As we approach the spring equinox on March 20, it’s time to consider how we can transition our cocktail selections from winter to spring. Traditionally, winter celebrations center around hearty spirits—think full-bodied red wines, hearty whiskeys, and rich brandies—while spring welcomes lighter and more refreshing options like gin and tonics.
Drawing inspiration from Oktoberfest, which celebrates the enjoyment of Märzen beer to clear out the old for the new, I propose a similar concept: "Marchfest." This celebration encourages us to finish up our winter spirits while introducing refreshing elements that signal the arrival of spring.
To facilitate this, I’ve reinvented four classic winter cocktails using local ingredients perfect for a rejuvenated cocktail experience. Here’s how to enjoy Marchfest with some delightful concoctions:
Recipes
New York Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Sausalito Liquor Co.’s Unsinkable Bourbon
- 1 ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce aquafaba
- 1 ounce leftover red wine
Directions:
Combine bourbon, Meyer lemon juice, simple syrup, and aquafaba in a cocktail shaker and shake until cold and frothy. Strain over fresh ice and carefully top with red wine for a layered effect.
Sonoma Sazerac
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Griffo Distillery’s Barrel 151 reserve brandy
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes Bitter Girl Bitters’ Garden Party bitters
- ¼ ounce Barber Lee Spirits’ Absinthe Blanche
Directions:
In a shaker with ice, mix the brandy, simple syrup, and bitters until chilled. Coat a serving glass with absinthe, discard the excess, and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
An Almost Naked and Almost Famous
Ingredients:
- ¾ ounce Santo Spirits’ Mezquila
- ¾ ounce Geijer Spirits’ California Amaro
- ¾ ounce Accompani’s Flora Green
- ¾ ounce Meyer lemon juice
- ½ ounce aquafaba
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until cold, and strain into a chilled coupe glass, topping with foam.
Perfectly Clear Spring Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ ounces Griffo Distillery’s White Whiskey
- ½ ounce Alessio Vermouth Bianco
- ½ ounce Vya Whisper Dry Vermouth
- 1 Bada Bing stemmed all-natural cherry
Directions:
Stir the whiskey and vermouths with ice until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a martini glass and garnish with a cherry.
By blending winter flavors with fresh spring elements, Marchfest not only clears out winter remnants but also celebrates the budding of new beginnings through refreshing cocktails. Cheers to a spirited season!