Spring Cocktails for Easter Weekend (Fresh, Floral & Easy to Make)

Host Setup: How to Make Cocktails Easy (and Not a Full-Time Job)

The easiest way to “host cocktails” is to not make each drink from scratch like you’re running a bar. Easter weekend should feel relaxed. Use these simple rules:

• Pick 2 signature cocktails for the day (one spritz, one citrus).
• Batch the base (spirit + citrus + liqueur) in a pitcher and keep it cold.
• Add bubbles last so spritzes stay lively.
• One garnish station: lemons, oranges, mint, rosemary.
• Big ice matters: large cubes melt slower and keep drinks balanced.

One-minute “spring bar” checklist

• 2 spirits (gin + tequila is the best combo)
• 1 floral liqueur (elderflower)
• 1 bitter aperitivo (Aperol)
• 1 orange liqueur (for bright citrus cocktails)
• 1 sparkling bottle for spritzes
• Optional zero-proof base so everyone has something festive

Fresh & Floral Spring Cocktails (6 Easy Recipes)

These drinks are spring-forward, brunch-friendly, and designed to be simple. If you can measure and stir/shake, you can make these. (And if you don’t measure… we won’t tell. But your drinks will be better if you do.)

1) Elderflower Gimlet (Floral, Crisp, Fast)

This is one of the easiest ways to make a cocktail taste “fancy” with almost no effort.

• 2 oz gin
• 0.5 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• Optional: tiny splash simple syrup

Shake hard with ice, strain into a coupe, garnish with a lime wheel.

2) Rosemary Gin & Tonic (Garden Party Energy)

A low-effort high-reward drink that feels like spring. The rosemary garnish makes it smell incredible.

• 2 oz Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
• Tonic water
• Garnish: rosemary sprig + grapefruit or lemon peel

Build over lots of ice in a highball glass and stir gently.

3) Cucumber Elderflower Spritz (Light + Aromatic)

This one is brunch-friendly and feels ultra-refreshing.

• 1 oz St-Germain
• 2–3 oz sparkling wine (see bubbly section)
• 1 oz soda water
• Garnish: cucumber ribbon + mint

Build in a wine glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish.

4) Orange Blossom Spritz (Citrus + Bittersweet)

The ultimate “easy spring cocktail.” It’s bright, lightly bitter, and wildly popular with guests.

• 2 oz Aperol Aperitivo
• 3 oz sparkling wine
• 1 oz soda water
• Garnish: orange slice

Build over ice in a wine glass. Stir gently. Done.

5) Peachy Spring 75 (Floral Twist on a Classic)

A variation on the French 75 that’s still clean and crisp—perfect for brunch.

• 1 oz gin
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz St-Germain
• Top with Champagne or Prosecco
• Lemon twist

Shake gin + lemon + elderflower with ice, strain into a flute/wine glass, top with bubbles.

6) The “One-Bottle” Citrus Highball (No Shaker Needed)

If you want a cocktail that requires basically nothing: make a citrus highball. It’s refreshing, low-proof, and easy to scale.

• 2 oz gin or vodka
• 1 oz citrus juice
• Soda water
• Garnish: citrus wheel

If you want a more premium “orange” flavor in any citrus cocktail, keep this on hand: Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao.

Bubbly Cocktails (Spritzes & French 75s)

Bubbly cocktails do the most work for the least effort. They look festive, taste refreshing, and turn any Easter gathering into “we’re celebrating something.”

Best bubbles for spring cocktails

You don’t need to use expensive Champagne for spritzes (save that for toasts). A crisp Prosecco is perfect.

Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco Asolo Superiore

Bright, clean, and versatile—ideal for spritzes, French 75 variations, and brunch-friendly bubbly drinks.

Shop Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne

If you want the “special” version of bubbly cocktails (or you’re serving a smaller group), this is a reliable upgrade.

Shop Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial

The easiest spritz bar (self-serve)

• Aperol
• Chilled Prosecco
• Soda water
• Orange slices

Put everything on the counter with an ice bucket and let guests build their own. You’ll look like a genius.

Tequila Spring Drinks (Not Just Margaritas)

Tequila is one of the best spring spirits because it’s naturally bright and pairs beautifully with citrus, herbs, and bubbles. You don’t need sugary mixes—keep it fresh.

Spring Margarita (Bright, Not Candy-Sweet)

• 2 oz tequila
• 0.75 oz lime
• 0.5 oz Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao
• Optional: 0.25 oz agave syrup

Shake, strain over ice, garnish with a lime wheel. Salt rim optional.

Tequila “Garden Paloma” (Easy, Crushable)

If you don’t want to juice grapefruits: use sparkling water + citrus and keep it clean.

• 2 oz tequila
• 0.5 oz lime
• Top with grapefruit soda or sparkling grapefruit water
• Garnish: grapefruit wedge + pinch of salt

Two tequila picks that work across cocktails

Casamigos Tequila Blanco

Smooth, approachable, and versatile—great for spring margaritas, Palomas, and “tequila + soda + citrus” highballs.

Shop Casamigos Blanco

Cierto Tequila Blanco Private Collection

A premium blanco with refined character—perfect if you want cocktails that taste elevated (and also sips well neat).

Shop Cierto Blanco Private Collection

One Bourbon Spring Cocktail (Because Balance)

Spring doesn’t mean you have to abandon bourbon. Just keep it citrusy and bright. This cocktail is a safe crowd-pleaser: familiar structure, spring flavor.

Bourbon Spring Sour

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey + hot water)
• Optional: egg white for texture

Shake (dry shake first if using egg white), shake again with ice, strain into a coupe, garnish with lemon peel.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

A reliable bourbon for spring sours and daytime-friendly cocktails. Balanced, flavorful, and versatile.

Shop Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Zero-Proof Spring Sips (Mocktails That Don’t Feel Like a Compromise)

Easter weekend usually includes guests pacing themselves, driving, or going alcohol-free. A great host offers something that still feels celebratory: botanical, cold, and beautifully garnished.

NA Citrus Spritz

• 2 oz Seedlip Grove 42
• Top with tonic or soda
• Garnish: orange peel + mint

Serve in a wine glass over ice. This looks and tastes like a real “cocktail moment.”

Ready-to-drink option (fastest hosting win)

Mocktails Nitro The Vida Loca Mockarita (Non-Alcoholic, 4 x 200 ml)

Chill hard, pour over ice, lime garnish—done. It’s the easiest way to offer guests a festive, zero-proof drink that still feels fun.

Shop Mocktails Nitro Mockarita

NA “French 75” style trick

Mix a small splash of Seedlip with lemon and top with a high-quality sparkling water. Garnish well. It looks like a celebration and drinks like spring.

Shopping List: 15 Spring Cocktail Staples

If you want to build a spring-ready bar for Easter weekend with minimal effort, start here. This list covers spritzes, floral cocktails, citrus drinks, and zero-proof hosting—all in one place.

1. Aperol Aperitivo
2. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
3. Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
4. Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao
5. Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco Asolo Superiore
6. Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne
7. Casamigos Tequila Blanco
8. Cierto Tequila Blanco Private Collection
9. Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
10. Seedlip Grove 42 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
11. Mocktails Nitro The Vida Loca Mockarita (NA)
12. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
13. Delahaie Brut 1er Cru Cuvée Prestige Champagne
14. Flowers Winery 2024 Rosé Sonoma Coast
15. M de Minuty 2024 Rosé Côtes de Provence (Limited Edition)

Simple build for a small group: Aperol + Prosecco + St-Germain + Gin + one tequila + Seedlip. That gives you spritzes, floral cocktails, citrus drinks, and a premium NA option with almost no extra work.

FAQ

What’s the best “one cocktail” for Easter weekend hosting?

The spritz wins: it’s low-effort, easy to scale, and guests can build their own. Start with Aperol and Prosecco and you’re set.

How do I keep cocktails brunch-friendly?

Keep them lighter (spritzes, highballs), avoid overly sweet mixers, and use fresh citrus. Floral liqueurs like St-Germain add elegance without heaviness.

What tequila works best for spring cocktails?

Blanco tequila is the most versatile for citrus and fresh flavors. Options like Casamigos Blanco are easy and approachable, while Cierto Blanco brings a more premium edge.

What’s the easiest zero-proof spring cocktail?

Use a botanical NA base like Seedlip Grove 42 with tonic over ice and a citrus garnish. It looks and tastes like a “real drink,” which is the whole point.