Now that spring is here, we're having glorious visions of gardens, pastel colors, sunlight, temperate weather and, naturally, bright and fresh drinks to match!
Even if it's still freezing where you are and the weather hasn't caught up to the season yet, whip up one of these drinks to help usher it along!
We'll drink to that.
1. Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Margaritas are pretty much our go-to when the weather heats up, but we just love how simple and fresh this canned limeade version is, and the basil absolutely takes it to a whole new level of delicious. Stir up a pitcher full for the ultimate crowd pleaser!
2. Kaffir Lime Sour with Ginger
Kaffir lime leaves are usually pretty cheap at your local Asian grocery store, but if you can't get your hands on fresh, frozen or dried ones, feel free to swap them out for a bit of lime zest and maybe even some basil for a totally different herbaceous twist.
3. Pimm's Cup
This drink is a classic British favorite. We highly recommend that you sit in a garden or on a porch wearing polo or cricket attire while you sip it.
4. Whiskey Sour 4 Ways
If you don't know the classic whiskey-lemon juice-simple syrup combo, you'll want to learn it, and you can thank us later. Once you master that, check out these fun ways to subtly change up the recipe -- for example, by using honey instead of simple syrup. We love all of these variations!
5. Honey Lemon Thyme Cocktail
If you make this easy syrup ahead of thyme, then you have one of the easiest cocktails in existence. Note: If vodka isn't your thing, this would be absolutely delightful with bourbon and maybe a splash of bitters.
6. Icy-Cool Green Tea Mojito
We love mojitos, but at the same time, sometimes we could use a new version of them. That bit of healthy, earthy iced green tea just makes all the difference on those days.
7. Blueberry Mint Gin Cocktail
This blueberry simple syrup is the perfect way to get rid of those berries that have been sitting in the back of your freezer for way too long.
8. Americano
If you love classic cocktails with a pop of bitterness and complexity, give the Americano a try the next time you are looking for something a little lighter on the booze.
9. Cucumber-Rosemary Gin and Tonic
Gin and tonics never really ever get old, but at the same time, you certainly won't regret giving them a lovely fresh, floral facelift. Feel free to use basil instead of rosemary, if that's more your thing. A splash of grapefruit juice is also lovely for a complex, refreshing drink reminiscent of a mojito.