Fancy and refreshing ingredients and techniques are in this spring. Yerba mate, and advanced cocktail techniques like fat washing are trending (Datassential), while bartenders report continued growth in low-ABV serves, refined no- and low-alcohol hospitality, and more savory depth in the glass. Below are some ideas.

Spring menus should feature:

• Lower-ABV cocktails with vermouth, sparkling wine, aperitifs, or shochu
• Botanical and garden-driven flavors like cucumber, mint, basil, jasmine, and elderflower
• Tropical and bright fruit like pineapple, guava, passion fruit, and watermelon
• Savory or culinary accents that bring depth, salinity, spice, or subtle umami
• Zero-proof drinks with structure built from tea, spice, citrus, carbonation, and house syrups rather than sugar alone

1. The herbal spritz

A spritz built with elderflower, vermouth, sparkling wine, citrus, and fresh herbs of your choice. 

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• 2 oz sparkling wine
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz soda water
• 2 to 3 fresh basil or mint leaves

2. The cucumber-mint highball

Built with gin, vodka, or a zero-proof spirit alternative, this style of drink feels crisp, cooling, and familiar while still giving the menu a fresh seasonal turn. 

• 1.5 oz gin or vodka
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 3 cucumber slices
• 6 to 8 mint leaves
• 2 oz soda water

3. The tropical pepper margarita

Think passion fruit, guava, or pineapple balanced with lime and a measured hit of chili or pepper. 

• 1.5 oz tequila blanco
• 0.75 oz passion fruit puree, guava puree, or pineapple juice
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz orange liqueur
• 0.25 oz agave
• 1 thin slice jalapeño or a small pinch cracked black pepper

4. The saffron citrus sour

Saffron brings floral warmth and a golden hue. Use with lemon, orange blossom, gin, or vodka.

• 1.5 oz gin or vodka
  0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz saffron honey syrup
• 0.25 oz orange blossom water syrup
• 1 egg white or 0.75 oz aquafaba

5. The savory martini variation

A subtle saline element, herb oil, or seaweed accent can make a martini feel modern while still keeping the traditional structure. 

• 2.5 oz gin or vodka
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• 1 bar spoon olive brine or 2 drops saline
• 1 drop herb oil or a small seaweed garnish