Let the good times grow as you sip on these four refreshing drinks
Spring is in full bloom, and there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a rejuvenating cocktail in hand. Whether you’re looking to add buzz to an outdoor picnic or make a splash at a cocktail party, these four fun tipples are great ways to toast to this bountiful time of year.
For a garden party, try a Gin & Elderflower Cooler
This floral cocktail will make you want to stop and smell the roses. Elderflower lends this libation a fresh and fruity flavor, while the light spritz makes it the perfect choice for an easy afternoon drink. The ice cubes decorated with fresh herbs and flowers also add a gorgeous, party-ready flourish.
Ingredients
Small handful of fresh herbs (e.g. mint, thyme, rosemary)
Small handful of edible flowers
50 ml elderflower cordial
150 ml elderflower liqueur
150 ml gin
Ice
330ml sparkling water
Method
1. Place the herbs and edible flowers in an ice cube tray and fill with water. Freeze until solid, around two to three hours.
2. Add a handful of regular ice to a jug. Add elderflower cordial, elderflower liqueur, and gin. Stir gently until the outside of the jug feels cold.
3. Divide herb and flower ice cubes among four glasses. Strain the cocktail into each glass and top with sparkling water.
For a picnic in the park, try a Rum Punch
Aside from being a burst of zesty flavors, this cocktail can be easily made ahead of time and poured into a big bottle for easy transportation to your picnic spot. The below recipe makes four strong drinks or several smaller ones — feel free to adjust the ingredients accordingly.
Ingredients
700 ml fresh orange juice
150 ml fresh lemon juice
300 ml golden rum
1 liter sugar syrup
A dash of grenadine syrup
A dash of Angostura bitters
Ice
Method
1. Combine the juices, rum, sugar syrup, grenadine, and bitters in a jug. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
2. Fill four glasses with crushed ice. Strain in the cocktail.
For a sophisticated cocktail soirée, try a Sorrento Sparkle
Want to make your guests feel like they’re partying in Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast? Then serve up this bubbly cocktail, which brings together two of Italy’s most beloved drinks. These are a breeze to make, and the results — sweet, tart, and utterly delicious — are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
45 ml chilled limoncello
15 ml chilled prosecco
Lemon zest and/or raspberries to garnish
Method
1. Pour the limoncello into a tall glass.
2. Top with chilled prosecco.
3. Serve with your chosen garnish.
For a movie night in, try a Strawberry Tequila Soda
A movie marathon is a great way to while away the time while the springtime rain is quenching nature’s thirst. To make the cinematic experience even more enjoyable, whip up a few of these spiked strawberry sodas. The bright berry sweetness works great with tequila. Pair with your favorite flicks and a big bowl of popcorn and there you have the perfect night in.
Ingredients
3 strawberries
60 ml tequila
60 ml tonic water
15 ml fresh lime juice
Ice
Fresh mint to garnish
Fresh strawberries to garnish
Method
1. Muddle strawberries in a glass and fill with ice.
2. Add tequila, lime juice, and tonic water. Stir and serve with mint and more strawberries.
