Last week was the first day of spring, and although it wasn’t the nicest weather out, it reminded me that the rain brings all the wonderful produce. Strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, and apricots are all spring season fruit, and there’s nothing better than using the freshest produce! The produce department is so fragrant this time of year, and all of the smells get my creative juices flowing. Here are my favorite cocktails for the spring season:

Strawberry Spring Cake

Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favorite desserts. Serve this instead of dessert at your next party or wedding shower!

1 oz. Pinnacle Cake Vodka
½ oz. Amaretto
3 oz. Strawberry Puree (1 pint fresh strawberries, cleaned and blended with 3 tablespoons simple syrup)

Stir all ingredients together, and pour into a graham cracker rimmed martini glass, with a strawberry garnish. Add a small dollop of Cool Whip in the middle.

Easter Lily

A pretty, fragrant cocktail is a must for spring!

2 oz. Limoncello
1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz. Liquor 43
2 oz. Heavy Cream
Shake first two ingredients in a shaker with ice and pour into a martini glass. Shake remaining ingredients together and slowly pour over top.
Mango Passion –
Bright and refreshing, with the colors of an amazing sunset!
2 oz. Cruzan White Rum
1 oz. Passoa Passion Fruit Liqueur
2 oz. Mango Puree
2 oz. Club Soda
Fresh Mint

Fill a tall Collins glass with ice, and pour all the ingredients into it. Stir and add mint for garnish.

We’ve waited way too long for this spring. Now that it’s here, make the most of it! Try out my sweet, refreshing cocktails!
Which are your favorite springtime cocktails? Tweet me at @NinosWineExpert

Enjoy!

-Jennifer Laurie