Refreshing Spring Cocktail Citrus Mint

This spring cocktail is my sunshine-in-a-glass answer every year when the first warm evening arrives. Tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, and a touch of fizz come together for a drink that lifts your mood and your senses. It works just as well for casual porch sipping as it does for a festive brunch with friends.

The first time I made this was for a garden picnic and we laughed all afternoon My friends actually insisted I write the recipe down on the spot and it has become my go-to spring drink ever since

Ingredients

• Gin: gives a crisp botanical base go for a mid-range London dry for best balance
• Fresh lemon juice: adds tartness and freshness always use freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor
• Elderflower liqueur: brings a gentle floral note St Germain is the classic but any quality bottle works
• Simple syrup: rounds out the sharp citrus and adds smooth sweetness adjust to your taste and sweetness of your lemons
• Orange bitters: add complexity and lift really makes the drink shine so do not skip
• Fresh mint: infuses extra aroma and freshness choose sprigs with small unblemished leaves for the best scent
• Soda water: gives the essential light fizz and keeps it easy to drink use a good quality unflavored variety
• Ice cubes: chill the drink quickly and keep everything crisp use clean filtered water for the clearest cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chill the Glass:

Place your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes to make sure the finished cocktail stays cold and refreshing

Build the Base:

Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes so the spirits chill quickly without getting watered down

Add the Spirits:

Measure and pour in the gin lemon juice and elderflower liqueur Adjust the gin if you prefer stronger or lighter drinks

Sweeten and Scent:

Drizzle in the simple syrup Taste your lemon juice first and adjust the syrup as needed for sweetness Add your dashes of orange bitters to create a balanced bouquet of flavors

Mint Matters:

Lightly clap your mint sprigs between your hands to release their oils but avoid bruising them Drop the mint directly into the shaker for subtle herbal aroma

Shake to Combine:

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for fifteen seconds This thoroughly blends and chills the flavors while gently extracting mint oils

Strain and Serve:

Remove your glass from the freezer and strain the mixture into it to catch the mint sprigs and any big ice chips

Finish with Fizz:

Gently top with soda water for lively bubbles Stir softly to combine without losing carbonation

Garnish for Aroma:

Adorn your drink with a final mint sprig just before serving so the first sip is as fresh to the nose as to the tongue

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I can never resist the hit of fresh mint in this drink It reminds me of my grandmother’s herb garden and the smell of new leaves when you rub them between your fingers One time my cousin and I started muddling the mint by accident and the flavor was so intense we now adjust it every time depending on the mood

Storage Tips

This cocktail is at its best made fresh but you can premix the gin lemon juice elderflower liqueur simple syrup and bitters in a pitcher up to two hours ahead Just keep it in the fridge Add mint soda and ice right before serving for maximum brightness and fizz Any leftovers will lose fizz but make a nice base for a boozy lemonade the next day

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap vodka for gin for a milder flavor Try basil instead of mint if that is what is in your garden If you have no elderflower liqueur a dash of pear or white grape juice with a couple more drops of simple syrup will add a similar floral touch For bitters lemon or grapefruit bitters work well

Serving Suggestions

Serve in stemless wine glasses or a large rocks glass for a relaxed vibe For parties set out garnishes like thin cucumber slices edible flowers or more herbs so everyone can customize their glass This cocktail pairs beautifully with salty appetizers and goat cheese anything light and herby

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Cultural Context

Drinks celebrating spring and fresh herbs have roots in many places From English gardens to classic French aperitifs refreshing sours and spritzes like this salute the coming of warmer days and longer nights Using mint and floral notes reflects a long tradition of raising a glass to new beginnings

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which gin works best for this spring cocktail?

Aromatic, floral gins pair beautifully with elderflower liqueur and citrus. London Dry gin offers a classic, crisp background, while a more botanical gin enhances freshness.

→ Can I substitute the elderflower liqueur?

If elderflower liqueur is unavailable, try St-Germain or swap for a splash of triple sec for a citrusy alternative, though the floral notes will be subdued.

→ How do I maximize the mint flavor?

Clap mint sprigs between your hands before adding to the shaker to release the oils. For deeper flavor, muddle lightly, but avoid over-muddling to keep bitterness at bay.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Replace gin with a zero-proof spirit or tonic water and omit liqueur. Boost the citrus and mint for a lively, alcohol-free option.

→ What’s the ideal way to serve this cocktail?

Serve in a chilled glass over fresh ice and top with soda water just before serving to maintain fizz. Garnish with extra mint for a fresh finish.