Spring Happy Hour Cocktails
Spring is here, and it’s time to celebrate a bit. Host a Spring Happy Hour with amazing cocktails. That’s exactly what we did last weekend we made several new cocktail recipes; our top three are below.
When it comes to spring cocktails, a few things make a good one. First and foremost, it should be refreshing and light, perfect for sipping on a warm evening. Fresh ingredients like herbs and fruits are a must, as they add flavor and color to the drink. A good spring cocktail should balance sweetness and acidity with just enough alcohol to keep things interesting. And, of course, presentation is key – a beautiful garnish or unique glassware can really take a cocktail to the next level.
Coming in at #3 on our list is a Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Due to their complementary flavors and textures, gin, cucumber, and watermelon make for a delicious combination. The crisp and refreshing taste of cucumber pairs perfectly with the subtle botanical notes of gin, while the sweet and juicy watermelon adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the drink. The result is a refreshing, summery drink perfect for sipping on a hot day. Give it a try and see why this trio of ingredients is a match made in heaven.
Finding a really good watermelon is key. But I also think the correct gin helps; I like Hendrick’s since it has a bit of a cucumber flavor and only enhances the other flavors of the drink.
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
- 3-4 slices of cucumber (I like a seedless cucumber)
- 1-1/2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1-1/2 ounces of soda water
How To Make It
- Press the watermelon to make juice. Use a muddle and let it strain for a few minutes to get the most juice.
- Place 3 slices of cucumber in a cocktail shaker and muddle well.
- Add the gin, simple syrup, watermelon juice, lime juice, and salt.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with watermelon and cucumber, or feel free to get creative.
Coming in at #2 on our list is a Dirty Banana
A favorite drink from a recent trip to St John was called a dirty banana. It was so refreshing and perfect for sipping by the pool. The ingredients included banana, coffee liqueur, rum, and cream. The banana gave it a sweet and fruity flavor, while the coffee liqueur and rum added a nice kick. The cream made it smooth and creamy, like a milkshake. I highly recommend trying one if you’re in the mood for a tropical treat!
One of the keys to this recipe is freezing your banana prior to making it. And be sure to blend it completely. It’s part cocktail and part dessert!
Dirty Banana
Ingredients
- 3 ounces of whole milk
- 1-1/2 ounces Kahlua
- 2 ounces of banana liqueur
- 1-1/2 ounces dark rum
- 1 banana, sliced and frozen
- 2-3 cups of ice
- Pinch of kosher salt
How To Make It
- Combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth and serve in 2 chilled glasses.
- Garnish
Coming in at #1 on our list is a Smokehouse Lemonade
I love creating new cocktails and experimenting with different flavors. One of my recent favorites is a combination of bourbon, smoke, and lemon. The smokiness adds depth to the already complex flavors of the bourbon, while the lemon adds a refreshing citrus note. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and sour. If you’re a fan of whiskey cocktails, you have to try this one out!
The key to this cocktail is creating a smokey bourbon using a One Part Co. whiskey infusion. I discovered these when buying for my boutique last year. 1pt is a revolutionary approach to flavoring spirits. You can make craft cocktails at home with flavors you would only expect from a high-end cocktail bar. It’s a simple way to add a wide variety of subtle, elegant, and even exotic flavors to your drink without the need for loads of expensive standalone mixers, bitters, or other ingredients. I will tell you, we could not keep this product in stock last holiday season! And all four of us voted this #1! Check them out here.
Smokehouse Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 ounces 1pt Smoky Infused Bourbon
- 1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 ounce Simple Syrup
- 1/2 ounce Water
How To Make It
- Infuse 1pt Smoky Blend and bourbon for 2 hours (no more, no less), strain, and reserve liquid for the cocktail. Purchase the 1pt infusion here.
- Combine infused bourbon and all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake until cold; strain into a glass with ice.
- Garnish
