The days are getting longer, the birds are serenading us from the treetops, and a certain je ne sais quoi is in the air. That’s right, spring has sprung! And what better way to celebrate this season of renewal than by shaking up some vibrant cocktails, whipping up some delicious dishes, and maybe even indulging in a little baking? If you're a craft spirits enthusiast, a home cooking aficionado, or a budding home bartender, you've come to the right place. We're diving into a collection of delightful spring recipes that will awaken your taste buds and impress your guests. So, grab your shakers, sharpen your knives, and let's get this spring party started!
Sip into Spring: Shake, Stir & Toast the Season
Spring is the perfect time to lighten up your cocktail repertoire. Think fresh herbs, floral notes, and bright citrus. Here are a few concoctions that perfectly capture the essence of the season.
The Dew Drop Rosé Cocktail is an elegant balance of floral and citrus, blending gin, rosé, and lemon for a cocktail that’s as lovely to look at as it is to sip. It’s the perfect companion for a springtime bridal shower, Memorial Day weekend brunch, or simply a quiet moment on the porch swing. This low-ABV rosé cocktail combines Portland Dry Gin 33, New Deal Elder Flower Syrup & rosé into a fragrant sour that sings of Spring.
Prefer something a bit more playful? The Strawberry Lilac Fizz pairs the luscious sweetness of ripe strawberries with the aromatic charm of lilac blossoms. Cocchi Americano Bianco and Portland Dry Gin 33 bring their herbal flair for a bubbly delight that practically tastes like sunshine in a glass.
If you’re feeling experimental, explore the bittersweet charm of the Cascara Sling, made with New Deal Cascara Liqueur. Cascara is the dried fruit of the coffee cherry. Our liqueur offers notes of cherry, dried stone fruit, and subtle spice. Paired with Gin 33 and lemon juice, this sling is complex, fruity, and utterly delicious.
Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a freshly mown lawn, and a Lawn Party cocktail in hand. This delightful drink is as easygoing as its name suggests. It combines the complex, herbal notes of New Deal Gin No. 1 with the bright acidity of fresh-squeezed citrus juice. The combination of gin botanicals and fresh grapefruit is inherently uplifting, reminiscent of a garden in bloom.
For those who enjoy a more savory, herbal tipple, the Gin No. 1 Garden Smash is your go-to. Think of it as a mojito with an intriguing twist, where fresh oregano steps in for mint, creating a wonderfully herbaceous counterpoint to the gin, lemon juice, and agave syrup. The carbonation in the soda water helps lift the herbal notes.
Put away the lime and reach for rhubarb—this vibrant spring stalk isn’t just for pies anymore. The Rhubarb Daiquiri combines Distiller's Cut Rum with a homemade rhubarb syrup and fresh lime juice for a tart, refreshing take on the traditional daiquiri. It’s bright, punchy, and just the right amount of sweet. Serve it up in a coupe glass with a lime wheel for garnish, and you’ve got yourself the prettiest drink at the party.
Rhubarb is a quintessential spring vegetable (yes, vegetable!). Its tartness is a wake-up call for your palate after a winter of heavier flavors. And, making your own rhubarb syrup is easier than you think! For pro tips about making and using rhubarb syrup in spring cocktails, head to our blog post dedicated to all things rhubarb for a mini recipe roundup.
Warmer temps call for less-boozy tipples. The Herbal Fizz brings together our PNW-inspired amaro, a non-alcoholic white vermouth crafted in Athens, Greece, and Fever Tree's effervescent Elderflower Tonic sparkling water, creating a cocktail that’s as lively and refreshing as a walk through the springtime garden. The bitter herbs in the Cascadia Liqueur provide a complex base that harmonizes beautifully with the aromatics of the Roots Divino Bianco and the floral notes in the Elderflower Tonic.
Ah, the Hugo Spritz! This endlessly sippable low-ABV charmer is an effervescent delight. Combining New Deal Elder Flower Cocktail Syrup, fresh mint, and chilled Prosecco, it's effortlessly elegant and incredibly refreshing – perfect for those warmer spring afternoons. Remember to clap that mint bouquet in your palms before garnishing to release all those wonderful oils!
Oregonians know that May is Oregon Wine Month. There's no better way to celebrate Oregon's vibrant wine region at your spring Garden Party than to serve a batched cocktail featuring Oregon wines and brandies. If you’re planning a larger gathering, the White Wine & Pear Brandy Sangria is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make crowd-pleaser. Combining Landmass Wine Multitudes Pinot Gris, New Deal Pear Brandy, fresh green apple, lemon, and a surprising hint of baby dill, it's a unique
and utterly delicious take on sangria. Make it a day ahead to let those flavors marry! Or, take a walk on the wild side with the Brandy Warhol —a visually stunning drink that’s as bold in flavor as it is in appearance. Make this pitcher-perfect cocktail the star of any springtime brunch or patio party by combining our Distiller's Workshop Oregon Brandy and New Deal Pear Brandy with lime, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters, topped with soda.
Elevate your G&T game with the Floral Gin and Tonic. Using New Deal Old Tom Gin as a base, this recipe incorporates New Deal Elder Flower Syrup for a subtly sweet and floral aroma that pairs exquisitely with the classic tonic bitterness. A grapefruit peel garnish adds a final touch of citrusy brightness.
For those who like their cocktails with a hint of culinary flair, the Feta Cheese Martini might just become your new obsession. Yes, you read that right—this savory, briny twist on the classic martini brings an unexpected sophistication to your happy hour. Pair it with a cheese board and you’re all set for a spring soirée.
Douglas Fir buds, the freshly sprouted tips of Oregon’s favorite conifer, make for an unexpected garnish that lifts and complements the citrus in this spring cocktail that features our Distiller's Workshop Bierschnapps as the spirit base. When pressed gently, these delicate and fully edible Doug Fir tips release a grapefruit and resin-like aroma that’s wonderful in cocktails like the Dear Douglas.
Savory Spring Dishes with a Craft Spirits Twist
Spring isn't just about cocktails; it's also a fantastic time to highlight light, vibrant flavors. The complex botanicals in gin and the rich notes of brandies and liqueurs can add incredible depth to your cooking. These recipes incorporate the bright tastes of the season, with a little help from your favorite craft spirits.
Few things say spring like tender asparagus, and this Asparagus Tart makes the most of the season’s star vegetable. The buttery pastry crust supports a creamy filling topped with vibrant asparagus spears, the darling of spring produce.
The secret weapon? Gin-caramelized shallots. A splash of New Deal Gin No. 1 deglazes the pan and adds a subtle botanical sweetness to the deeply caramelized shallots, elevating the entire dish. Serve it warm or at room temperature for brunch or a light lunch, and don’t be surprised when your guests ask for the recipe.
And don't forget a wine pairing! Landmass Wines Heavy Glow Sparkling Rosé shows off notes of honeydew melon, vanilla biscuits, pears, and bright minerality.
If you’re in the mood to really impress, try your hand at the Gin 33 Beet-Cured Salmon. Vibrant, jewel-toned salmon gets its color and flavor from a beet and gin cure, making it as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. Thinly sliced and served with crackers or crostini, this appetizer is perfect for springtime gatherings and adds a pop of color to any charcuterie board.
The earthy sweetness of beets, the botanical notes of Portland Dry Gin 33, and a blend of salt, sugar, and dill transform a simple salmon fillet into a culinary masterpiece. The gin not only adds a subtle aromatic complexity but also aids in the curing process.
Franchere Wine Co.'s Eola Amity Hills Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the briny, herbal complexity of the gin-cured salmon.
Looking for a showstopper main? Try the Spring Green Curry with Ginger Liqueur. Fragrant, zesty, and bursting with garden greens, this dish is a perfect balance of fresh herbs, coconut creaminess, and a subtle zing from the Ginger Liqueur. Fresh spring veggies like collard greens and asparagus are simmered in a fragrant green curry paste and coconut milk, with a generous splash of New Deal Ginger Liqueur adding a zippy, warming kick. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being heavy—ideal for spring evenings.
RAM Cellars Dry Riesling, with notes of Eyer lemon, mandarin orange, and lime zest, is the perfect accompaniment to the earthy spice of serrano peppers and bitter notes of spring greens.
Take your pasta salad game to a whole new level with this Pasta Salad with Halloumi and Gin-Caramelized Shallots. Salty, golden-brown halloumi cheese meets sweet, gin-infused caramelized shallots for a bold flavor combination that’s as satisfying as it is unique. Tossed with fresh herbs and a lemony dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for spring picnics or backyard BBQs.
This isn't your average picnic pasta salad. The combination of textures and flavors makes for a truly satisfying spring meal. You can customize this salad with other spring vegetables like peas, artichoke hearts, or cherry tomatoes.
Don't forget to grab a bottle of GC Willamette Valley Chardonnay to pair with your lunch. This delightful crowd-pleaser is for fans of all styles of chardonnay.
Bring a bit of the coast to your table with Vodka Oyster Shooters. Fresh oysters meet a zingy cocktail of vodka, hot sauce, and citrus for a bold one-bite (or one-sip) experience. This recipe couldn't be simpler: fresh oysters, a splash of New Deal Vodka, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The clean, crisp vodka enhances the briny sweetness of the oysters without overpowering them.
Oysters are often at their best in the cooler spring months. Source the freshest oysters possible from a reputable fishmonger, and serve immediately after preparing. These shooters are a lively way to kick off a dinner party or add some playful sophistication to happy hour.
Sweet Endings: Springtime Baking with a Boozy Kiss
Let's not forget dessert! A touch of your favorite craft spirit can elevate baked goods from simple to sublime.
Don’t forget to end things on a sweet note. Enter: Rhubarb and Ginger Mini Galettes. These rustic little tarts combine tart rhubarb with the warm spice of ginger for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Imagine flaky pastry filled with a sweet vanilla custard and a vibrant rhubarb compote spiked with zippy New Deal Ginger Liqueur. Our recipe includes directions for making your own scratch pastry dough, but also offers suggestions for store-bought brands if you happen to be in a hurry. Perfect for a leisurely brunch on the patio, afternoon tea, or a warm dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No matter when they're served, watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
So there you have it – a collection of recipes to inspire your culinary and mixology adventures this spring. It’s time to embrace the season's bounty, experiment with new flavors, and share the joy of good food and drink with those you love.
Feeling inspired to try these recipes at home? Head over to the New Deal Bottle Shop and stock up on the craft spirits and specialty liqueurs that bring these recipes to life. Whether you’re planning a spring soiree, a sunny day picnic, or just looking to elevate your home bar, the Bottle Shop has everything you need to sip and savor the season. And don’t forget to check out our full collection of seasonal recipes for even more springtime inspiration. Happy sipping!