Spring is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to transition from winter’s heavy beverages to lighter, fresher cocktails. This seasonal shift allows us to incorporate sparkling elements like champagne and ginger beer alongside the vibrant flavors of fresh fruits and herbs. Here are three delightful cocktail recipes to celebrate the arrival of spring:

Ginger Mint Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Reyka Vodka
• 1 part Fresh Lemon Juice (¾ of a lemon muddled with fresh mint)
• ¾ part Ginger Syrup
• Top up with Ginger Beer

Method:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lemon juice, and ginger syrup.
2. Shake well and double strain into a glass.
3. Top with ginger beer and garnish with mint.

Ginger Syrup:

Combine equal amounts of fresh ginger juice and sugar, adding heat to dissolve the sugar (1:1 ratio), example: 32 oz ginger juice to 32 oz sugar.

Icelandic Lady

Ingredients:

• 1 part Reyka Vodka
• ½ part Aperol
• ½ part Honey Syrup (1:1)
• ¼ part Fresh Lemon Juice
• Top with Champagne or Prosecco

Method:

1. Mix the vodka, Aperol, honey syrup, and lemon juice into a shaker.
2. Serve in a flute glass, topped with your choice of champagne or prosecco, and garnish with a lemon peel.

Rites of Spring

Ingredients:

• 1½ parts Hudson Whiskey Bright Lights Big Bourbon
• ½ part Crème de Mûre (Blackberry Liqueur)
• ¼ part Fruits of the Forest Syrup (a mix of strawberry, blackberry, and blueberry syrup)
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Citrus Aromatic Spray

Method:

1. Start by adding the syrup and bitters to a mixing glass, then pour in the whiskey.
2. Add a small amount of ice and stir briefly to chill.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, then spray citrus aromatics over the drink before serving.

These cocktails not only capture the essence of spring but also make for refreshing toasts to the new season. Enjoy and raise a glass to the warmer days ahead!