Winter is in the rear view mirror and summer is around the corner. It is time to relax and enjoy – and here are May cocktails to help you along
May is a month of renewal and celebration. With warmer weather, blooming gardens, and longer evenings, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your cocktail repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining outdoors or simply unwinding after a long day, these five easy, unique cocktails bring bright flavors and a splash of history to your glass.
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The Southside
The Southside is a Prohibition-era cocktail, believed to originate from Chicago’s South Side. It was a favorite among speakeasy patrons who needed something smooth to mask the harshness of bathtub gin.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6–8 mint leaves, saving one for garnish
Create
- Muddle mint with lime juice and syrup in a shaker
- Add gin and ice, shake well
- Strain into a chilled coupe
- Garnish with a mint sprig
Strawberry Basil Smash
A modern twist on the classic “smash,” this cocktail celebrates spring produce. Smashes date back to the 1800s as a category of julep-like drinks with herbs and fruit. Fresh strawberries and basil are springtime staples that offer an aromatic, subtly sweet flavor. Mint is in season and this refreshing blend makes an ideal pre-dinner cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- 2 strawberries
- 2 basil leaves
Create
- Muddle strawberries with basil with lemon juice and syrup
- Add vodka and ice and shake well
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
- Garnish with a basil leaf
Rhubarb Paloma
The Paloma, a tequila-based drink, is Mexico’s answer to the margarita, often considered more popular locally. This version gets a tart twist with rhubarb syrup. Rhubarb is in season and pairs wonderfully with citrus for a tangy, effervescent cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz rhubarb syrup
- Soda water
Create
- Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, and syrup in a shaker with ice
- Shake lightly and strain into an ice-filled glass
- Top with soda water
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice
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Elderflower Spritz
Inspired by the Italian Aperol Spritz, this floral version swaps in elderflower liqueur for a fragrant, lighter take. Light, bubbly, and aromatic, it’s the ultimate garden party cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
- 3 oz dry sparkling wine
- 1 oz soda water
Create
- Combine all ingredients to a wine glass filled with ice
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower
Cucumber Collins
A riff on the Tom Collins, this version adds crisp cucumber to the classic 19th-century gin cooler. Cucumber brings a cooling element that pairs well with gin’s botanical profile.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 cucumber slices
- Soda water
Create
- Muddle cucumber in a shaker, add gin, lemon juice, and syrup
- Shake with ice
- Strain into a tall glass with ice
- Top with soda
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon
