Cheers to Spring! Fun Seasonal Cocktails

Vase $59.99 | Artificial hops $14.99 | Wood & leather coasters $39.99 | Boho bead garland $14.99

Isn’t it just amazing how a little bit of sunshine brings people together? All it takes is a few warm and sunny days to bring us all out of hibernation.

This is not to say that I don’t appreciate the quiet solitude of winter, but there is a time and place for everything. And I am so ready for all the festivities that come along with the warm sunny days & nights. I’ve been excitedly preparing for spontaneous backyard parties. I know, that’s quite the oxymoron – preparing for the spontaneous. But I find that the best parties are the ones that seem to just happen… and you never know when your house will be the designated location.

Let’s begin with some fantastic seasonal cocktails! I like to do a little bit of research and preparation to wow my guests in the event that we are hosting. It’s so fun and easy to take a few pre-emptive measures to ensure that your fridge & bar are stocked. For example, cocktails are always so much better when made with fresh squeezed lemons or limes. So, when I go to the grocery store, I’m sure to grab a bag of each.

Dish towel $12.99 | Mixing bowls $14.99 & $29.99 (currently on sale for additional 30% off)

Mixing bowls $14.99 & $29.99 (Currently on sale for additional $30% off)

I may have mentioned before, for the most part my husband is the chef in this house. So, I like to think of the herb garden as my little cocktail garden! And I’ll let you in on my little secret, infusing your drink with an herb and adding a pretty garnish is all you really need to impress your guests.

English Lavender bush $15.99

In an effort to save money, I keep my bar stocked with the basics, and instead of buying all the different flavoured liqueurs, I simple tweak drink recipes by adding homemade simple syrups. These recipes have all been adjusted to use herb infused syrups and fresh squeezed juice instead of a secondary alcohol. Simple syrup is the best secret weapon to make a wow factor cocktail. And it is so easy! Just add equal parts white sugar and water to a saucepan, a few sprigs of an herb of your choice and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Cutting board $39.99 (currently on sale for additional $30% off) | Dish towel $12.99

English Lavender bush $15.99

Although, if you’re ever in a pinch, you could easily substitute premade lemonade and just muddle some fresh herbs to infuse. It’s amazing how simple vodka lemonade is suddenly transformed if you add in a little lavender, thyme or mint!

• 1.5 oz vodka
• ¾ oz lavender simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Fever Tree Elderflower tonic water
• Garnish with lavender or lemon wheel

This next cocktail is a take on the ever-popular Whiskey Sour. For a fun garden twist, swap out the regular simple syrup for rosemary. Rosemary has a deep flavour that doesn’t get lost when added to a strong spirit like bourbon. This recipe also calls for egg whites. Which can turn some people off, but I promise, if you give it a chance, it will blow your mind. It transforms this drink into a smooth and creamy sip of pure delight.

Rosemary Whiskey Sour

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz lemon juice
• ½ oz rosemary syrup
• ½ egg white

Add all ingredients to shaker generously filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 2 minutes. Strain over glass and garnish with rosemary or lemon wheel. (It is important to shake very fast. You are essentially whipping the egg white. When you pour, it should appear frothy)

 4" Rosemary plant $2.99

Lastly, we can’t forget a gin cocktail. Gin is one of my favourite spirits. This cocktail is so tart and fresh – perfect to sip on a hot day!

Mint Gin Fizz

• 1.5 oz gin
• 1 oz lime juice
• ½ simple syrup
• 5 mojito mint leaves
• Sparkling water or club soda
• Lime wheel or top of mint sprig

Muddling the mint leaves in the shaker first will help to release their oils. But if you don’t have a muddler, shaking vigorously will suffice! Add mint leaves, gin, lime juice, and syrup to a shaker generously filled with ice. Shake & strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint and lime.

4" Mojito mint $2.99

Here's to spring & all of the goodness it brings!  
Cheers!