After what has felt like an eternity, spring has finally arrived! This means we can finally put those long dark nights behind us, those cold stark winter days and look ahead at the sunshine, blooming flowers and t-shirt weather.

It also signals the start to patio season! And there’s no better way to break in patio season than with a couple of freshly made cocktails.

So to celebrate spring, we’ve sourced a number of cocktails that are fresh, flavourful and bright!

Cucumber Mint Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2oz Herradura Silver
• 1oz Fresh lime juice
• 0.5-0.75 agave nectar (to taste)
• 2 cucumber wheels
• 4 mint leaves

Method: Muddle mint and cucumber in a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients and shake then strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint sprig and fresh cucumber wheel.

Cold Brew Cubano

Transport yourself to a warm Cuban night with this cocktail. It evokes the classic Cuban nightlife that leaves lasting memories.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Havana Club Añejo Clásico
• 0.75 oz Cold Brew
• 0.5 oz Giffard Banana Liqueur
• 3 drops of ginger bitters
• 1 drop of vanilla extract

Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well combined. Pour into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a dehydrated banana chip.

Soft in Spring

While the title denotes a spring cocktail, this drink brings out fruity flavours that would work on any beach vacation. The addition of coconut cream and shavings puts it right at home in Central America.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire
• 1 oz mango juice or nectar
• 0.75 oz coconut cream
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz honey
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Method: Shake all ingredients and strain over ice into a rocks glass or blend with ice until smooth. Garnish with toasted coconut shavings.

Paloma

Paloma’s are refreshing and delicious and should be on anyone’s list for cocktails to enjoy with any occasion. Rather than using the traditional grapefruit soda, this recipe uses fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups blanco tequila
• 2.5 cups grapefruit juice
• 1 cup lime juice
• 1 cup water
• 5 tbs agave (or simple syrup)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 10 oz sparkling water, or soda

Method: In a pitcher, stir together grapefruit juice, lime juice, water, and simple syrup. Let chill for an hour or more. Finish with the tequila and salt. When serving, fill a glass halfway with ice, add in 3/4 of the glass of the mixture and top with the sparkling or soda water. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz seems simple, but it’s that simplicity that makes it a go-to spring or summer cocktail again and again.

• 3oz Cinzano Prosecco
• 2oz Aperol
• 1oz Soda Water

Add ice into a wine glass, then pour the Prosecco, Aperol and Soda. Top with a slice of orange for a nice citrus addition.