Cocktails for spring

By Jun Kyoung-woo

Flowers are the symbol of spring. If there’s a drink that suits the colorful spring, it’s definitely a cocktail.

Spring cocktail recommendations

Midori Sour

Berry Good

Kevin, a mixologist at W Seoul Walkerhill’s Woo Bar, recommends gin or vodka-based light cocktails with refreshing citrus flavors, carbonated or tonic water, or sparkling wine added for a cool sensation.

He recommends the following four cocktails for spring.

The “Pina Colada” is the first. It is the bestselling cocktail in the world. The rum-based cocktail has a strong coconut aroma characteristic of the drink. Its refreshing flavor comes from pineapples that are blended into the drink.

The next is the “Mojito French Connection,” a variation of the mojito. Crushed lime and red grapes are added with champagne in the brandy-based cocktail, creating a deep flavor.

The third is the “Berry Good,” a sweet fruit cocktail made with strawberry and banana yogurt. This one is particularly popular among women.

Last but not least is the “Midori Sour,” a green-colored cocktail flavored with melon.

Like fashion, cocktails can also have color trends. The hottest line up of colors for this spring/summer season are pastel tones, or candy colors such as pink, purple and mint.

Making your own

Spumoni

If you prefer making cocktails on your own, the following are a couple of recommended cocktails you can serve during a house party or a private gathering.

Mixologist Jeon Ji-hwan, brand ambassador for Edrington Korea which imports Snow Leopard Vodka, recommends the “Pink Panther” for a spring cocktail choice.

Pink Panther requires 45 ml of Snow Leopard Vodka poured over ice with rose lemonade, and grapefruit syrup. Place an aromatic beater in the glass with a garnish on top and there’s your pink and playful drink.

The “Brugal Dry Blush,” a Brugal-based cocktail, is also suitable for spring. Brugal is the best quality rum from the Caribbean.

In a highball glass filled with ice, pour 15 ml of Brugal Extra Dry, sprite and cranberry juice with a sliced lemon on top and you’re done.

The “Spumoni,” an Italian cocktail based with Italy’s Campari, is also beautiful. It is a long drink, similar to the likes of Campari soda or Campari orange.

The origin of the name Spumoni comes from the Latin word “spumare” which means to foam, bubble or froth. The name of the cocktail was inspired by the bubbles from the tonic water.

The bitter and dry flavor of Campari harmonizes well with the refreshing grapefruit juice. The cocktail is particularly loved by women.

To make Spumoni, pour 15 ml of Campari into an ice-filled glass and add grapefruit juice and soda or tonic water to it. Use grapefruit as the garnish as well.

The “Raspberryoska” made with spring mint and raspberry boasts of refreshing taste and playful color. Ingredients such as raspberry, lime juice and mint allow even those who don’t like alcohol to enjoy the drink.

In an old-fashioned glass or a tumbler, put three teaspoons of sugar, six raspberries and lime juice. After mixing the ingredients, top up with crushed ice and add 50 ml of Russian Standard Vodka. Mix well and add spring mint and raspberry as garnish.

As homemade cocktails are increasingly popular, it may be useful to take advantage of cocktail classes that companies offer for free.

PROMOTION EVENT

If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, take note of the following promotion taking place at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul’s The Griffin Bar.

“The Taste of Vintage” reinterprets 22 types of cocktails that are old classics or have been forgotten. Customers can try out a variety of cocktails that bring nostalgia for 12,000 won for one glass or 30,000 won for three glasses until 9 p.m. The event is available through March 31.