15 Fresh, Simple Cocktails for Spring

updated May 25, 2023

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(Image credit: Nancy Mitchell)

It’s springtime, the air is fresh, the sun is out. Time to sit out on the balcony (or patio, or fire escape…) with a glass of something cold in hand. This is the time of year when we like to begin dinner parties with an easy, crowd-friendly drink — perhaps a pitcher of strawberry-basil margaritas, or a simple whiskey sour. Here are a few more drinks in that line: Cucumber-rosemary gin and tonics, Pimm’s Cup for the gardener, a blueberry rum smash, and three Champagne cocktails inspired by the lovely ladies of Downton Abbey.

Each of the cocktails in this roundup is relatively easy and quick — no fancy infusions or too many types of liquor. Just simple, refreshing spring sipping, with flavors of herbs and fruit. Cheers to spring!

Simple Spring Cocktails

1 / 15

Easy Pitcher Cocktail Recipe: Strawberry Basil Margaritas

A crowd-pleasing favorite! And so easy — just stir up a pitcher-full.

2 / 15

A crowd-pleasing favorite! And so easy — just stir up a pitcher-full.

3 / 15

Inspired by the first lady of Downton Abbey, sweet with Lillet and bracing with basil.

4 / 15

Ruby bright, and refreshing.

5 / 15

A beautifully simple and sweet cocktail for spring.

6 / 15

Green Tea Mojito

Iced green tea and white rum — so thirst-quenching!

7 / 15

Blood Orange-Jalapeno Margaritas

A sweet margarita with a spicy kick.

8 / 15

Watermelon Mimosas

The watery, hothouse melons that are trickling into markets actually do quite well for this juicy, refreshing cocktail.

9 / 15

The Blueberry Rum Smash

Blueberries, rum, ginger ale. Simple!

10 / 15

The El Diablo Cocktail

Limeade, creme de cassis, tequila. A gorgeous color.

11 / 15

The Original Hurricane

Mardi Gras is over, but the classic Hurricane makes great sipping all summer long.

12 / 15

How To Make a Whiskey Sour

Four takes on the classic whiskey sour, an easy and delicious drink for parties.

13 / 15

Dry Cucumber Cooler Cocktail

A garden cocktail, with cucumber, gin, cilantro and lime.

14 / 15

Cucumber-Rosemary Gin and Tonic

A refreshing twist on a classic.

15 / 15

The Corpse Reviver #2, Americano Cocchi-Style

A juicy Italian classic, just Campari and vermouth with a splash of seltzer.

What are your favorite cocktails and mocktails for spring?

Looking for Mocktails? Try These!

11 Grown Up Cocktails Without the Alcohol
25 Cocktails & Mocktails for Sparkling Celebrations

More Cocktail Advice

• Best Bargain Booze: 7 Top Picks From Bar Experts
• Whiskey vs. Whisky: What’s the Difference?
• Does Liquor Ever Expire?
• Buying Liquor: State vs. Private Stores
• Bar Basics: 12 Bottles Any Bar Should Have

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