Spring! Every year it feels like it’s just in time. Thank goodness it’s here to save us from the February Doldrums. You know what else is lovely, on the eve of the vernal equinox? Spring cocktails. Our Test Kitchen cooks have a lot of fun around this time of year, since sprightly cocktails that make the most of spring’s vibrant ingredients are a definite kitchen favorite. Whether it’s a sangria bursting with fresh juice, a drink whipped up using one of our wonderfully vibrant mixers, or a spritz as fizzy as your mood, we’ve got the cocktail recipes for you. Raise your glasses to spring!
1. Blood Orange Tequila Tropi-cal
One of the last winter citrus fruits of the season (and therefore a harbinger of spring), the blood orange is simply gorgeous in a drink. The Blood Orange Tequila Tropi-cal is just the thing to welcome warmer climes. Resplendent with tequila and fresh lime, pineapple, and blood orange juices, it’s a luxurious mood-booster.
2. Limoncello Spritz
Those of us who remember the first inklings of the modern cocktail Renaissance in the early ’00s may remember that Lemon Drop cocktails were among the first to make a splash. Why? Because lemon, in a cocktail, is a marvel. Limoncello (which you can make yourself!) boasts the same charms. Enter: the Limoncello Spritz. None-too-sweet thanks to soda water, fresh lemon juice and a splash of Prosecco, it’s as refreshing a drink as they come and a favorite in the Test Kitchen.
3. Blood Orange Negroni
The 2020s have not exactly been… the easiest decade to date, and one might argue that they necessitates a rather stiff drink. Nice to see you, Blood Orange Negroni. Its fans love the Negroni because it’s balanced, strong and delicate, all at once. Seasonal fruit on the beloved classic is a riff few can resist.
4. Spring White Sangria
This refreshing sangria combines white wine and passion fruit juice with grapes, pears and litchis, a delicately sweet Chinese fruit.
5. Papaya and Lime Agua Fresca
Perfect for warm-weather sipping, this cocktail combines papaya, fresh lime juice, tequila and Grand Marnier. The vibrant color lends oomph to any table.
6. Orange Blossom Gin Fizz
This citrusy drink is ideal for an early spring party. You can find Yuzu juice—which tastes like a combination of grapefruit and mandarin—in Asian markets and specialty stores, along with the occasional smart supermarket. But any citrus juice will work.
7. Passion Fruit Caipirinha
Passion fruit and caipirinhas are both native to Brazil, so mix this cocktail to pretend you’re on vacation. If you can’t find cachaça, substitute vodka to make the equally delicious caipiroska.
8. Cucumber Cooler
This combination of cucumber and lime juice makes a refreshing alternative to sweeter cocktails. Our recipe is easy to make for a crowd, and it’s perfect for warm-weather sipping.
