Paul Kushner
Spring is the perfect time to bring gin back to the front of your bar cart. Its fresh botanical notes pair beautifully with seasonal ingredients like lemon, berries, cucumber, basil, and mint. In this list of 31 must-try spring gin cocktails, you’ll find everything from light spritz-style drinks to classic sours and creative twists on favorites. These recipes highlight bright citrus, soft floral flavors, and crisp finishes that feel just right for warmer days. Whether you’re planning brunch, hosting a garden party, or relaxing on the patio, these gin cocktails offer plenty of fresh ideas to mix and enjoy all season long.
Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a timeless cocktail that proves simple ingredients can create remarkable balance. Gin provides a clean botanical base, while fresh lemon juice brings bright citrus sharpness. Honey syrup softens the acidity and adds gentle sweetness, creating a smooth and refreshing finish. The flavors work together seamlessly, offering a drink that feels light yet satisfying.
Easy to shake and serve, it’s ideal for spring afternoons, brunch gatherings, or relaxed evenings at home. With its crisp citrus edge and subtle floral notes from the honey, the Bee’s Knees remains a classic choice that never feels outdated.
Sour Cherry Gin Smash
The Sour Cherry Gin Smash blends bold fruit flavor with crisp botanical notes for a refreshing seasonal cocktail. Muddled sour cherries add deep color and a tangy sweetness that stands out in every sip. Fresh lemon juice keeps the drink lively, while gin provides a smooth herbal backbone.
A splash of ginger ale adds gentle bubbles and a hint of spice that brightens the finish. Served over ice and garnished with cherries or lemon, this cocktail feels vibrant and balanced. It’s perfect for patio gatherings or anytime you want a fruit-forward gin drink with a little sparkle.
French 75
The French 75 is a sparkling classic that combines gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and chilled champagne. The citrus adds brightness, the gin brings depth, and the bubbles create a crisp, celebratory finish. Light yet structured, it’s a cocktail that feels festive without being heavy.
Served in a flute and garnished with a lemon twist, it looks polished and inviting. Dating back over a century, this drink continues to be a favorite for brunches, weddings, and special occasions. Its balance of citrus and bubbles makes it refreshing and timeless.
Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea
The Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea is a bold and fruity twist on the original. A mix of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec forms the strong base, while sweet and sour mix adds citrus balance. Fresh strawberry purée brings natural sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the drink.
Despite its strength, the flavors blend smoothly, making it surprisingly easy to sip. Served over ice and garnished with strawberries or lemon, it’s a lively option for parties and warm-weather gatherings. This version keeps the classic structure but adds a fresh berry-forward upgrade.
Lavender Gin Sour
The Lavender Gin Sour combines floral notes with bright citrus for a smooth and balanced cocktail. Gin provides a crisp botanical base, while fresh lemon juice adds sharpness and lift. Lavender syrup brings soft floral sweetness that rounds out the drink without overpowering it.
Shaken with egg white, it develops a silky texture and creamy foam that enhances the presentation. Garnished with a lavender sprig or lemon twist, it feels polished and inviting. Ideal for spring evenings or small gatherings, this sour offers a gentle floral layer that pairs beautifully with gin’s herbal profile.
Cherry Blossom Spritz
The Cherry Blossom Spritz is light, crisp, and full of bright fruit character. Gin delivers herbal depth, while a cherry shrub adds tangy sweetness and vibrant color. A splash of soda water lifts the flavors and creates a refreshing finish.
The balance between tart cherry and gin keeps the drink lively and easy to enjoy. Served over ice and garnished with a cherry or citrus peel, it’s visually appealing and flavorful. Perfect for brunch, garden parties, or quiet afternoons, this spritz captures the fresh feeling of spring in a simple yet refined glass.
Royal Hawaiian Cocktail
The Royal Hawaiian blends gin with tropical flavors for a drink that feels bright and smooth. Pineapple juice adds juicy sweetness, lemon juice brings citrus balance, and orgeat syrup contributes nutty depth and soft texture. The gin’s botanical notes tie everything together without overpowering the fruit. Served over ice and garnished with pineapple or an edible flower, it’s colorful and inviting.
The combination of citrus, almond, and tropical fruit makes this cocktail layered yet refreshing. It’s a great choice for warm days, backyard gatherings, or anytime you want a gin drink with a tropical twist.
Cherry Basil Smash
The Cherry Basil Smash pairs sweet cherries with fresh basil for a balanced and aromatic cocktail. Muddled fruit creates a juicy base, while basil adds a savory herbal layer that keeps the sweetness in check. Gin brings crisp botanical notes that blend smoothly with the fruit.
A splash of soda water lightens the drink and adds a refreshing finish. Served over ice and garnished with basil leaves, it looks vibrant and inviting. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or relaxed evenings, this smash offers a fresh garden-inspired take on a classic gin cocktail style.
Hibiscus Rose Spritz
The Hibiscus Rose Spritz is light, floral, and gently sparkling. Gin provides a clean foundation, while hibiscus syrup adds subtle sweetness and a rich pink hue. Rose lemonade tops it off with soft bubbles and delicate floral notes that keep the drink refreshing.
The flavors are balanced, bright, and easy to enjoy. Garnished with edible flowers or citrus peel, it looks elegant without being complicated. This spritz works well for brunch, showers, or warm evenings on the patio. It’s a simple yet beautiful cocktail that highlights floral flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Cucumber Gin Blossom
The Cucumber Gin Blossom is crisp, cooling, and aromatic. Gin pairs beautifully with elderflower liqueur, creating soft floral layers. Fresh cucumber and mint add clean, refreshing notes, while a touch of apple juice and simple syrup round out the flavor.
Served over ice and garnished with a cucumber ribbon, it feels light and balanced. The herbal and floral elements blend smoothly, making it perfect for spring afternoons or garden gatherings. This cocktail highlights fresh ingredients while keeping the gin at the center.
Blue Flame
The Blue Flame is bold in both flavor and appearance. Gin provides a crisp base, while blue curaçao adds bright citrus notes and vibrant color. Honey chili syrup brings gentle sweetness with a mild heat that lingers pleasantly.
Topped with ginger beer and a dash of grapefruit bitters, this cocktail balances sweet, spicy, and citrus elements in every sip. Garnished with fresh chili and a lime wheel, it makes a striking presentation. Perfect for dinner parties or evenings when you want something with personality, the Blue Flame delivers layered flavor with a lively finish.
Gin Buck
The Gin Buck is simple, crisp, and endlessly refreshing. Gin forms the herbal base, while fresh lemon or lime juice adds sharp citrus brightness. Ginger ale brings light bubbles and a hint of spice that ties everything together. Served over ice, this cocktail is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
The balance of citrus and ginger keeps it lively without overpowering the gin. Ideal for warm afternoons or casual gatherings, the Gin Buck is a reliable go-to when you want something clean, balanced, and full of fresh flavor.
Pink French 75
The Pink French 75 adds a soft blush tone and floral touch to the classic version. Gin or vodka pairs with elderflower liqueur for gentle sweetness, while fresh lemon juice provides brightness. Sparkling rosé tops it off with delicate bubbles and a crisp finish.
The result is light, balanced, and festive. Served in a chilled flute and garnished with berries or a lemon twist, it feels polished and celebratory. Perfect for brunch, anniversaries, or spring gatherings, this cocktail blends citrus and floral notes into a sparkling drink that feels both graceful and refreshing.
Cherry Gimlet
The Cherry Gimlet is a fruit-forward spin on a classic. Gin offers herbal depth, while fresh lime juice delivers bright citrus bite. Cherry liqueur adds smooth sweetness and rich color, creating a balanced sweet-tart profile. Shaken and served chilled, this cocktail feels crisp yet layered.
Garnished with a fresh cherry, it looks simple but elegant. Ideal for dinner parties or relaxed evenings, the Cherry Gimlet keeps the structure of the original while adding bold fruit character that pairs beautifully with gin.
Blue Negroni
The Blue Negroni offers a colorful update to the traditional recipe. Empress gin gives it a striking indigo hue, while Italicus and Cocchi Americano replace the usual components with softer floral and citrus notes. Grapefruit bitters enhance the aroma and add gentle complexity.
Stirred and served over ice with a grapefruit twist, it remains spirit-forward yet balanced. This version keeps the bold character of a Negroni while offering a smoother, slightly lighter profile. Perfect for those who appreciate classic cocktails with a modern touch.
Purple Pineapple Smash
The Purple Pineapple Smash combines tropical fruit with floral depth. Empress gin provides botanical structure, while pineapple juice adds juicy sweetness. Crème de violette contributes soft floral notes, and fresh lemon juice keeps the drink bright.
A hint of sage introduces earthy balance that ties the flavors together. Served over ice and garnished with herbs, this cocktail is vibrant in both color and taste. It’s a refreshing option for spring gatherings or evenings when you want something slightly unexpected yet well balanced.
Blue Angel Highball
The Blue Angel Highball blends Japanese gin with fino sherry for a dry, layered base. Blue curaçao adds citrus brightness and vivid color, while maraschino liqueur provides subtle sweetness. Cherry Blossom Tonic lifts the drink with gentle bubbles and floral notes.
Served tall over ice and garnished with a cherry, it feels refined yet refreshing. The mix of citrus, herbal, and nutty elements creates a cocktail that is balanced and smooth. Ideal for those who enjoy depth without heaviness.
Blueberry Gin Sour
The Blueberry Gin Sour highlights fresh berries with a classic sour structure. Muddled blueberries bring natural sweetness and rich color. Lemon juice adds sharp citrus balance, and gin contributes crisp botanical notes. Shaken with egg white, it develops a silky texture and creamy foam.
A dash of bitters enhances the aroma and depth. Served in a chilled glass and garnished with berries, this cocktail is polished and flavorful. It’s perfect for spring evenings or when you want a fruit-forward drink with a smooth finish.
Pink Jalapeño Kiss
The Pink Jalapeño Kiss blends floral and spicy notes for a bold experience. Pink gin and rose liqueur create a fragrant base, while lime juice keeps it bright. Coconut syrup adds smooth sweetness, and muddled jalapeño introduces gentle heat that builds slowly.
The flavors are layered yet balanced, offering both softness and spice. Garnished with jalapeño slices and petals, it stands out visually and in taste. Ideal for adventurous palates, this cocktail brings together sweet, citrus, and spice in one memorable glass.
Beekeeper
The Beekeeper features gin paired with rosemary-thyme honey syrup for herbal sweetness. Fresh lemon juice adds lively acidity, keeping the drink crisp. A touch of bitterness from cinchona bark deepens the profile and balances the honey.
The result is structured and refreshing, with layered botanical and citrus notes. Served chilled and garnished with herbs, it feels polished yet approachable. Perfect for spring gatherings, this cocktail highlights nature-inspired ingredients in a smooth, well-balanced way.
Pretty in Pink
Pretty in Pink is a cheerful cocktail that blends citrus, almond, and botanical flavors into one vibrant glass. Gin creates a clean herbal base, while fresh lemon juice adds a bright citrus lift. Orgeat syrup introduces smooth almond sweetness that softens the tart edge, and triple sec enhances the orange notes without overpowering the drink.
Its soft pink hue makes it visually appealing for brunches or celebrations. Served chilled and garnished with a lemon twist or berries, this cocktail feels playful yet balanced. It’s a great option when you want something light, colorful, and easy to enjoy.
Cherry Long Island Iced Tea
The Cherry Long Island Iced Tea is a bold, fruit-forward version of the classic. Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and orange liqueur create the strong base, while muddled cherries and cherry cola add depth and sweetness. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor and keeps it balanced.
Served over ice and garnished with fresh cherries, it looks vibrant and inviting. Despite its strength, the flavors blend smoothly for an easy sip. Perfect for parties or weekend gatherings, this version adds rich cherry character to a well-known favorite.
Thyme for Grapefruit
Thyme for Grapefruit pairs crisp gin with fresh grapefruit juice for a bright and aromatic cocktail. The citrus delivers tangy sweetness, while gin provides herbal depth. Fresh thyme adds an earthy note that enhances the drink without overwhelming it.
Served over ice with a splash of soda if desired, it finishes clean and refreshing. Garnished with a grapefruit wedge and thyme sprig, it feels simple yet polished. Ideal for brunches or patio evenings, this cocktail offers a balanced mix of citrus and herbs that feels perfectly suited for spring.
Mint Sour
The Mint Sour combines cool mint with crisp citrus for a refreshing twist on a classic sour. Gin forms the botanical backbone, while fresh lime juice adds bright acidity. Crème de menthe brings smooth sweetness and a gentle mint flavor that lingers pleasantly.
Shaken with egg white, it develops a silky texture and light foam that adds elegance. A few drops of bitters enhance the aroma and depth. Garnished with mint leaves, this cocktail feels fresh and balanced. It’s an excellent choice for warm afternoons or when you want a sour with a cool herbal touch.
Limoncello Lavender Cocktail
The Limoncello Lavender Cocktail blends citrus and floral notes into a smooth and balanced drink. Limoncello brings bright lemon sweetness, while lavender syrup and crème de violette add gentle floral layers. Gin provides botanical depth that keeps the drink structured.
Tonic water tops it off with light bubbles and a crisp finish. Served chilled and garnished with lavender or a lemon twist, it looks elegant and inviting. Perfect for garden gatherings or relaxed evenings, this cocktail offers a refreshing mix of citrus and soft herbal notes.
Blue Ramos
The Blue Ramos is a colorful take on the classic gin fizz. Gin and blue curaçao create a vibrant base, while fresh lemon and lime juice add citrus brightness. Cream and egg white give the drink a rich, frothy texture, and soda water lightens the finish.
A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds subtle warmth. The result is smooth, airy, and visually striking. Served tall with a thick foam top, it’s a playful yet refined cocktail perfect for celebrations or when you want something eye-catching and creamy.
Cherry Lime Gin Fizz
The Cherry Lime Gin Fizz delivers a lively blend of tart and sweet flavors. Fresh lime juice provides crisp citrus bite, while muddled cherries and cherry liqueur add rich fruit depth. Gin brings herbal structure that balances the sweetness.
Lemon-lime soda adds light bubbles and a refreshing finish. Served over ice and garnished with cherries or a lime wheel, it feels bright and inviting. This cocktail works well for sunny afternoons or festive gatherings, offering a smooth, fruit-forward sip with a sparkling twist.
Plum Negroni Sour
The Plum Negroni Sour offers a creative twist on the traditional Negroni. Plum-infused gin provides fruity depth, while Campari adds signature bitterness. Sweet vermouth balances the bold elements, and fresh lemon juice brings brightness.
Shaken with egg white, the cocktail develops a silky texture and soft foam that smooths the edges. Garnished with a plum slice or lemon twist, it looks polished and refined. Ideal for those who enjoy layered flavors, this drink combines fruit, citrus, and herbal notes into one balanced and modern cocktail.
Blue Raspberry Breeze
The Blue Raspberry Breeze is bright, bold, and full of berry flavor. Gin and blueberry lemon vodka create a flavorful base with herbal and citrus notes. Blue raspberry juice and sweet and sour mix add tangy sweetness that keeps the drink lively.
Served over ice and garnished with fresh berries and lemon slices, it feels playful yet balanced. The vibrant color makes it stand out at parties or celebrations. This cocktail is perfect when you want something fruity, refreshing, and easy to enjoy.
Skyline Cooler
The Skyline Cooler is a simple yet flavorful cocktail with bright citrus character. Gin and vodka create a clean base, while blue curaçao adds color and orange notes. Orange juice enhances the fruit profile, and Sprite tops it off with gentle bubbles.
Served over ice, it’s crisp and refreshing with a light finish. Its tropical feel and vibrant hue make it a fun option for warm days or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, the Skyline Cooler offers a balanced mix of citrus and gin.
Chartreuse Sour
The Chartreuse Sour is bold, herbal, and beautifully balanced. Green Chartreuse leads with complex botanical intensity, while fresh lime juice adds sharp acidity. Gin supports the structure, enhancing the herbal profile without overpowering it. Shaken with egg white, the drink gains a smooth texture and creamy foam.
The result is layered and refined, with a bright finish. Garnished with a citrus twist, it’s both striking and flavorful. Perfect for those who appreciate herbal depth and balanced citrus, this sour delivers character in every sip.
