It’s always citrus season at the beach—but springtime is for lemons. Along with daffodils, daisies, and sunshine, there’s no better hue than bright yellow to celebrate this glorious season. So, why not welcome spring with some lemony citrus cocktails? Chances are, you probably already have lemons in your kitchen, and oranges and limes are invited as well. Almost any spirit or liqueur mixes beautifully with a tangy lemon libation. Whatever your drink preference, there’s a citrus concoction waiting to be mixed. From bourbon and beer (yes, beer) to vodka and gin, we’ve compiled a list of libations to inspire your every taste and mood. Serve these drinks to your guests at the next beachside get-together, sunset cocktail party, or lazy Sunday brunch, and you’re guaranteed rave reviews. A wide range of flavors—sweet, herbal, spicy, and tart—awaits your palette, so find your favorite and test your mixology skills. In other words, when life gives you lemons, make lemon cocktails.
Whiskey Daisy
This classic whiskey cocktail delivers a remarkably refreshing taste with just a few simple ingredients. With the versatile Whiskey Daisy, you can pick your poison—and your desired taste—using either bourbon or rye whiskey for a diversity of styles. Orange liqueur adds complexity, adding another layer of citrus flavor along with lemon juice and simple syrup. Top your daisy with a splash of club soda for an effervescent finish. Visit The Spruce Eats for the full recipe. Sip, savor, and enjoy.
Summer Shandy
Beer lovers rejoice—this one’s for you! Because when you live at the beach, a Summer Shandy is always in order, no matter the season. Made with sparkling fresh lemonade and beer, this concoction delivers an unbelievably refreshing beachside beverage. You can use the beer of your choice, but a lighter flavor might be more suitable for warm weather. This recipe calls for chilled Hefeweizen and fresh-squeezed lemonade made with superfine sugar, water, and sparkling water. Use Lemon Lacroix for an extra kick of citrus. Visit Spoon Fork Bacon for the recipe. For more creative variations of the Shandy beer-tail, visit Liquor.
Hot Lips
Amp up your basic margarita with this smoky-spicy cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. Created by Jessica Gonzalez at New York City’s popular Death & Co., the Hot Lips cocktail combines a brilliant mix of flavors, including jalapeno-infused tequila, mezcal, lemon juice, pineapple juice, vanilla syrup, and sugar cane syrup. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even concoct your own homemade vanilla syrup. Visit Punch for the full recipe.
French 75
Originally a wartime cocktail named after the French-made Canon de 75 modéle 1897—or Soixante-Quinze, this effervescent Champagne and gin mélange makes an upbeat celebratory drink you can easily serve to a crowd. Combining basic simple syrup with one ounce of gin, fresh lemon juice, ice, and brut Champagne, this lively libation delivers a kick perfect for a festive beach party. Visit Food & Wine for this simple recipe.
Lemon Drop Martini
Martini lovers can quench their thirst with this cool and tart vodka sensation. Using just four simple ingredients, you can put together a batch of Lemon Drop Martinis in an instant, most likely using staples from your bar. This recipe recommends Skyy Citron vodka or Smirnoff, but you can incorporate your favorite blend. Mix with Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and shake for 15 seconds. Strain into cold martini glasses and top with lemon zest garnish for a bright, beachy presentation. Visit Crazy For Crust for this easy recipe.
Jasmine
This inventive interpretation of the White Lady brings Campari to the party for a bitter-sweet twist. Combine in a cocktail shaker with Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and gin—this recipe suggests The Botanist gin. Add ice and shake until well-chilled. You can strain into an Old Fashioned cocktail glass or over ice with an orange twist. The flavor is as fresh as a summer sea breeze—enjoy! For the recipe, visit Cointreau.
Basil Limoncello Cocktail
Take your mixology skills to the next level with this effervescent Basil Limoncello Cocktail that highlights a burst of citrus balanced with fragrant and earthy fresh basil. Hailing from Southern Italy, Limoncello offers a tart and sweet flavor like no other. Traditionally an aperitif, this brightly colored liqueur creates a vibrant visual presentation. This recipe includes lemon juice, agave, sparkling water, and Grey Goose vodka, but feel free to substitute it with gin if you prefer. Start by muddling the fresh basil leaves and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker to release the flavor. Then, add all the ingredients plus ice to the shaker and shake until the outside is chilled. Pour over fresh ice and garnish with lemon slices and basil. Visit The Social Sipper for the full recipe.
For more lemon cocktails, visit Food & Wine. Cheers to a blissful and zesty spring at the beach!