Spring has almost hit us with full force and warmer weather is right around the corner. Soon, it will be time to sit back in a chair in your yard and sip on some exciting Spring drinks. Here are a few recipes to tantalize your taste buds for the upcoming season:

Watermelon Vodka Cocktail

Want to enjoy some watermelon this spring? Why not make it a cocktail to drink while you enjoy the cool breeze? Here’s the recipe:

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 2-inch slice of lime peel, not including white pith
  • 4-to-5 cubes of seeded watermelon
  • seltzer water
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup (optional)
  • crushed ice

Directions:

Muddle the lime and watermelon in a cocktail shaker. Next, add the vodka and the simple syrup (if you’re using it), along with ice. Give it a quick shake. Next, strain into a highball glass and top with seltzer water. You can vary the mix with cucumber, mint and lime or blueberries, mint and lime.

(source)

Victorian Gin Punch

With this drink, you get to incorporate gin with a tangy, fruit-flavored punch with a nice kick to it. Perfect for any spring get together! Here’s the recipe:

  • 3 lemons
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 750-milliliter bottle gin
  • 1/2 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 litre seltzer, chilled
Directions:
Use a vegetable peeler to peel long strips of pith-free skin from the lemons. Place peels in a bowl, add sugar, muddle vigorously and allow to steep 2 to 3 hours. Juice lemons to obtain 3/4 cup. Pour lemon juice over peels and stir to dissolve sugar. Transfer to a 3-quart pitcher half-filled with ice. Add gin, liqueur and seltzer. Stir and pour into punch cups or short-stemmed glasses, and serve. (Note: makes about 20 three-ounce servings.)
Orange-Ginger Margarita
With a little orange juice concentrate, you can make a tasty margarita that will make you glad that a new season is upon us. Here is the recipe:
  • 1 can (12-ounce) frozen orange juice concentrate
  • 10 ounces of tequila
  • 6 ounces Ginger Liqueur (Like Domaine De Canton)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 4 cups of ice
  • 2 tablespoons kosher or margarita salt
  • Crystallized ginger (optional)
Directions:
Place frozen orange juice concentrate (reserve 1 tablespoon), tequila, ginger liqueur, ginger, and ice in a blender and mix until ice is crushed. Place reserved tablespoon concentrate on a small plate and salt on another small plate. Dip rims of 4 glasses in concentrate and then in salt. Fill glasses, garnish with crystallized ginger if desired, and serve. (Note: serves four)
Better yet, become an expert in mixology by attending the Maryland Bartending Academy! The Maryland Bartending Academy is Maryland’s oldest bartending academy and is fully approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. We also offer the most comprehensive curriculum around as well as hands-on-training that will prepare you for a career in bartending. So you won’t just be sipping cool mojitos in the spring breeze – you’ll be an expert at making them, too!

If you have any questions about Spring Drinks or wish to register for an upcoming class, please contact the Maryland Bartending Academy by calling 410-787-0020 or visit MarylandBartending.com today!

You can also follow the Maryland Bartending Academy on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.