Spring Cocktail Recipes: Blood Orange Gimlet & Strawberry Champagne Spritz
As winter fades and patio season returns, spring cocktails take on brighter flavors and lighter spirits. Think fresh citrus, floral notes and sparkling finishes that pair perfectly with longer days and coastal evenings. These two easy spring cocktail recipes deliver bold color and refreshing balance, whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding outdoors.
Story By Bailey Gilliam
Spring Cocktail Recipes to Welcome Warmer Days
Blood Orange Lavender Gimlet
Bright and botanical, this blood orange lavender gimlet is spring in a glass. Created by Tony Bagnulo of Broad Creek Spirits Group, the drink highlights Bulrush Blood Orange Gin’s vivid citrus notes, balanced with lavender, fresh lime and a subtle floral finish. Crisp, refreshing and subtle, it’s the kind of cocktail that signals warmer days are officially on the way.Recipe by Broad Creek Spirits Group
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Bulrush Blood Orange Gin
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce lavender-infused simple syrup
- 1 dash orange bitters adds depth; optional
Instructions
- Add gin, lime juice and lavender syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for about 12 to 15 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish by gently floating one cocktail-safe edible flower on top so it sits centered. Daisy, pansy, viola or chamomile all work beautifully.
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Spring in Your Step
With a sugared rim, lively bubbles and a hit of strawberry-bright citrus, this cocktail is made for longer days and lighter moods. Created by Carrie Hirsch of the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Culinary Institute of the South, this playful yet polished cocktail blends strawberry lemonade, Champagne and Grand Marnier into a sip that perfectly matches the season.Recipe by Carrie Hirsch
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 ounces strawberry lemonade chilled
- 4 ounces Champagne or Prosecco chilled
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier liqueur
- 1 strawberry hull intact, for garnish
Instructions
- Drizzle honey onto a shallow plate. Invert the glass, and swirl the rim in the honey until evenly coated. Pour sugar onto another shallow plate, and dip the honey-coated rim into the sugar to coat evenly.
- Pour in the strawberry lemonade, Champagne and Grand Marnier. Do not stir.
- Slice the strawberry almost in half, and secure it onto the rim. Serve immediately.
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