Despite the still-chilly temperatures outside, spring is finally here. That means it’s time to retire the dark and heavy winter drinks (sorry, Toddys and mulled wines, but we will see you again next year) and try these light and refreshing spring cocktails – featuring lots of tequila, gin and fresh juice – from some of the best bars and restaurants in NYC. Cheers!
Cherry Orchard – Tooker Alley, Brooklyn
The Cherry Orchard at Tooker Alley was created in honor of the Sakura Matsuri cherry celebration at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on April 26-27, just steps away from the bar. Featuring Clear Creek Kirschwasser cherry eau de vie, Luxardo Sangue Morlacco liqueur, bonded applejack, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, grapefruit juice and Peychaud’s bitters, strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a grapefruit peel, the cocktail is just as beautiful and vibrant as the Japanese cherry trees themselves. 793 Washington Avenue; 347.955.4743; www.tookeralley.com
Beauty & The Beet – Beauty & Essex
This concoction is a delicious mix of Jalapeno-infused Milagro Silver Select Barrel Reserve tequila, mixed with White Peach puree, lime juice, beet juice and celery bitters. But don’t let the fresh juices confuse you – the Beauty & The Beet packs a serious punch. 146 Essex Street; 212.614.0146; www.beautyandessex.com
Trophy Wife – Bounce Sporting Club
It wouldn’t be spring without Champagne, right? The Trophy Wife at Bounce Sporting Club features bubbly mixed with Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka, Domaine De Canton ginger liqueur and lemon, topped with grapefruit zest. It’d the perfect mix of alcohol and refreshing juice. But be careful – these go down way too easy. 55 West 21st Street; 212.675.8007; www.bounceny.com
Uptown Sinclair – The Saint Catherine, Brooklyn
When we think spring, we definitely think of gin, which is why we love the Uptown Sinclair at The Saint Catherine. This refreshing drink features Broker’s gin mixed with ginger wine, Regan’s orange bitters and Bittermen’s Hopped grapefruit bitters, all shaken together and served straight up in a coupe glass with a lime garnish. 660 Washington Avenue, Prospect Heights; 347.663.9316; www.thesaintcatherine.com
Daddy Issues – Leave Rochelle Out of It (AKA Rochelle’s)
Now that the weather is nice, it’s time to come out of hibernation. And the prime corner location with floor-to windows that open up for an al fresco experience is the perfect place to enjoy a Daddy Issues – the tongue-in-cheek name of the bar’s best-selling cocktail. Made with Zubrowka Bison Grass vodka, Casoni liqueur, honey syrup and lemon juice, this drink will help you embrace the venue’s tagline: Bad Decisions, Served Nightly. 205 Chrystie Street; 212.673.2400; www.rochellesnyc.com
Jalapeno and Black Currant Margarita – Night of Joy, Brooklyn
When we think of spring, we most definitely think of icy cold margaritas. Now, Night of Joy in Williamsburg has put a whole new spin on the classic cocktail, using Milagro Silver Tequila infused with fresh jalapeno peppers, black currant and fresh lime juice, served in a high ball over ice. It’s simple but delicious. 667 Lorimer Street; 718.388.8693; www.nightofjoybar.com
Bee Sting- The Smith
We love any cocktail that blends together vodka and beer, which is why the Bee Sting at The Smith is a spring favorite. Made with Buddha’s Hand citrus vodka, lavender-honey syrup, Serrano chili vermouth, cayenne and Allagash White, the Bee Sting is refreshing and light with a kick. Multiple locations; www.thesmithnyc.com
AFB Hard Lemonade – American Flatbread
There is nothing better than sipping an ice cold lemonade on a sunny spring day. Except if that lemonade is spiked with vodka and fresh maple syrup! The AFB Hard Lemonade is a simple but necessary spring cocktail, featuring Vision Vodka, fresh lemon juice and AFB Vermont maple syrup, the restaurant’s very own recipe. 205 Hudson Street; 212.776.1441; www.americanflatbread.com
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