Four mixed drinks for the four seasons

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that the passage of time can feel surreal. No matter what month it feels like, there’s a cocktail for that. Mix up one of these drinks inspired by the four seasons, and enjoy responsibly. 

 

SPRING BLOSSOM COCKTAIL

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 drink

1 ½ ounces cherry brandy

1 ½ ounces gin

½ lemon, juiced

Sparkling lemonade

Splash of grenadine

Edible blossoms, for garnish 

Mix brandy, gin and the juice of half a lemon with several ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a glass, then fill the rest of the glass with sparkling lemonade. Add a splash of grenadine and place blossom garnish on top if desired. 

Recipe from blog.birdsparty.com

MALIBU SUNSET

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 drink

3 to 4 ounces pineapple-orange juice

2 ounces Malibu rum

Grenadine, drizzled

Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Pineapple and/or orange slices, for garnish

Add ice cubes to a glass, then pour in pineapple-orange juice and Malibu rum. Stir to combine. Drizzle as much grenadine as desired on top, then add garnishes and serve. 

Recipe from averiecooks.com

CARAMEL APPLE MANHATTAN

Start to finish: 10 minutes

Yields: 1 drink

2 ounces bourbon

2 ounces apple cider

½ ounce apple liquor

½ ounce sweet vermouth

Apple slices, for garnish

Melted caramel candies, for garnish

For garnish, melt as many caramel candies as desired in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Dip apple slices into melted caramel, then place on a plate with parchment paper. Let chill in the fridge. 

For cocktail, combine bourbon, apple cider, apple liquor and sweet vermouth in a shaker with lots of ice. Strain into a chilled glass, then add garnish on the side of the glass. 

Recipe from recipegirl.com

PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN COCKTAIL

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Yields: 2 drinks

⅛ cup vanilla frosting

¼ cup peppermint candy bits

½ cup Kahlúa coffee liqueur

¼ cup peppermint flavored vodka

½ cup half-and-half cream

Apply a thin layer of frosting around the rims of two glasses. Add the peppermint bits to a shallow bowl. Dip the rims of each glass into the candy and chill for 10 minutes. 

In a shaker, add the Kahlúa, vodka and half-and-half cream and shake to combine. 

Fill the chilled glasses with several ice cubes and pour in the cocktail mixture. 

Recipe from homecookingmemories.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu