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🌸 5 Spring-perfect Cocktails

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5 spring-perfect cocktails that are simple to make, refreshing to sip, and guaranteed to impress from National Bartenders School.

Easy & Delicious Spring Cocktails for Your Next Get-Together

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to gather friends and family for spring celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a baby shower, or a rooftop happy hour, having a few easy spring perfect cocktail recipes up your sleeve can make you the MVP of the party.

Here are 5 spring-perfect cocktails that are simple to make, refreshing to sip, and guaranteed to impress:

🍓 1. Strawberry Basil Smash

Fresh, fruity, and herbaceous – this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka or gin
  • 3 fresh strawberries
  • 2-3 basil leaves
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • ½ oz lemon juice

Directions:
Muddle the strawberries and basil with simple syrup. Add lemon juice and spirit of choice. Shake with ice, strain into a glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a basil leaf and strawberry slice.

🍹 2. Cucumber Mint Mojito

Crisp and cooling – great for sunny afternoons.
Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 4-5 mint leaves
  • 3 cucumber slices
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Club soda to top

Directions:
Muddle mint and cucumber in a shaker. Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and pour into a tall glass over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with cucumber ribbon or mint sprig.

🍑 3. Peach Bellini (Spring Brunch Must-Have!)

Bubbly and elegant – perfect for a daytime toast.
Ingredients:

  • 1 oz peach purée (or peach nectar)
  • 4 oz chilled Prosecco

Directions:
Pour peach purée into a champagne flute, then slowly top with Prosecco. Gently stir. Garnish with a peach slice or edible flower.

🌺 4. Lavender Lemonade Vodka Fizz

A floral twist on lemonade that’s totally Instagram-worthy.
Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1 oz lavender syrup (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Club soda

Directions:
Shake vodka, lavender syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel and lavender sprig.

🍍 5. Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Sweet, spicy, and totally addicting.
Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 2 oz pineapple juice
  • 2 jalapeño slices

Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice (adjust jalapeño based on heat preference). Strain over fresh ice in a glass rimmed with Tajín or salt. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and jalapeño slice.

Pro Tips from National Bartender School:

✔ Always use fresh citrus for better flavor
✔ Chill your glassware in the freezer before serving
✔ Batch cocktails ahead of time for easier hosting
✔ Don’t forget the garnishes – they add visual appeal and aroma!

Spring is all about light, fresh flavors, and these cocktails bring that energy to every glass. Want to learn how to make these like a pro—or even work behind the bar at real events? Check out our bartending programs and get certified with National Bartender School today! to learn more.

📅 Ready to shake things up? Call (323) 683-1171  or visit: www.nationalbartenders.com

Looking to hire a bartender for your event and avoid the hassle?! National Bartender Staffing offers elite bartenders that bring their expertise and passion to every pour, ensuring a memorable experience for your guests. Visit nationalbartenderstaffing.com to learn more.

10 Whiskey/Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

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Delve into the distinguished and diverse world of whiskey and bourbon cocktails. Whether you’re drawn to the smoothness of bourbon or the boldness of whiskey, our recipes offer a sophisticated blend of flavors to suit every taste.

Dive Into Our Curated List of Rich and Flavorful Whiskey and Bourbon Cocktails

 

Black Manhattan

A bold and sophisticated twist on the classic Manhattan, featuring rye whiskey and Averna amaro.

Black Manhattan Cocktail

Black Manhattan Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Rye whiskey
  • 1 oz Averna amaro
  • Few dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add rye whiskey, Averna amaro, and Angostura bitters.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Cherry

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Boulevardier

A classic cocktail resembling a Negroni, with the warmth of whiskey complementing the bitterness of Campari and sweet vermouth.

Boulevardier Cocktail

Boulevardier Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 3/4 oz Campari
  • 3/4 oz Sweet vermouth
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain into an ice-filled glass.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Orange peel

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Brown Derby

A delightful and refreshing cocktail, featuring bourbon with a hint of grapefruit and honey.

Brown Derby Cocktail

Brown Derby Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz Honey syrup
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Grapefruit twist

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Gold Rush

A smooth and sweet cocktail, blending bourbon with the richness of honey and the zest of lemon.

Gold Rush Cocktail

Gold Rush Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz Honey syrup
  • 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into the glass filled with ice.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lemon twist

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Kentucky Mule

A refreshing and spicy mule variation, using bourbon instead of vodka, served in a copper mug.

Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
  • Ginger beer
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Copper mug or highball glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill the mug or glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add bourbon and lime juice.
  3. Top with ginger beer.
  4. Stir gently.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lime wedge

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Lynchburg Lemonade

A refreshing and zesty cocktail, combining the smoothness of whiskey with the crispness of lemonade and a hint of triple sec.

Lynchburg Lemonade Cocktail

Lynchburg Lemonade Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Tennessee whiskey
  • 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Triple sec
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup
  • Lemon-lime soda
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Highball glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add Tennessee whiskey, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
  3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
  4. Stir gently.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lemon slice and cherry

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Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. It’s known for its simplicity and elegance, often garnished with an orange twist or cherry.

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 sugar cube
  • A splash of water
  • Orange twist for garnish
  • Ice

Drinkware: Rocks glass

Preparation:

  1. Place a sugar cube in the glass and saturate it with bitters, adding a splash of water.
  2. Muddle the sugar until it dissolves.
  3. Add ice to the glass.
  4. Pour the whiskey over the ice.
  5. Stir gently.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Orange twist

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Manhattan

The Manhattan is a sophisticated cocktail that combines whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a staple in classic cocktail culture and is usually garnished with a cherry.

Manhattan Cocktail

Manhattan Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. rye or bourbon whiskey
  • 1 oz. sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish

Drinkware: Cocktail or martini glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain into the glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Maraschino cherry

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Mint Julep

A Mint Julep is a refreshing cocktail traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint. It’s a popular drink in the Southern United States, especially during the Kentucky Derby.

Mint Julep Cocktail

Mint Julep Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice

Drinkware: Julep cup or rocks glass

Preparation:

  1. Muddle a few mint leaves with simple syrup in the glass.
  2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  3. Add bourbon.
  4. Stir well until the glass becomes frosted.
  5. Garnish with more mint.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Mint sprig

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New York Sour

A sophisticated cocktail that tops a classic whiskey sour with a float of red wine, creating a stunning visual and taste experience.

New York Sour Cocktail

New York Sour Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Whiskey
  • 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz Red wine
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Rocks glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into the glass filled with ice.
  5. Carefully float the red wine on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lemon peel or cherry

 

Still thirsty for some more drink recipes?

 

16 Brandy/Cognac Cocktail Recipes

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Step into the elegant realm of brandy and cognac cocktails, where history and luxury intertwine. Our carefully curated recipes bring out the best in these noble spirits, offering you a journey through taste and time.

B&B

A simple yet sophisticated drink, combining the warmth of brandy with the herbal notes of Benedictine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Benedictine

Drinkware: Snifter

Preparation:

  1. Pour brandy and Benedictine directly into the snifter.
  2. Stir gently to mix.

Served: Neat

Garnish: None

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Between the Sheets

A classic cocktail that’s a variation of the Sidecar, made with cognac, rum, triple sec, and lemon juice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Cognac
  • 1 oz Light rum
  • 1 oz Triple sec
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add cognac, rum, triple sec, and lemon juice.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Lemon twist

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Brandy Alexander

A creamy and indulgent cocktail, combining brandy with dark crème de cacao and cream.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Dark crème de cacao
  • 1 oz Heavy cream
  • Grated nutmeg
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.
  5. Sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Grated nutmeg

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Brandy Crusta

A classic cocktail known for its unique presentation and combination of brandy with citrus and bitters.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1/2 oz Maraschino liqueur
  • 1/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 tsp Simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon peel and sugar for rim

Drinkware: Wine glass

Preparation:

  1. Rim the glass with lemon peel and sugar.
  2. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  3. Add brandy, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, bitters, and simple syrup.
  4. Stir well.
  5. Strain into the rimmed glass.

Served: Neat

Garnish: Lemon peel

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Brandy Daisy

A refreshing and slightly sweet cocktail, featuring brandy with citrus and grenadine.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz Grenadine
  • 1/4 oz Simple syrup
  • Club soda
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Highball glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy, lemon juice, grenadine, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into the glass filled with ice.
  5. Top with club soda.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lemon slice and cherry

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Brandy Highball

A simple yet elegant drink, combining the warmth of brandy with the fizz of carbonated water.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • Carbonated water
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Highball glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy.
  3. Top with carbonated water.
  4. Stir gently.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lemon twist

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Brandy Flip

A creamy and rich cocktail, featuring brandy with egg and a touch of sweetness from sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • Grated nutmeg
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy, egg, and sugar.
  3. Shake well until frothy.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.
  5. Sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Grated nutmeg

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Champs-Élysées

A sophisticated cocktail that combines the richness of brandy with the herbal notes of Chartreuse and lemon.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Brandy
  • 1/2 oz Yellow Chartreuse
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz Simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy, Yellow Chartreuse, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Lemon twist

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Corpse Reviver #1

A classic cocktail with a potent mix of brandy, Calvados, and sweet vermouth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Calvados or apple brandy
  • 1 oz Sweet vermouth
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy, Calvados, and sweet vermouth.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: None

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Harvard Cocktail

A classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of cognac with the sweetness of vermouth, enhanced by a dash of bitters.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Cognac
  • 3/4 oz Sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Club soda
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add cognac, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
  3. Top with a splash of club soda.
  4. Stir gently.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lemon twist

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Horse’s Neck

A refreshing highball drink, traditionally made with brandy and ginger ale, garnished with a long lemon peel.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Brandy
  • Ginger ale
  • Long lemon peel
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Highball glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy.
  3. Top with ginger ale.
  4. Stir gently.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Long lemon peel

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Metropolitan

A classic cocktail similar to a Manhattan but made with brandy, offering a rich and warm flavor profile.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 tsp Simple syrup (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add brandy, sweet vermouth, bitters, and simple syrup if desired.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Cherry

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Sazerac

A New Orleans classic, this cocktail combines rye whiskey with Peychaud’s bitters and a hint of absinthe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Rye whiskey
  • 1 Sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • Absinthe
  • Lemon peel

Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass

Preparation:

  1. Rinse the glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
  2. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a mixing glass.
  3. Add rye whiskey and ice, stir well.
  4. Strain into the prepared glass.

Served: Neat

Garnish: Lemon peel

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Sidecar

A classic cocktail with a perfect balance of brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Cognac or brandy
  • 3/4 oz Orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
  • 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Rim the glass with sugar (optional).
  2. Fill a shaker with ice.
  3. Add cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
  4. Shake well.
  5. Strain into the prepared glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: Lemon twist

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Stinger

A sophisticated cocktail, combining the warmth of cognac with the coolness of crème de menthe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Cognac
  • 1/2 oz White crème de menthe

Drinkware: Cocktail glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add cognac and crème de menthe.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain into the cocktail glass.

Served: Straight up

Garnish: None

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Vieux Carré

A potent and complex cocktail from New Orleans, featuring a blend of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and herbal liqueurs.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 oz Rye whiskey
  • 3/4 oz Cognac
  • 3/4 oz Sweet vermouth
  • 1 tsp Bénédictine
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass

Preparation:

  1. Fill the glass with ice.
  2. Add all ingredients.
  3. Stir well to combine and chill.

Served: On the rocks

Garnish: Lemon peel

 

Still thirsty for some more drink recipes?

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