The flowers are in bloom and there's that special something in the air that no other season has. Yes, spring is finally here and with the changing of the seasons comes the changing of your cocktails. Say goodbye to Hot Toddy's and Mulled Wine and say hello to these delicious classic spring cocktails that are easy enough to make at home.

Bees Knees

Amateur Mixologist

This is a fairly classic cocktail that most people overlook because of the gin. The strong flavor turns off plenty of people as do the horror stories that always start with "So I finished a bottle of gin" and ends with "and somehow I woke up in jail." Don't believe them! Gin is great for the summer because of its unique taste and the Bees Knees is a simple, yet delicious cocktail. The honey mellows the juniper taste and the lemon juice adds brightness.

Ingredients for one drink

• 1.75 oz gin
• 0.75 oz honey syrup
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• Ice
• Lemon wheel garnish

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Martini glass

To make the honey syrup: Mix together equal 4 oz of honey and 4 oz of hot water. Mix until the honey and water are fully incorporated. Don't skip this step, otherwise the honey won't mix in with the rest of the drink. 

Directions

1. Fill mixer 3/4 of the way full with ice
2. Combine all ingredients into the mixer and cover 
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
4. Strain into a martini glass
5. Garnish with lemon wheel 

Mojito

Urban Party Life

The mojito is by far the most popular cocktail once the temperature hits above 65, and it's no surprise. The freshness from the mint helps cut through the sweetness of the sugar and the lime adds that nice zing that complements the mint and sugar perfectly. If you don't want just a plain mojito you can add strawberry or mango to really kick it up a notch (as Emeril would say)

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3 lime wedges
• 4-5 mint leaves
• Ice
• Club soda

Equipment

• Muddler
• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Rocks Glass

To make simple syrup: Mix together 1 cup of hot water and 1 cup of sugar. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don't just add sugar into the mojito as sugar doesn't really dissolve well in cold things. 

Directions

1. Put the limes in the shaker first and then the mint on top and then muddle until you start smelling a very strong mint scent. If you're adding in fresh fruit, add them in before you muddle everything.
2. Add in the rum and simple syrup then top with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Pour entire contents into a rocks glass
5. Top with a splash of club soda.

Mint Julep

A Taste of Home

When you think summer, bourbon doesn't really come to mind, but there's no reason why you shouldn't be drinking bourbon all year round! This is great for people who want a strong drink but don't want to just drink a bourbon on the rocks. The sugar brings out the sweetness of the bourbon even more and the mint adds a nice refreshing after taste. While you can use normal ice, the drink is best served over crushed ice, which can be obtained by using the muddler. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon whisky
• 0.75 oz mint simple syrup
• Crushed ice
• Mint garnish

Equipment

• Muddler
• Jigger
• Stirring spoon
• Rocks Glass

To make mint simple syrup: In a saucepan 1 cup water and 1 cup of sugar. Add about 1/4 cup of mint leaves and bring the water to a boil all the while stirring so that the sugar dissolves. Once all the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and strain the mixture to get rid of stray mint leaves.

Directions

1. Pour the bourbon and mint simple syrup into a rocks glass
2. Top with ice
3. Stir the mixture with the bar spoon for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Garnish with mint leaves