Cocktails to Mark the Beginning of Spring

Briana Gonzalez

As the Spring Equinox has begun and the weather becomes warmer by the day, any good Spring afternoon could be topped off with a refreshing cocktail, combining fruity flavors with your favorite alcohols. If you want to create some while relaxing at home, here are some of the best cocktails to help you feel refreshed.  

The Eastern Standard 

Created by Belvedere Vodka 

As Spring begins, welcome in the new season with Belvedere’s mixtures of garden-fresh flavors and all- natural ingredients.  

• 1.5oz. Belvedere Vodka 

• .75oz. Simple Syrup 

• 3-4 Mint Leaves 

• 3 Cucumber Slices

Method: Place all ingredients except for cucumber into a shaker and shake. Strain spritz or coupe glass. Garnish with cucumber. 

Spring Forward  

Raise a glass to sunny weather with the Spring Forward, which delicately balances Grey Goose vodka with juicy pineapple and passion fruit for a refreshing cocktail with a kick.  

• 45 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka 

• 30 ml Pineapple Juice 

• 15 ml Aperol 

• 15 ml Fresh Lime Juice 

• 15 ml Simple Syrup  

• 7.5 ml Passion Fruit Syrup 

Method: Add all ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with pineapple and a lime wedge. 

Hendrick’s Gin Matcha Mojito 

Created by Hendrick’s brand ambassador Mattias Horseman 

Brighten up your stay at home with a matcha infused mojito.  

• 2 parts Hendrick's Gin 

• ½ a Whole Lime 

• 2 Bar spoons Sugar (Demerara) 

• 1-part Apple Juice 

• Top with a splash of Ginger Beer 

• Garnish with Mint Sprig & Cucumber Wheels 

Method: Place half a lime, cut into quarters into the bottom of a tall glass. Add two bar spoons of brown sugar and 1 bar spoon of Matcha Tea Powder. Muddle the sugar, Matcha powder and lime until the sugar and Matcha have dissolved and mixed completely. Add mint and lightly press. Add crushed ice, Hendrick's Gin and Apple Juice. Mixing the drink using a long spoon ensuring well mixed. Add more ice if needed and top with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with mint and English Cucumber. 

Match Point From Rocco Forte Hotels 

Created by Rocco Forte Hotels  

Opt for something a little more elegant, perfect to enjoy on your rooftop on a Spring evening.  

• 30ml Pimm's  

• 20ml Amaro Averna  

• 10ml Crème de Mure 

• 10ml Lemon juice 

• Champagne to top up 

Method:   Gently mix Pimm's, Amaro Averna and Crème de Mure together in a glass. Add the lemon juice and stir. Pour the mixture into a coupette glass and top up with a touch of Champagne. Garnish with a strawberry.  

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The Search Is On: Which Patrón Margarita Will Win?

Article by Candice Dixon

Who’s dying for a Spring cocktail? We definitely are.  As the last remnants of winter melt away, we’re excited to preview light, refreshing sippers for Spring 2017. In fact, Patrón has started its world-wide search for the simply perfect margarita of the year. Out of thousands of global applicants, the tequila brand has selected seven contenders to represent the brand’s products in its 2017 Margarita of the Year contest. 

Live voting allows imbibers unlimited voting online and via social media to support favorite tipples until April 9th 2017 when the winning marg is announced. So far, the top three cocktails are the Carolina (22% of votes), Pacific Rim (17% of votes) and Mumbai (14% of votes) Margaritas. Want a taste? You can order a personal kit loaded with all ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions through Cocktail Courier - a great idea to liven up your next at-home happy hour or dinner party.  Take a look below at the top three stars of Patron’s next Margarita of the Year.

Carolina Margarita, Created by Riesler Morales ( Mexico City, Mexico)

Inspired by a couple’s beach-side, serendipitous meeting, the Carolina Margarita narrates their instant love connection. The oaky Reposado Patrón coupled with the Patrón Citrónge Orange and hibiscus creates an instant attraction for the most discerning of palates. It’s beautiful red hue from a splash of red wine rounds out the imaginative sipper.                                                                                                                                                                                 
Want to cast your vote? Use #CoralinaMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

Pacific Rim, Created by Max Greco (Sydney, Australia)

Of all exotic world locations, Sydney, Australia may not come to mind, at first. However, when enjoying this thrilling coconut syrup and jalapeño beverage, you’ll think twice. The Pacific Rim Margarita perfectly showcases a delicious blend of Patrón Silver, yuzu juice, and citrus, transporting you to the Down Under like never before. No wonder it’s a close second in the competition.                                                                                                                      
Want to cast your vote? Use #PacificRimMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

Mumbai Margarita, Created by Hermant Pathak (New York, NY) 

The Mumbai Margarita allows you to escape to enchanting Mumbai, in this beautifully balanced and mango-licious libation. Your inner adventurer will be satisfied with spicy, sweet, savory ingredients including Patrón Reposado, mango puree and spicy rose syrup. This addictive east-meets-west fusion will hook you at first sip!                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Want to cast your vote? Use #MumbaiMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

What better way to impress your friends at home than by making a Patron Platinum Margarita that Rael Petit (bartender of Delilah at NYC) created.

Liquid Platinum Margarita

Liquid Platinum Margarita

• 2 oz Platinum Patrón Tequila 
• 1 oz Dolin
• 2 dash rose water 
• .25 oz agave syrup
• .5 oz lime juice

Stir all ingredients with ice for 30 seconds then pour in a mixing glass. In a mixing glass add 

• 1 bar spoon edible platinum color 
• 1 pinch xanthum gum 

Stir for 10 seconds pour in your coupe glass. Garnish with an edible orchid using edible silver sprayer marshmallow flavored. 

If you're unable to make the cocktail yourself, have the pro's do it. If you're based in New York the cocktail is available from March 20 – April 30 at Delilah. For a limited time, the margarita will be offered off the menu at $100 per glass for those in the know.

Each Liquid Platinum Margarita includes Gran Patrón Platinum (SRP $200), edible silver flakes, rare rose water and topped off with an edible silver orchid.  The liquid even swirls around by itself – magic in a glass! (Video here)