There’s something about spring that calls for a drink in hand. 

The longer days, warmer weather, and that urge to be outdoors.

Spring is the perfect time of year to shake up your cocktail game—and for me, that always starts with vodka. 

It’s clean, crisp, and endlessly versatile. 

Whether you’re sipping on your porch, throwing a garden party, or just unwinding after work, I’ve rounded up my favorite spring vodka cocktails that are refreshing, vibrant, and full of real fruit and botanical essences. 

From a boozy lemonade with fresh basil to a floral-forward spritz topped with edible flowers, there’s something for everyone here—including a few twists that may just become your new favorites.

Why Vodka Is a Great Choice for Spring Cocktails

Vodka’s smooth, neutral flavor makes it a blank canvas for seasonal ingredients like fresh grapefruit juice, cucumber slices, and fresh mint leaves. 

I love that it plays so well with both citrus and herbs, letting fresh ingredients shine while still packing a punch.

Brands like Grey Goose Vodka, made with French wheat and known for their grey goose essences, and Belvedere Vodka, which leans into natural flavors and craft cocktails, are both standouts when it comes to creating delicious spring cocktails.

The Must-Have Bar Tools

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk bar setup. To make these vodka cocktails really shine, you’ll want to have a few essentials:

• Cocktail shaker – Perfect for getting that nice, cold mix with fresh ice.
• Mixing glass + mixing tin – Great for stirred cocktails (hello, martini).
• Collins glass, highball glass, and rocks glass – Each has its moment depending on your drink.
• Double strainer – Key if you’re using real fruit or anything pulpy like strawberry puree.
• Citrus juicer – Because fresh lemon juice and fresh lime juice > bottled, always.

And don’t forget the chilled glass. A cold glass is a small but meaningful touch that makes everything feel a little more elevated.

My Favorite Vodka Cocktails for Spring

Cucumber Basil Vodka Cooler

Flavors: Clean, herbal, refreshing

• 2 oz vodka (I like Grey Goose Vodka or Belvedere Vodka)
• 1 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 slices of cucumber
• 3 fresh basil leaves
• Club soda to top

Muddle the cucumber and basil in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, honey syrup, and lemon juice with fresh ice. Shake and double strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a cucumber slice or basil sprig.

Spring Berry Smash

Flavors: Tart, fruity, crowd-pleasing

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 5 fresh raspberries
• 2 fresh mint leaves
• Soda water to top

Muddle raspberries and mint in your shaker. Add vodka, simple syrup, and lime juice. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Top with soda water and a sprig of fresh mint.

Elderflower Vodka Spritz

Flavors: Floral, bubbly, elegant

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur
• 2 oz dry white wine
• 1 oz soda water
• Edible flowers or lemon slices to garnish

Stir vodka and elderflower liqueur in a mixing glass with fresh ice. Pour into a wine glass, add dry white wine and soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice or edible flower for a pretty finish.

Grapefruit Vodka Collins

Flavors: Tart, fizzy, zesty

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• Club soda to top

Shake vodka, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with fresh ice. Strain into a Collins glass over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge or grapefruit slice.

Spiked Pineapple Mule

Flavors: Tropical, spicy, balanced

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer to top

Combine vodka, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a mixing tin with ice. Shake and strain into a copper mug or rocks glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

Boozy Lavender Lemonade

Flavors: Sweet, floral, citrusy

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz lavender simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Water or soda water to dilute

Shake vodka, lavender syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Pour into a Collins glass and top with soda water or still water. Garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint.

Espresso Martini (Spring Edition)

Flavors: Bold, energizing, smooth

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz espresso (room temperature)
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• Optional: dash of cinnamon syrup

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans or a dusting of cinnamon.

Even in spring, espresso martinis are still having a moment—and this version is lighter but still luxurious.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Spring Cocktails

• Use fresh ice – Old freezer ice can absorb smells. Fresh cubes make a big difference.
• Always double strain when using fresh fruit or muddled ingredients.
• Room temperature vodka works well in stirred drinks like martinis, but for everything else—keep it cold.
• Balance is key – Too much citrus or syrup can throw everything off. Start light, and taste as you go.
• Garnish matters – A cucumber slice, sprig of fresh mint, or edible flower can turn a good drink into a great one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q: What’s the best vodka for spring cocktails?
A: I love Grey Goose Vodka and Belvedere Vodka—both are smooth vodkas made with natural flavors and quality ingredients like French wheat. They shine in cocktails without overpowering the fresh fruit and herbs.

Q: What’s the difference between simple syrup and honey syrup?
A: Simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar and water, while honey syrup is made with equal parts honey and warm water. Honey syrup adds a floral sweetness that’s perfect for spring.

Q: Can I batch any of these cocktails for a group?
A: Absolutely. Drinks like the Elderflower Vodka Spritz or the Boozy Lavender Lemonade are perfect for batching. Just mix the base in a pitcher and top with club soda or soda water when serving.

Q: What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
A: A mason jar with a tight lid can work in a pinch! Just make sure to strain your drinks to avoid pulp or muddled herbs.

Q: What glass should I use for each cocktail?

A: Use a Collins glass for tall, fizzy drinks like the Grapefruit Vodka Collins, a rocks glass for mules or anything served over ice, and a cocktail glass (aka martini glass) for drinks like espresso martinis. A highball glass is perfect for vodka sodas or any simple build-and-serve cocktail. 

Spring is the season of fresh starts, and there’s no better way to celebrate it all than with a lineup of delicious vodka-based cocktails. 

Whether you’re sipping something light with cucumber and basil or diving into a sweet-tart berry smash, these drinks are built for the warmer months and longer days ahead.

So grab your bar tools, squeeze that lime, and get mixing!