April Showers Bring May Flowers and Must-Try Cocktail Recipes!

As the days become longer, the sun shines brighter, and our moods start to improve. It’s time to celebrate, and there’s no better way than with a refreshing cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, throwing a dinner party, or just enjoying a night in, these spring-inspired cocktails are sure to bring some extra cheer to your gathering. From floral and fruity to light and tart, we have something for everyone. 

For a fruity twist on a classic: Peach Tree Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Irish Whiskey
• 1 oz Demerara sugar cube
• 3 dashes of orange bitters
• 2 medium-sized peach wedges

Instructions

1. In a mixing glass, add sugar cube, 1 peach wedge, and orange bitters. Muddle. 
2. Add in whiskey and ice, then stir.  
3. Double strain into a rocks glass with ice.
4. Garnish with the second peach wedge.

For spring flower essence: Hibiscus Margarita

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz reposado tequila
• .5 oz triple sec
• 1 oz hibiscus simple syrup
• .5 oz lime juice
• Topo Chico
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Dried hibiscus flower for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine tequila, triple sec, hibiscus simple syrup, and lime juice in a shaker with ice and shake. 
2. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. 
3. Top with Topo Chico and garnish with a dried hibiscus flower.

For a little bit of spring spice: Bijou

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• .5 oz sweet vermouth
• .5 oz yellow chartreuse
• 1 dash of orange bitters
• Flaming orange peel for garnish

Instructions

1. Stir all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with orange peel.

For something simple, sweet, and floral: Lychee Martini

Ingredients

• 3 oz vodka
• 2 oz lychee juice*
• .5 oz vermouth
• Lychee and orchid for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the first 3 ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 5-10 seconds.
2. Pour into a martini or coupe glass.
3. Garnish with 2-3 lychees on a skewer.
4. Add an orchid if desired for garnish.

*We might not have lychee juice at our outlets, but it is available locally.

For refreshing spring citrus: Grapefruit Mojito

Ingredients

• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp simple syrup
• 2 oz white rum
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
• 2 oz club soda
• Grapefruit wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle together mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Pour in the grapefruit juice and white rum.
3. Fill with ice and shake. Strain over an ice-filled cocktail glass.
4. Top with club soda (or sparkling water). Garnish with mint leaves and grapefruit wedge slices.

Find your favorite spirits and mixers here at New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet to shake, stir, and sip your way into springtime.