5 Easy Spring Cocktails to Shake Up the Season

Spring is finally here, and after months of sipping on heavy reds, dark spirits, and everything spiced, we’re ready to trade in our cozy drinks for something crisp, citrusy, and—let’s be honest—way more fun. These five cocktails are perfect for warm afternoons, patio hangs, or just pretending it’s sunny even when Colorado can’t make up its mind. The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or ingredients—just a bottle or two from Boone’s and a quick stop at the grocery store.

1. The Rhubarb Gin Fizz

If you haven’t had rhubarb in a cocktail yet, now’s the time. It’s tart, bright, and made for spring. Mix 2 oz of your favorite gin (we love something botanical like Hendrick’s) with 1 oz of rhubarb syrup (you can make your own by simmering rhubarb with sugar and water), juice of half a lemon, and shake it all with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon slice or a thin stalk of rhubarb if you’re feeling extra. It’s floral, fizzy, and way too easy to drink.

2. Cucumber Mint Vodka Cooler

This one tastes like a spa day in a glass. Muddle 3 slices of cucumber with a few fresh mint leaves. Add 2 oz of vodka (Tito’s or a cucumber-infused vodka works great), ½ oz lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Shake with ice, then strain into a glass over fresh ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with another cucumber slice or mint sprig and enjoy that clean, cool vibe.

3. Grapefruit Rosé Spritz

When in doubt, spritz it. Pour 3 oz of chilled dry rosé into a wine glass, then add 2 oz of fresh grapefruit juice and 1 oz of elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain—it’s a game-changer). Add ice and top with a little soda water or prosecco for a sparkling twist. This one’s dangerously pretty and perfect for brunch, book club, or just sipping while you water your plants and pretend your life is together.

4. Basil Lemonade Bourbon Smash

Herby, citrusy, and a little unexpected. Muddle 2–3 basil leaves in a shaker with 1 oz of lemon juice and ½ oz of honey syrup (just honey thinned with warm water). Add 2 oz of bourbon and ice, shake well, and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with more basil or a lemon wheel. It’s the spring version of a whiskey smash and a great intro drink for bourbon skeptics.

5. Peach Bellini (No Champagne Required)

This one’s a crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be easier. Grab a bottle of sparkling wine or prosecco and pour it over a splash of peach nectar or purée (you can even blend frozen peaches with a little sugar and water if you’re going DIY). The ratio is about 3 parts bubbly to 1 part peach. Stir gently and serve in a flute or coupe glass. If you’ve got fresh raspberries or mint, they make a gorgeous garnish.