Spring Cocktails Recipes for Your Party

Spring is in the air and you should have a cocktail in your hand. As the weather heats up, it’s time to put away those winter classics and bring out a little more ice. Chris Elford, beverage director at amazing eatery and bar Saison gave us a few of the drinks they have on the menu this season!

Queens Park Swizzle – a drink that trumps the mojito in every way:

1 1/2 oz Flor De Cana 4

1/2 oz Clement Agricole Rum

3/4 oz Lime

3/4 oz Demerara

12 mint leaves

First, muddle the mint in the glass. Swizzle all ingredients together, garnish with a mint sprig and mix with crushed ice in a tall glass.

Kingston Julep – an herbaceous and bright refresher:

Jamaican Rum, Amaro Averna, Lavender, Lime Peel, Mint.

1/2 oz Amaro Averna (A herbal, citrusy bitters)

3/4 oz Appleton VX Rum (Jamaican Rum)

3/4 oz Lavender/Lime Infused Wrap & Nephew

12 mint leaves

Muddle the mint and Amaro together, add rums and shake. Mix with crushed ice and serve topped with a mint sprig and a splash of mescal.

“La Paloma,” a classic grapefruit cocktail with a saline twist:

1/2 oz Fresh Lime

3/4 oz Fresh Grapefruit

dash Kosher Salt

2 oz Espolon Blanco (Tequila)

Mix all ingredients together, and shake vigorously. Serve in a Collins glass with your biggest ice cube/s topped with a spritz of salt.

And two more classic favorites we included that are great for parties and can be made ahead of time.

The Gin & Tonic – Extra bonus points for making your own tonic (Saison uses hops in their house made tonic).

Sangria – The further ahead of time you make this, the better it will be. We like this recipe, which upgrades the ever-reliable America’s Test Kitchen classic.