As winter melts away and the first signs of spring appear, it’s time to swap out the heavy, spiced cocktails of colder months for something light, bright, and refreshing. Spring is all about renewal, fresh flavors, and enjoying longer days outdoors. Whether you're hosting a garden party, brunch, or just sipping on something delicious while basking in the sun, the right cocktail—and the perfect glass—makes all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the best spring flavors, glassware recommendations, and some must-try spring cocktail recipes that will elevate your seasonal entertaining.

Spring brings an abundance of fresh produce and vibrant ingredients that lend themselves beautifully to cocktails. Think floral notes, citrusy brightness, fresh herbs, and the subtle sweetness of seasonal fruits. Ingredients like elderflower, lavender, mint, fresh berries, cucumber, and lemon are perfect for crafting cocktails that feel crisp and refreshing. Light spirits such as gin, vodka, and sparkling wine are often the stars of spring drinks, as they complement these delicate flavors without overpowering them. The goal? Drinks that taste as fresh as a spring morning.

The right glass isn’t just about aesthetics—it enhances the drinking experience, bringing out the best in every sip. Here are five essential glasses for your spring cocktail lineup, along with perfect drink pairings.

Cocktail Coupe – perfect for floral & effervescent cocktails. The coupe glass, with its elegant wide bowl and stem, is a classic for serving shaken or stirred cocktails. It’s ideal for drinks that don’t require ice and often feature floral or fruit-forward flavors.

Elderflower Gin Fizz

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional for froth)
• Club soda
• Edible flowers for garnish

Shake all ingredients (except club soda) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into the coupe glass and top with a splash of soda. Garnish with edible flowers.

Bartender 8.5 oz. Novecento Art Deco Cocktail Coupe

 

Nick & Nora – a stylish choice for classic, balanced cocktails. Smaller and more refined than the coupe, the Nick & Nora glass is perfect for sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktails. Its curved bowl preserves delicate aromas, making it great for elegant springtime sippers.

Lavender Bee’s Knees

• 2 oz gin
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz lavender honey syrup
• Lavender sprig for garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a lavender sprig.

America '20s 4.75 oz. Nick & Nora Glass

 

Gin & Tonic Glass – best for light, botanical highballs. A balloon-style glass, perfect for gin-based drinks, enhances aromatics and allows for plenty of ice and fresh garnishes.

Cucumber Basil Gin & Tonic

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• 2 slices cucumber
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves
• Ice

Fill the glass with ice, add gin, and top with tonic. Stir gently and garnish with cucumber and basil.

America '20s 25.25 oz. Gin Tonic Cocktail Glass

 

DOF (Double Old Fashioned) Glass – for robust, citrus-forward cocktails. Short and sturdy, the DOF glass is great for muddled cocktails and drinks that showcase citrus and herbal flavors.

Grapefruit Rosemary Smash

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz rosemary simple syrup
• Splash of soda water
• Grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig for garnish

Muddle a rosemary sprig with simple syrup in the glass. Add ice, vodka, and grapefruit juice, then stir. Top with soda and garnish.

Bartender 13.25 oz. Stone DOF Drinking Glass

 

Sparkling Flute – elevate your bubbles. The tall, narrow flute helps maintain carbonation and showcases the elegance of sparkling wine cocktails.

Strawberry Rhubarb Bellini

• 2 oz strawberry-rhubarb purée (blend fresh strawberries and cooked rhubarb with a touch of sugar)
• 4 oz Prosecco
• Strawberry slice for garnish

Add purée to the flute, then slowly top with Prosecco. Stir gently and garnish with a strawberry slice.

Planeo 8.75 oz. Sparkling Wine Flute

 

Spring is the season of renewal, and what better way to celebrate than with fresh, flavorful cocktails served in the perfect glass? Whether you prefer something floral and elegant, citrusy and refreshing, or bubbly and celebratory, having the right glassware ensures that each drink looks and tastes its best.

So, set up your outdoor seating, soak in the warm weather, and toast to the beauty of spring with a drink in hand. Cheers!