The spring equinox is upon us once again. It’s not warm here yet, but we’re starting to see some fresh ingredients in the markets that make us think of spring. Not bunnies, they don’t make a good cocktail ingredient 😉 We went with mint and strawberries instead.

The Green Man

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 2/3 oz Fernet Branca
• 1/4 oz lime juice
• 3 sprigs mint

Muddle mint with the bourbon. Add other ingredients. Shake with ice. Double strain into a glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

• Nose: Mint, orange, bourbon, menthol
• Palate: Fresh mint to start, orange and bourbon on mid-palate, followed by a nice bite of acidic citrus just after that. Finishes with slightly astringent camphor and more mint.

Printemps

• 2 oz gin (We recommend something floral. We used the Spy Hop.)
• 3/4 oz St. Germain
• 1/4 oz lime juice
• 4 large sprigs of mint
• 3 large strawberries

Muddle strawberries and mint with the gin. Let macerate 2-3 minutes. Add St. Germain and lime juice. Shake with ice. Double strain and use a Hawthorn strainer (the crushed strawberries will totally gum up other shaker tops). Garnish with a strawberry.

• Nose: Strawberry, mint, hint of honey or vanilla.
• Palate: Sweet floral notes from the gin and St. Germain, strawberry and mint on the open. Nice pop from the gin after that with more floral and herbal notes, then more mint on the finish along with a slight bite of acid. Thick, satiny mouth feel from the strawberry pectin.

We  hope things are starting to thaw where ever you are too. We hope you enjoy these offerings as the days start to get longer and warmer. They are light, refreshing, and make perfect spring time pick me ups.