With Spring just around the corner, most of us are chomping at the bit to get outside , soak up some sun, and enjoy our favorite cold refreshing beverage.
This season, why not try something that places you outside your comfort zone ? If you’re someone who’s tired of the same old same, here are 15 easy cocktail recipes that anyone can try.
Watermelon Vodka Tonic
The best part about this deliciously refreshing cocktail is that it only requires three ingredients , and they’re all listed in the name! For those keeping an eye on calories, try using diet tonic water. You really can’t taste the difference.
Frozen Cherry Daquiri
The best part about this delectable frozen recipe is that you have the option of adding a large scoop of vanilla ice cream into the mix. It says “optional,” but who in their right mind would ever opt for anything else?
Dirty Arnold Palmer
Traditionally, an Arnold Palmer is made by mixing equal parts lemonade and iced tea (sweet tea in America). In order to make it ” dirty ,” simply add either your choice of vodka or bourbon…or why not both?!
Black Russian
This might just be the easiest, most idiot-proof cocktail to make and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. To make a simple Black Russian , mix your favorite coffee-flavored liqueur (I prefer Kahlua) in a rocks glass with 1.5 oz of vodka.
Whisky Sour
Combine whisky (bourbon tends to work the best), lemon juice, and maple syrup into a shaker. Be sure to mix it all up, and then pour out your concoction into your preferred glassware of choice. Make sure to include an orange peel and/or cherry for garnish.
Rainbow Cocktail
This drink might look intimidating but it’s a lot easier than you’re probably imagining. Start by pouring the grenadine over crushed ice. Then, add some Collins mix, vodka, and top it all off with blue curacao. If you’d like, a cherry for garnish goes a long way.
Gin Fizz
This cocktail is for those looking to flex their mixology muscles . To make it, combine lemon juice, egg whites, gin, and maple syrup. Shake it thoroughly and then pour it into a glass. Afterward, pour over a small amount of soda water, which will cause the cocktail to start frothing.
Aperol Spritz
Instantly transport yourself to the foothills of Tuscany with this Italian staple. All you need is some sparkling wine (Champagne or Prosecco), Aperol , and soda water (not tonic water). If you want to go the extra mile, try squeezing in some fresh orange juice.
Lemon Drop Martini
This cocktail is so good, it’s like sipping on candy ! Take your shaker and fill it with ice. Then, add vodka, a squeeze of lemon juice, and orange Cointreau. Shake well, then add 3/4 oz of maple syrup. Shake it one more time, then serve in a sugar-rimmed glass.
Hawaiian Mimosa
Hawaiian Mimosas are how you take Christmas mornings to the next level. Start by adding 1 oz of coconut-flavored rum to a champagne flute. Then, add 2 oz of pineapple juice and top with your favorite prosecco or champagne. For extra flair, be sure to garnish with a pineapple slice and/or maraschino cherry.
Mai Tai
A great-tasting Mai Tai is an essential aspect of any great summer vacation. Pour your aged rum, orange liqueur, Orgeat syrup, and lime juice into a shaker. Then, slowly pour in the dark rum, causing it to settle on top. Afterward, strain the contents into a glass, garnish with fresh mint/cocktail cherries and enjoy!
White Wine Margarita
There’s no wrong way to make a White Wine Margarita . For me, I like to take a large pitcher, pour in a bottle of white, add two cups of orange juice, a frozen can of limeade concentrate, and finally a 1/2 cup of tequila. Make sure to have plenty of limes and salt on hand for garnish.
Pomegranate Martini
What’s great about Pomegranate Martinis is that you can make up a batch in almost no time whatsoever. Just add vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and maple syrup into your shaker. Shake well for 15 seconds, strain it into your martini glass, and then garnish with a zest of lemon.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is tried, tested, and true. For this one, you’re going to want to make sure to stir your cocktail — do not shake it. After you’ve combined your rye whisky, sweet red vermouth, and angostura bitters, simply pour it into a glass and garnish with a speared cocktail cherry.
The Bacon Caesar
How do you make a Canadian classic even better? It’s simple — just add bacon . Begin by rimming the glass in celery salt, then pour a couple of shots of Worchestershire sauce, and 1.5 oz of vodka over ice. Add in a celery stalk, a lemon/lime wedge, and top it all off with two slices of thick-cut bacon.
