Spring has sprung in DC. It hit 80+ in February and the cherry blossoms are almost ready to bloom. Finally, we are transitioning from the dominant whiskey cocktails to a diverse group of spirits, including gin, liqueurs, and other light spirits. That being said, what are spring cocktails? That is the question and can be a difficult one to answer because of the weather driving the season itself. You can have a long winter or early summer but, often, you never hear about a warm spring.
In light of these challenges, I love the spring season because for its renewal and freshness. For a cocktail, you want a fresh and light cocktail with crisp ingredients. I am thinking of strawberries and citrus.
In Fall 2022, I created "A Night in the Outback" during the production of the Cocktail World Cup. This cocktail would have made its debut against another original cocktail for Denmark called the "Last Embers." Even though I didn't create the video, the ingredients, the light citrus notes, and the mint mirrors the season upon us. That is the ideal flavor profile for those nice spring days!
Method:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Filibuster Rose Gin (or floral gin), Elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice
- Shake thoroughly and strain into a rocks glass
- With the back of a bar spoon, take your purée blackberry sauce and gently coat the glass
If I released this on Valentines Day, it would definitely be renamed "Love Potion." Regardless, it is an incredible cocktail that works with more floral gins. Let me know what you think about the cocktail and let me know what you want to see next.