As the cold winter months come to an end and the first signs of spring start to appear, it's time to start thinking about refreshing and invigorating drinks to enjoy during the transition period.
Whether you're in the mood for something light and fruity or bold and spicy, there are plenty of cocktail recipes that are perfect for this time of year.
Late winter and early spring are all about embracing the changing seasons and finding new ways to enjoy the fresh ingredients that are becoming available.
From crisp citrus fruits to fragrant herbs and spices, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious and unique cocktails that capture the essence of this time of year.
As a bartender, I have spent years experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create cocktails that are both delicious and visually stunning.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of my favorite late winter and early spring cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
So whether you're planning a springtime brunch with friends or looking for a new signature cocktail to add to your menu, these recipes are sure to inspire and delight.
So let's raise a glass to the changing seasons and the endless possibilities that come with them!
1. Red Winter Sangria
If you're looking for a refreshing and festive cocktail to serve this late winter or early spring, then the Red Winter Sangria is a must-try. This cocktail is packed with seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and cranberries, and is sweetened with sugar and fruit juices.
You can use an affordable dry red wine to make this cocktail, and add cinnamon sticks and star anise for a holiday kick of flavor. The Red Winter Sangria looks great and tastes even better, making it the perfect drink to serve at your next gathering. So, why not switch things up this winter and try this delicious cocktail?
2. Cranberry Moscow Mule
If you're looking for a festive cocktail to enjoy during the late winter and early spring months, the Cranberry Moscow Mule is a must-try. This twist on the classic Moscow Mule features a blend of orange, lime, and cranberry flavors, along with a spicy ginger beer that adds a kick to every sip.
Served in a chilled copper mug, this cocktail is both beautiful and delicious, making it the perfect addition to any party or gathering. Whether you're celebrating the holidays, ringing in the new year, or simply looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink to enjoy with friends, the Cranberry Moscow Mule is sure to impress.
3. Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is a festive and fun drink that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is a mix of vodka, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, spicy jalapeños, and ginger beer, with a minted sugar-rimmed glass for the perfect Christmas punch. It's a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy, just like the Grinch himself.
The cocktail is simple to make and can be served as a single drink or as a punch for a holiday party. This drink is perfect for enjoying a night in by the fire while watching The Grinch. If you're looking for a fun and festive cocktail to enjoy this holiday season, the Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is a must-try.
4. A Winter Snowflake
A Winter Snowflake is a soothingly sweet and deliciously creamy cocktail that's perfect for late winter and early spring. It's not too heavy or high in calories, making it guilt-free indulgence.
You can easily make a big batch of it in a slow cooker and let your guests customize their own cocktails with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, and chocolate sprinkles. It's a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a cozy and delicious drink to enjoy during the season.
5. Bourbon Old Fashioned
The Bourbon Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, orange, and a cherry. The type of sugar used can make a big difference, with turbinado sugar being the clear winner in taste tests.
Small batch or local bourbons add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Maraska cherries are a top choice for garnish. Sip on a Bourbon Old Fashioned and savor the flavors of this timeless cocktail.
6. Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail
The Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is a creative twist on the classic bourbon cocktail. This cocktail is made with red wine and bourbon, garnished with orange peel and a maraschino cherry. The combination of red wine and bourbon creates a unique flavor that is perfect for cozy nights at home.
With less than 150 calories per drink, it's a great option for those who want to indulge without the guilt. The stunning color of the cocktail is sure to impress guests at any gathering. This cocktail is perfect for fall and winter occasions such as Halloween movie nights, Thanksgiving cheese platters, and Christmas parties. If you're a fan of bourbon, this cocktail is a must-try.
7. Prosecco Margaritas
The Prosecco Margarita is a perfect cocktail for those who love a classic margarita with a twist. This sparkling drink is a big-batch recipe, making it perfect for entertaining and celebrating. The bubbly prosecco adds a celebratory touch to the traditional margarita, making it a fun and delicious drink to serve to friends and family.
The cocktail is made with just a few ingredients, making it easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for special occasions. The Prosecco Margarita is a refreshing and crisp drink that goes down smooth and easy, making it an excellent choice for a late winter or early spring cocktail.
8. Floral Sangria
The Floral Sangria is a refreshing and light cocktail that is perfect for the late winter and early spring season. Made with white wine and elderflower liqueur, this cocktail boasts a beautiful floral aroma and taste that is complemented by the sweetness of strawberries and raspberries.
The addition of edible flowers and citrus liqueur gives this cocktail a stunning appearance that is sure to impress your guests. The floral ice cubes add an extra touch of elegance to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for a spring brunch or a romantic Valentine's Day celebration. Overall, the Floral Sangria is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves a refreshing and fruity drink with a floral twist.
9. Heavenly Lemonade
The Heavenly Lemonade is a refreshing cocktail that's perfect for late winter and early spring. It's a twist on the classic mimosa, using lemonade instead of orange juice.
The drink is made with sparkling water and lemonade, and you can use any kind of lemonade you like. It's a light and bubbly drink that's easy to make and won't break the bank. Give it a try for a delicious and refreshing drink!
10. Limoncello Sunrise
The Limoncello Sunrise is a refreshing and simple cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. This cocktail is a great addition to your weekend brunch menu and can be enjoyed in place of or alongside the traditional mimosas or Bloody Mary’s. The Limoncello Sunrise is made by pouring Limoncello over ice, followed by orange juice, and then topped off with grenadine.
The grenadine creates a stunning sunset effect that is sure to impress your guests. Garnish the cocktail with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry to add a touch of elegance. The Limoncello Sunrise is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any time of year.
11. Lavender Lemon Drop Vodka Martini
The Lavender Lemon Drop Vodka Martini is a perfect cocktail for those looking for a light, refreshing drink with a touch of sweetness. The combination of lavender, lemon, and orange creates a perfectly balanced flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds. The homemade lavender simple syrup adds a unique touch to this classic cocktail, making it a great choice for those who want to try something new.
The sugared rim and garnish of lavender sprigs and lemon slices add a touch of elegance to this drink, making it perfect for any occasion. If you're looking for a cocktail that is both delicious and refreshing, the Lavender Lemon Drop Vodka Martini is definitely worth a try.
12. White Russian Eggnog
Looking for a quick and easy cocktail to impress your guests this late winter/early spring? Look no further than the White Russian Eggnog. This creamy and delicious cocktail is perfect for any holiday party or gift exchange. With just three simple ingredients, it's easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For an extra festive touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or candy cane. And for those who prefer blended drinks, this cocktail can be easily whipped up in a blender with whipped cream and crushed candy canes or cinnamon on top. Trust us, your guests will be asking for the recipe all night long.
13. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
The Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a perfect drink to warm you up during the late winter and early spring season. This delicious cocktail is a blend of cranberry juice and winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and orange, making it an ideal drink for those who enjoy mulled wine.
The addition of bourbon gives the drink a bold and smooth flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The spiced cranberry hot toddy is easy to make and can be served in small quantities, making it perfect for a party. If you're looking for a drink that's both warm and comforting, the Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is definitely worth a try.
14. Italian Margarita
If you're looking for a unique twist on a classic margarita, the Italian Margarita is a must-try. This cocktail combines the tangy flavors of lime and orange with the sweetness of amaretto for a deliciously refreshing drink. The Italian Margarita is perfect for those who want to switch up their usual margarita routine and try something new.
Plus, the interesting history behind the shape of the margarita glass adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already intriguing cocktail. So, if you're looking for a fun and flavorful drink to enjoy during the late winter/early spring season, give the Italian Margarita a try!
15. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that's perfect for the late winter and early spring season. Made with whiskey, lime juice, and egg white, this cocktail has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
The frothy texture provided by the egg white adds a luxurious touch to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who want to indulge in a delicious and healthy cocktail. Whether you're a whiskey lover or not, this cocktail is worth a try. So, the next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink, give the Whiskey Sour a chance and let it surprise you with its unique taste.
