Fresh Spring Cocktails

Ah, Spring is finally (almost) upon us.

The sun is shining (almost), flowers are blooming and birds are singing. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing weekend with friends or you simply need something to get your through tax season and spring cleaning, banish the wintertime blue with these light, fresh and rejuvenating cocktails.

Rejuvenate with a delicate white tea, which has more antioxidants than the green variety.

White Pear Martini

- 1 oz. brewed white pear tea, cooled (available online at RevolutionTea.com)
- 1 oz. vodka
- 2 oz. pear nectar

Combine in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a thin slice of pear.

Try CB2′s Stemless Martini Glass, $2.50 each at cb2.com.

The daiquiri is being touted as the drink of 2010. Add a Spring twist with lavender-infused simple syrup. If you don’t want to buy yours, make one at home by simmering 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water with ¼ cup fresh lavender (or 2 teaspoons dried) until the sugar is dissolved. Cool and cover.

Lavender Daiquiri

- 1 ½ rum
- 1 oz. lavender syrup (available online at sonomasyrupstore.com)
- ½ orange liqueur
- 2 oz. sour mix
- Wedge of lemon

Combine first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a margarita or martini glass and rim glass with lemon wedge.

Try the Mangold Margarita Glasses (2), $14.99 at Target.com.

Mint has been used since Ancient times to purification and cleansing. Add it to spicy ginger beer for a refreshing drink with a bite!

Lemongrass Iced Tea

- 4 oz. ginger beer
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 1 oz. lemongrass syrup, like Monin (available online at Amazon.com)
- fresh mint leaves

In a Collins glass, muddle fresh mint with ice. Add bourbon and top with ginger beer.

Try Kate Spade Wickford Collins Glasses (4), $59.99 at BedBathandBeyond.com.