Early Spring Greenmarket Cocktails

It’s the time of the year that those of us who live in cold climates get absolute giddy about greenmarket time! Even with the mild winter we’ve had, it’s still a joy to welcome spring and its most treasured greenmarket items.

As a California transplant, it took me several years to understand how different the early spring offerings are on the East Coast. Before the asparagus and strawberries we see the heartiest of spring fare, fruits, and vegetables that sprout through the icy and cold patches, giving us the first signs of spring. Springs early arrivals are an often-overlooked ingredient when it comes to cocktails. Their fresh and vibrant flavors and colors are just what we need to get all jazzed up for spring.

Here are a few simple ideas that show the versatility and creativity of the earliest of spring offerings, proving how easy it is to make a delicious seasonal cocktail any time of year. So the next time you are at the greenmarket don’t just think about what to put on your plate, think about what to put in your glass as well!

Ramp Gibson

Ramps are one of the most prized of all of springs early offerings.   Maybe because of the short lifespan they have we go crazy over them.  Pickling ramps is a perfect way to get your ramp fix for long after they move out of season and an even better way to enjoy in a classic Gibson cocktail.

Pickled Ramps 

Rhubarb Pink Peppercorn Tequila Cooler

Rhubarb is another exciting spring early comer and this tequila recipe is perfect for some of those hot spring days we have dad, thirst quenching to the extreme and this one is a looker with is pretty (and simple) garnish.

Sorrel French 75

My favorite of all the spring early ingredients, sorrel can seem mysterious but rest uassured its vibrant grassy disposition makes it super easy to deal with.  This is another refreshing option for the spring and is bright green and simply will make you happy! Find out more about sorrel on my blog Sustenance.

The Bourbon Beet

This cocktail is unusual not just because it utilizes springs most hidden sweet cocktail secret but the addition of the crème de violet give it the extra spring additive of early edible flowers that are starting to pop up at our local greenmarkets.  If you can’t find crème de violet, you can omit it and the recipe will still be fabulous.

Fresh Carrot Margarita

We forget how sweet some of the early carrots are and this cocktail not only gives the perfect spring freshness but it also delivers the perfect balance of sweet that a margarita needs.  The blackberry mole bitters are the perfect additive.