As winter fades and the world blooms back to life, there’s no better way to toast the season than with a glass of something bright, floral, and irresistibly fresh. Enter the Spring Fling Cocktail—a radiant, herb-kissed, fruit-forward drink that captures the joyful spirit of spring in every sip.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant brunch, lounging in the garden with friends, or planning a romantic picnic, this cocktail is the perfect companion. It balances the sweet tartness of fresh berries with a light floral touch, softened by citrus and rounded out by crisp spirits. The result? A drink that tastes like sunshine, spring blossoms, and celebration all at once.

With stunning colors, layered flavors, and endless garnish possibilities, the Spring Fling isn’t just a drink—it’s a seasonal experience.

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

The Spring Fling Cocktail has become a modern springtime classic, and it’s easy to see why. It’s seasonal, versatile, photogenic, and exceptionally delicious.

This cocktail strikes the ideal balance between fruity sweetness and herbal freshness, making it a standout at springtime gatherings. Its name alone suggests fun, light-hearted celebration—a quick seasonal romance in a glass, if you will. It’s sophisticated enough for weddings and brunches, yet playful enough for garden parties and casual get-togethers.

On top of that, it’s endlessly customizable with fresh fruits, edible flowers, botanical spirits, and even bubbles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

🌼 Fresh and floral flavor with berries, lemon, and herbs
🍹 Easy to make, with common ingredients and simple steps
🌸 Gorgeous appearance, perfect for spring tablescapes and social media posts
🍓 Refreshing but not too sweet—balanced and sophisticated
🌿 Customizable with herbs like basil, mint, or lavender
🥂 Great for batch-making and party pitchers
💐 Captures the essence of spring in a sip

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

🍓 1½ oz vodka – a clean spirit base (or use gin for a more botanical vibe)
🍋 1 oz fresh lemon juice – for citrus brightness
🍯 ¾ oz simple syrup (or honey syrup) – to balance tartness
🍓 3 fresh strawberries – for fruity sweetness and spring color
🌿 2–3 fresh basil leaves (or mint/lavender for variation) – for aromatic depth
🍸 ½ oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) – adds a floral, springy lift
🧊 Ice – for shaking and chilling
💦 Optional: splash of soda water or sparkling wine for effervescence
🌸 Garnish: strawberry slice, basil sprig, edible flower, lemon wheel, or all of the above

Preparation:

Step 1: Muddle the fruit & herbs
In a cocktail shaker, add the strawberries and basil. Muddle gently until the strawberries release their juices and the basil is fragrant, but not pulverized.

Step 2: Add the liquids
To the muddled mixture, add:

1½ oz vodka
1 oz lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
½ oz elderflower liqueur
Add ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.

Step 3: Strain into glass
Double strain into a chilled coupe or highball glass filled with fresh ice. If you prefer a smoother finish, use a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and herb bits.

Step 4: Top and garnish
Optional: Top with a splash of soda water or sparkling wine for fizz. Garnish with a fresh strawberry, basil leaf, lemon wheel, and/or edible flower.

Variation:

🍸 Gin Spring Fling: Swap vodka for gin to amp up the botanical notes
🥂 Sparkling Spring Fling: Top with prosecco instead of soda for an effervescent brunch version
🍍 Tropical Twist: Add ½ oz pineapple juice for a fruity spin
🍑 Peach Blossom Fling: Muddle peach slices instead of strawberries and use peach liqueur
🌱 Mint & Berry Version: Use mint instead of basil and garnish with mixed berries
🍃 Lavender Lemonade Fling: Add a drop of lavender extract and use honey syrup
🧃 Mocktail Version: Omit alcohol, use lemonade and soda with muddled berries and herbs

COOKING Note:

To get the most out of your Spring Fling:

Use fresh, ripe berries—flavor and color depend on quality
Muddle herbs gently to release aroma without bitterness
Fresh lemon juice is key—never use bottled
Adjust sweetness depending on your fruit’s ripeness
For a more elegant drink, fine-strain into a coupe or martini glass

Serving Suggestions:

🧺 Serve at spring brunches, picnics, or Easter gatherings
💐 Pair with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini, caprese salad, or spring rolls
🧁 Excellent with desserts like lemon tarts, pavlova, or berry shortcakes
🍾 Offer as a signature cocktail at weddings, baby showers, or garden parties
🌞 Serve in pitchers with fruit slices and herb bundles for a crowd
🥂 Add a sugar rim for extra flair and contrast

Tips:

Chill your glass beforehand for a crisp presentation
Make a large batch by multiplying ingredients and muddling berries/herbs in advance
Store simple syrup with citrus zest or basil for added flavor
Add edible flower ice cubes for beautiful detail in pitchers
For a lighter drink, use a wine spritzer base instead of spirits

Prep Time:

7 minutes

Mixing Time:

2 minutes

Total Time:

9 minutes

Nutritional Information (per cocktail, approx.):

Calories: 165
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugars: 12g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 2mg
Alcohol Content: ~12–15% ABV

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this cocktail in advance?
A: Yes! Mix everything but the ice and soda/sparkling wine. Chill until ready, then shake with ice and serve.

Q: What if I don’t have elderflower liqueur?
A: You can skip it or substitute with orange liqueur or a splash of floral syrup like rose or lavender.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, just thaw them first. They muddle easily and add a more syrupy texture.

Q: How do I make a large pitcher?
A: Muddle the fruit and herbs in a large container, add all liquids (multiplied), and stir. Keep chilled and serve over ice.

Q: Is there a non-alcoholic version?
A: Definitely. Use lemonade or citrus soda instead of spirits, and keep the muddled fruit and herbs for full flavor.

Conclusion:

The Spring Fling Cocktail is a toast to sunshine, blossoms, and fresh beginnings. It’s not just a drink, it’s a moment. One that captures the color, fragrance, and flavors of the season in a single glass. With its beautiful blush hue, refreshing finish, and balanced blend of fruit, herbs, and citrus, it’s the kind of cocktail that turns heads and starts conversations. Whether you’re sipping it solo on the patio or serving it by the pitcher at your spring soirée, the Spring Fling always brings joy, elegance, and a splash of floral fantasy.

So grab those berries, pick a sprig of basil, and let the spirit of spring dance in your glass.