Seasonal cocktails are drinks that incorporate ingredients that are in season. By using seasonal produce and flavors, bartenders are able to create unique and flavorful drinks that highlight the best aspects of each season. These cocktails are often made with fresh ingredients, and they can be customized to fit any taste preference.
Benefits of Seasonal Cocktails
There are many benefits to drinking seasonal cocktails. For one, they are often made with fresh ingredients, which means they are packed with flavor and nutrients. Additionally, seasonal cocktails are a great way to switch up your drink selection and impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. Plus, they are a great way to celebrate the changing seasons and embrace the unique flavors and ingredients that come with each one.
Spring Cocktails
Spring is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, and there are plenty of seasonal ingredients that reflect this. Some of the most popular spring cocktail ingredients include strawberries, rhubarb, and mint. Here are a few spring cocktail recipes to try:
Strawberry Margarita
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
1 oz triple sec
2-3 fresh strawberries
Salt for rimming glass
Directions: In a shaker, muddle the strawberries. Add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a strawberry.
Rhubarb Gin Fizz
1 1/2 oz gin
3/4 oz rhubarb syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice
Club soda
Lemon twist for garnish
Directions: In a shaker, combine the gin, rhubarb syrup, and lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon twist.
Mint Julep
2 oz bourbon
1 oz simple syrup
Fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
Directions: In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup. Add the bourbon and stir. Fill the glass with crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Summer Cocktails
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and there are plenty of seasonal ingredients that reflect this. Some of the most popular summer cocktail ingredients include watermelon, cucumber, and basil. Here are a few summer cocktail recipes to try:
Watermelon Margarita
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
1 oz triple sec
2 oz fresh watermelon juice
Salt for rimming glass
Directions: In a shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and watermelon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.
Cucumber Gin and Tonic
1 1/2 oz gin
3 oz tonic water
3-4 cucumber slices
Lime wedge for garnish
Directions: In a glass, muddle the cucumber slices. Add the gin and tonic water. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
Basil Smash
2 oz gin
3/4 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Fresh basil leaves
Directions: In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves with the simple syrup. Add the gin and lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of basil.
Fall Cocktails
Fall is a time for cozy sweaters, changing leaves, and warm drinks. Some of the most popular fall cocktail ingredients include apples, cinnamon, and pumpkin. Here are a few fall cocktail recipes to try:
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
2 oz vodka
2 oz apple cider
1/2 oz lime juice
Ginger beer
Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Directions: In a shaker, combine the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
2 oz whiskey
3/4 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Directions: In a shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cinnamon. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
2 oz vodka
1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur
1 oz heavy cream
1 oz cold brew coffee
Cinnamon for garnish
Directions: In a shaker, combine the vodka, pumpkin spice liqueur, heavy cream, and cold brew coffee. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Winter Cocktails
Winter is a time for warmth, comfort, and festive flavors. Some of the most popular winter cocktail ingredients include cranberries, peppermint, and eggnog. Here are a few winter cocktail recipes to try:
Cranberry Old Fashioned
2 oz bourbon
1 oz cranberry juice
1/4 oz simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel and cranberries for garnish
Directions: In a glass, muddle the orange peel, cranberries, and simple syrup. Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, and bitters. Stir and fill the glass with ice. Garnish with an orange peel and cranberries.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini
2 oz peppermint schnapps
2 oz hot chocolate
Whipped cream and crushed candy cane for garnish
Directions: In a shaker, combine the peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane.
Eggnog White Russian
2 oz vodka
1 oz Kahlua
1 oz eggnog
Nutmeg for garnish
Directions: In a shaker, combine the vodka, Kahlua, and eggnog. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Conclusion
Seasonal cocktails are a fun and delicious way to celebrate the changing seasons. By incorporating fresh and seasonal ingredients, you can create unique and flavorful drinks that impress your friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying a refreshing spring cocktail or a cozy winter drink, there is a seasonal cocktail for every occasion.
FAQs
What are seasonal cocktails?
Seasonal cocktails are drinks that incorporate ingredients that are in season, allowing bartenders to create unique and flavorful drinks that highlight the best aspects of each season.
Why should I try seasonal cocktails?
Seasonal cocktails are a great way to switch up your drink selection and impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. Plus, they are a great way to celebrate the changing seasons and embrace the unique flavors and ingredients that come with each one.
Can I customize seasonal cocktails to fit my taste preference?
Absolutely! Seasonal cocktails can be customized to fit any taste preference. You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, and alcohol content to your liking.
What are some popular ingredients for seasonal cocktails?
Some popular ingredients for seasonal cocktails include strawberries, watermelon, apples, cinnamon, and eggnog.
Can I make seasonal cocktails at home?
Definitely! With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can make delicious seasonal cocktails at home. Try some of the recipes provided in this article or experiment with your own flavor combinations.
