17 Cocktails for the Boozy Spot Between Winter and Spring
We often share recipe inspiration by season—winter cocktails, fall cocktails, refreshing summer cocktails for hot days. But what should you drink when it’s not quite spring and not quite winter and sort of in-between? This moment still calls for whiskey drinks, but with a bright splash of citrus or fruity red wine. It’s a great time for amaro drinks, but lightened with a touch of sherry. Not sure what to sip for happy hour tonight? Get scrolling.
Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo1/17Remember the Alimony
You can drink a negroni anytime, but this cousin of the classic equal parts drink is a little softer, a little richer, and a little more savory.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich3/17Paper Plane
This is one of my favorite bourbon cocktails of all time. It’s bitter, citrusy, and refreshing, but still has the oomph you want in cooler weather.
Dan Monick4/17The New York Sour
This gorgeous take on the whiskey sour gets a boost of rich, fruity flavor from a pour of wine on top.
Photo by Emma Fishman5/17Rosemary Mezcal Fizz
This fizzy drink with mezcal and lime might feel like a summery beverage, but rosemary gives it wintry vibes.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton7/17Penicillin
Not all scotch cocktails are limited to winter. This spicy, smoky modern classic will keep you warm in the cold and refresh you on a sunnier day. It’s a go-to that straddles all seasons.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert9/17Classic Whiskey Sour
If you are looking for classic whiskey cocktails that will get you excited for the brighter days of spring, start here.
Photo by W&P Design12/17Americano-Americano
Coffee adds a bracing bitter note to the classic Italian cocktail. It’s the ideal brunch drink to replace your ho-hum mimosa.
15/17New Spain
Photo by Jordan Hughes16/17Modern Medicine
I won’t be quite ready for Aperol spritzes until there’s some more consistent good weather, but the citrusy aperitivo is great right now when shaken with bourbon and lemon and given a topper of smoky scotch.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman17/17Siesta
I’m not sure I’ll miss much about winter except the great flavor of in-season citrus. And this simple drink is all about that flavor. Fresh grapefruit juice is boosted by herbaceous tequila and bitter Campari. It’s fully winter-appropriate, but it’s tasty and refreshing enough to carry you into the spring—and beyond.
