Spring is upon us, and we could not be more excited. The extra hour of daylight and less cold weather makes us think sipping on the patio is on the horizon. And if the thought of warm weather puts a little extra spring in your step as you wander our aisles, but want something light and refreshing to celebrate the new season, we have just the thing. 

No matter your preferences, we have a cocktail recipe to try out this season. So, here's to embracing new flavors, raising our glasses to the promise of warmer days, and toasting to the joyous arrival of spring!

Grapefruit Mimosa

Kick off Spring with a delightful sip, perfect for brunches or picnics. You can even opt for a non-alcoholic version! Check out the original recipe here.

Ingredients

• 1 Part Grapefruit Juie (We recommend Co-op Gold Grapefruit Juice, available at any of our Otter Co-op Food Stores)
• 3 Parts Champagne, chilled

Directions

Pour both ingredients into a chilled Champagne flute and enjoy.

Spring and Tonic

Refresh your palate with a twist on the classic Gin and Tonic, tailor-made for the season. Find the recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz Gin
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• ½ oz Lemon Juice
• Fresh Mint
• 4 oz Tonic Water

Directions

In a rocks glass or a large wine glass filled with ice, combine gin, and lemon juice. Place mint leaves in the palm of your hand and gently clap to release their oils. Drop the leaves into the glass. Finish by topping off with tonic water and stir to combine.

Coconut Margarita

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this enticing cocktail, easily crafted with everyday ingredients. Blend it up or serve it on the rocks, the choice is yours. Original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz Tequila
• 2 oz Lime Juice
• ½ oz Agave
• 1 oz Coconut Cream

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake until chilled and combined and pour into a glass with ice. Optionally, rim the glass in sugar or salt.

Pineapple Bourbon Sour

Challenge the notion of Bourbon as a fall favorite with this delightful concoction. Discover the recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice (We recommend Co-op Gold Grapefruit Juice, available at our Angry Otter Liquor locations) 
• ½ oz Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Honey
• Egg White
  
• Angostura Bitters (Available at many of our AOL locations)

Directions

Combine the Bourbon, Pineapple and Lemon juice, Honey, and Egg White in a cocktail shaker. Shake until combined and frothy. Strain and pour into a glass with a whiskey sphere, topping with bitters.

Citrus Cucumber Spritzer

Celebrate the essence of Spring with a refreshing blend of citrus and cucumber, guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite. Recipe available here. 

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Gin
• 1 oz Cucumber Simple Syrup (We recommend infusing our favourite Simple Syrup recipe to make your own flavoured syrup, available here) 
• 2 oz Fresh Blood Orange, Grapefruit and Lime Juice
• 4 oz Sparkling Water
• Optional: Cucumber Ribbon & Citrus Slices, to garnish

Directions

Mix Juice and Sparkling Water in a glass and set aside. Fill another glass with pebble ice. Pour cucumber simple syrup into the glass, then carefully add the prepared citrus sparkling water. Finish with a float of Gin for a layered effect. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and citrus slices.

Lemon Drop Martini

Put a zesty twist on a classic cocktail with this refreshing Lemon Drop Martini. Get the recipe here.

Ingredients 

• 1 ½ oz Vodka
• 1 oz Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• ½ oz Orange Liqueur
• Lemon Zest
  

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Whether you're savoring the changing seasons or simply looking for a new libation to enjoy, these Spring-inspired cocktails are sure to elevate your spirits. Cheers to the arrival of Spring!

Don’t forget to share what you’re sipping on with us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.