The Ultimate Spring Cocktail Party – Tried and True Classics

Winter has already faded into spring, meaning your choice of cocktails should change to reflect the seasons. Spring cocktail choices usually lean toward lighter drinks that include fresh ingredients. And because the weather is warmer, most of them will be served cold.

And what better time to try out some of these drinks than a social event? Whether you are having a formal dinner in your home, hosting a weekend brunch, or simply having some friends over for happy hour, here are some spring cocktail party tried and true classics. 

Whiskey Ginger

The Whiskey Ginger is an iconic cocktail made from just two ingredients. But you’ll need candied ginger to make it authentic, which requires peeling and slicing about ¼-lb. ginger and sauteing it in a pan for 30 minutes. Then, you add sugar to crystalize the ginger pieces. 

For the drink, fill a glass with ice. Add 2 oz. whiskey and 5 oz. ginger ale. Garnish the rim with lime, and add your candied ginger pieces and lime on a toothpick. 

Tom Collins

A Tom Collins is like a spiked lemonade beverage served in a tall glass with ice. To prepare, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, and add 2 oz. dry gin, 1 oz. fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz. simple syrup. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds or until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Pour into a tall glass and top off with 3 oz. of seltzer or lemon water. Garnish with a lemon slice or several cherries. 

Strawberry Mezcal Margarita

Everyone loves a traditional margarita. But this fruity and modern twist will be a hit at your next spring cocktail party. Similar to traditional margaritas, rub a lime around the rim of your glass and then dip it into a plate covered with salt. In the glass, place 2-3 hulled and halved strawberries with 1 tsp. Agave. Add 2 oz. mezcal, 1 oz. Cointreau, and ½-oz. lime juice. Fill the rest of the glass with ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and a strawberry before serving. 

Americano

The Americano is one of the most popular classic drinks that is also simple to make. With just three ingredients and plenty of ice, you’ll find this cocktail a hit at your next get-together. To prepare, fill a highball with ice. Pour 1.5 oz. of Campari and 1.5 oz. of vermouth. Top with 2-3 oz. of club soda and service with a sliced orange wheel. 

Dirty Shirley

Who doesn’t remember drinking Shirley Temples as a kid? This is the grownup version. You fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour 2 oz. vodka, 1 oz. fresh lime juice, and 1 oz. grenadine over the ice. Add 4 oz. lemon-lime soda and stir. Garnish with Maraschino cherries and a lime wheel. 

Mint Julep

You don’t have to be watching the Kentucky Derby to enjoy a Mint Julep. This is the classic warm-weather libation. But you must have crushed ice — other forms won’t do. Pulse ½ cup mint leaves and ¼ cup sugar in a food processor until finely ground. Transfer to a plate. Dip the rim of your glass in water and then dip it in the mint sugar concoction. Add 1 tbsp simple syrup and 3 mint leaves. Fill with crushed ice and 1.5 oz bourbon. Then garnish with mint. 

Blackberry Virgin Mojito (Mocktail)

This is a non-alcoholic version of the refreshing fruity, and minty mojito. But it involves some prep time to make the mint syrup. In a small pot, crush ½ cup fresh mint leaves, add 1 cup water, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then strain out the leaves, leaving just the syrup. In a small bowl, add 1 cup blackberries and 1 tsp. granulated sugar. Crush blackberries until broken down. Divide blackberries among four glasses and add 2 tbsp. Simple syrup and 2 tbsp. Lime juice to each glass. Fill glasses with ice and seltzer water. Then garnish with mint leaves. 

Get Everything You Need for Your Next Cocktail Party at Nick’s of Calvert

Now that you have an excellent list of spring cocktail party recipes, you need to gather your supplies and begin planning your next event. Nick’s of Calvert offers one of the largest selections of spirits, beer, and wine in Southern Maryland — all at the lowest prices. 

Whether you know exactly what you need or need assistance making the right selection, we’d be happy to help. We carry many of the brand names you’ll recognize, including some premium labels. Contact us at (410) 414-7105 or visit us today.