional twist.

Marchfest offers an excellent way to enjoy cocktails and transition into spring while celebrating the final sips of winter. Each drink is a unique invitation to explore flavors and creativity that represent both seasons.