Imagine– the weather just broke, it’s warm, and you’re headed to a rooftop party on a Friday evening. Your favorite DJ is playing, so you are excited about the possibility and potential of the night. With these four simple ingredients, you’ll feel like you can create that vibe wherever you craft your cocktails.

If you’re anything like me, you spent the spring of last year cooped in your small two-bedroom apartment, mixing countless cocktails for your “quaranteam.” If you’re also anything like me, you’ll continue to host parties with your team in your small two-bedroom apartment this spring. What better way to do it than to kick your cocktails into spring? 

This spring, we’ll be highlighting a range of floral-based cocktails that you can easily make with ingredients in your pantry or cabinet that will surely impress your guests.

The delicacy of the vodka married with the floral essence of the Violette liqueur is fresh and sweet. The citruses, white grapefruit, and lemon add brightness and excite your taste buds. Did I mention that this drink is absolutely beautiful? This cocktail’s soft purple color reminds you of sunsets and warm nights on a rooftop with your crew.

There are a few Creme De Violette brands available in the United States, but my personal favorite is Combier Crème de Violette Liqueur. This ingredient might be challenging to find at your local liquor store, but you can always purchase this gem online. You can use this liqueur for Classic Aviation cocktails or Violette mimosas. Either way, you won’t be disappointed about this purchase, and you’ll find yourself using it again.

Looking for a Lemon Syrup? 

Start by checking your refrigerator. You can make your lemon simple syrup with four lemons and half a cup of sugar. Juice your lemons, add the juice and sugar to a saucepan, and let the liquid simmer for 20-30 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens. You can also use this simple syrup for a host of other drinks, such as a Lemon Drop. Depending on the type of sugar you use, the cocktail will vary in color. I used organic cane sugar, hence the darker amber color of the syrup.

Feeling Fresh?

If you’re extra feeling flowery, substitute vodka for gin for a unique spin on a classic Aviation. The added fragrant botanical and floral notes of the gin will brighten the drink even more. Depending on the gin, you might experience notes of rose, coriander, juniper, or cucumber. My gin go-to, especially for this drink, is Hendricks Lunar Gin, but I’d recommend Hayman’s London Dry Gin if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option.

 To prepare this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1½ ounces of vodka (or gin)

• 1 ounce of Crème de Violette liqueur

• ½  ounce of white grapefruit juice

• ½  ounce of lemon juice

• ½  ounce of lemon simple syrup

 Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add your vodka, creme de Violette, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and lemon simple syrup.

 Shake until the outside of the shaker is completely frosted.

In your favorite cocktail glass, pour the contents of the shaker. I recommend using a coup glass for this recipe.

 Enjoy your drink!

About the Author

Ayana Jones is an Ohio native, marketing and social media nerd, and craft cocktail experimenter. On any given day, you can find her in the DMV cooking up a new food recipe, training her pup, Zoie, or kicking it with her quaranteam.