So Berry Spring
Fruity cocktails bursting with ripe, seasonal flavors
By Alison Bailin Batz
This spring, berries are stealing the spotlight behind the bar, bringing tart raspberry, lush blueberry and juicy strawberry into the seasonal cocktail mix. Here are a few favorites, each highlighting just how dynamic berries can be, delivering color, aroma and a refreshing pop that’s perfect for patio season.
The Secret Garden
Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows
Having a hard time choosing which berry to sip this spring? Here, no choices have to be made as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are combined to form a jammy, cocktail-ready blend that is then mixed with rum, grapefruit and ginger beer. The sipper opens lightly sweet, then shifts into citrus and finishes with a lively effervescent fizz. $20. www.mountainshadows.com.
La Vie en Rose
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
This rosé-based cocktail arrives chilled in a stemmed wine glass, layered with dry rosé, fresh strawberries, punchy green apple and lightly muddled mint. Garnished with a strawberry fan and mint sprig, it feels refined yet easygoing. $12. www.sweetparis.com.
Cosmopolitan
Sexy Roman
Sexy Roman leans into cranberry for a deeper, fruit-forward take on the classic cosmo. Vodka and bergamot soften the berry’s natural edge with a gentle citrus note, resulting in a sip that is crisp with a subtle floral hint. It delivers both edge and elegance, served in a martini glass with a ruby glow. $22. www.sexyroman.com.
Daisy Spritz
Fellow Osteria
Housemade berry vodka takes center stage here. First, both blackberries and raspberries are steeped with vodka, allowing the flavors to meld into a fruity base over time. The resulting spirit is brightened by lemon and simple syrup, then paired with Heirloom Alchermes, a liqueur that brings a whisper of cinnamon and vanilla. It is finished with prosecco for a lively, bubbly sparkle. $16. www.fellowosteria.com.
Bad Idea
Hash Kitchen
Equal parts playful and punchy, this cocktail contains Tito’s Vodka, raspberry syrup and yuzu juice for a vibrant snap of spring flavor. Sweet and tangy notes trade off in each sip, while the vivid hue adds to its charm. Served over ice with a dehydrated citrus wheel, despite the name, ordering this Bad Idea is a very good idea, indeed. $14. www.hashkitchen.com.
Rhubee Beach Club
The Montauk
A mixture of Ford’s Gin, honey, strawberry and rhubarb bitters is lifted by fresh lemon juice here. Shaken and served in a coupe, it arrives with an opaque red hue and a velvety froth. A skewered strawberry garnish adds a final pop of bright and tart fruit. $15. www.themontaukaz.com.
Dream Police
Maple & Ash
Verjus, a nonalcoholic juice from underripe grapes and ripe blackberries, is married with rye whiskey and Mediterranean orange in this nuanced cocktail. The verjus rounds out the profile, while orange liqueur brings brightness. A mist of allspice dram introduces warm spice, leaving a gently lingering finish. $22. www.mapleandash.com.
Blueberry Lavender Margarita
Angry Crab Shack
Cazadores Reposado tequila anchors this vivid cocktail, which is blended with ample blueberries and lavender syrup for a floral, berry-driven sip. Lime and sweet and sour mix sharpen the edges, while additional whole blueberries enhance both color and texture. Finished with a sugar rim and lime wheel, it is as eye-catching as it is easy to enjoy until the last drop. $14. www.angrycrabshack.com.