Springtime is in full swing in New Orleans, and chances are you’re taking advantage of the longer days and beautiful weather. We’ve compiled a short list of great cocktails that make for a refreshing break from the daily grind.
Read on for our list of spring cocktail recipes, including one created at the Hotel Monteleone’s own Carousel Bar & Lounge!
Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is a classic cocktail first created at a London oyster bar owned by James Pimm in 1840. A Pimm’s Cup is a great cocktail for a leisurely afternoon with friends and is also commonly served at outdoor sports events.
The Pimm’s Cup is simple to make, and the basic recipe can be reduced to just a few ingredients. Here’s how to make a delicious Pimm’s Cup at home:
Recipe
- Pimm’s No. 1
- Ginger Ale
- 1 Sliced Cucumber
In a glass with ice, mix 2 ounces of Pimm’s and 4 ounces of ginger ale. Garnish with a cucumber slice. Strawberrys are also commonly added to the mixture for a fruitier taste.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938. It is often served in pewter cups so that crushed ice inside the cup, a main ingredient, can create a frost on the metal. This recipe, sourced from Town & Country, is an easy way to make a classic Mint Julep.
Recipe
- 2oz Bourbon
- .5oz Simple Syrup
- Crushed Ice
- 1 bundle mint leaves
In a julep cup (or a highball glass), muddle 2 sprigs of mint with the simple syrup. Fill cup 3/4 full with crushed ice. Add bourbon. Stir. Fill the remaining glass with crushed ice and a sprig of mint.
Fleur des Lis
This delicious cocktail was first poured in 2007 at the Monteleone’s Carousel Bar & Lounge. It’s a wonderful, refreshing mixture of floral tastes, citrus, and ginger, with an added kick of gin.
Recipe
- 2 slices cucumber
- ice
- 1-1/4 ounces gin
- 1/4Â ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 3 to 4 ounces ginger ale
- 1 lime wedge
With a muddler, break cucumber up into small pieces in the bottom of a Boston shaker. Add ice and all liquids except for ginger ale. Shake until well blended and chilled. Do not strain, as you want the cucumber in glass.
Pour into a rocks glass. Top with ginger ale and garnish with lime wedge. Enjoy!
Now that you know how to make these simple, refreshing cocktails, we hope you enjoy one soon on a beautiful spring day. And if you can’t be bothered to make one for yourself at home, stop by the Carousel Bar and have one made for you by a professional!