Three easy, pitcher-sized drinks recommended for any Spring occasion
Wedding showers, garden parties, engagement parties, barbecues, weddings…what do all of these things have in common? They all happen in the spring, some more frequently than others, and they all should serve alcohol. Depending on who you ask, they need alcohol.
No matter what end you’re on—serving the beverages or receiving them—the process of obtaining a mixed drink needs to be quick and painless. Good thing we’ve come up with a little list of tasty drinks to make by the pitcher. Not only do you get a large enough quantity to excite even the most begrudging guest, but it looks beautiful and adds a pop of color to the party.
When it comes to sangria, the options are endless. But we’ve narrowed it down to one of the best and most visually appealing. The Rosé Sangria is a classic and perfect for spring. It is filled with bright, fresh fruit, which is good for snacking on after the delicious drink has been slurped down, and the rosy hue is a perfect accent at any party.
- 1 (750 ml) bottle crisp dry Rosé
- 3 tablespoons Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
- 3 tablespoons agave nectar
- 1 cup raspberries, a mix of golden and red preferably
- 1/2 cup cubed watermelon
- 1/2 peach, thinly sliced
- 5 to 6 thin slices lime
- Ice, for serving
Combine the Rosé, Triple Sec, and agave nectar (or honey) in a pitcher. Add the raspberries, watermelon, peach, and lime, and gently stir to combine. Chill 3-4 hours. Serve cold, over ice.
To make a spring twist on a classic cocktail, we have the Lavender & Vodka cocktail. This enticing drink is the classic vodka cocktail all dressed up. It’s great for the fancier party where you may be trying to really impress a guest rather than just wet their whistle. It also brings back a few of those flowers you have been missing in the cold winter months.
The ingredients here are two-fold, but have no fear, they are both very simple. For the lavender syrup, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
For the cocktail:
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- ¾ ounce lavender syrup
- ¼ ounce Page’s Parfait Amour
- ¾ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- soda water
- lavender flower for garnish
For the lavender syrup: Add the sugar, water, and lavender to a small saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup has come to a simmer. Cook for two more minutes, and then take it off the heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the lavender out; chill before using. Store refrigerated in an airtight container
For the cocktail: Add the vodka, lavender syrup, Page’s Parfait Amour, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top off with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of lavender.
Note: To make it pitcher size, simply multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of guests and voila, you’ve got enough for the whole gang.
Last, but not least, is the Jalapeño Margarita. You didn’t think you’d get through this article without a margarita did you? Well, this one is not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned. If you tend to lean more towards Bloody Marys or Salty Dogs, then this is one for you.
- 1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed
- 1 handful of celery leaves
- 4 limes, juiced
- 8 ounces tequila
- 4 ounces orange liqueur
- Ice
- Salt
Pulse jalapeño, celery leaves, lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur in a blender. Pour over a pitcher filled with ice. Serve on the rocks in salt-rimmed glasses (or substitute sugar if your taste buds can’t take the heat...seriously).