As the days get longer and the air starts to warm, cocktail cravings shift toward the bright, the refreshing, and the effortlessly drinkable. Spring is the perfect excuse to revisit citrus, herbs, and lighter spirits—and our team has strong opinions on what belongs in your glass right now.

Chelsea’s current go-to is the mezcal paloma—a cocktail that feels tailor-made for spring afternoons. With its balance of tart grapefruit, subtle sweetness, and mezcal’s signature smoky depth, it hits that perfect in-between: refreshing, but still complex.

Check out some of the best mezcal's from last year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition here!

Maddee didn’t hesitate: the pisco sour is her hands-down favorite. And it’s easy to see why. With its silky foam, bright citrus, and lightly sweet profile, it’s one of the most approachable yet elegant cocktails out there.

Pisco itself—a South American grape spirit—is having a moment in the U.S., thanks to its aromatic, floral character and versatility. The pisco sour delivers all of that in one glass, with a texture that feels almost indulgent but never heavy.

Annabelle’s pick is a grapefruit basil martini, inspired by afternoons at the Tommy Bahama's Marlin Bar.

The combination of a healthy pour of quality vodka, tart grapefruit and fragrant basil delivers a cocktail that feels both refreshing and slightly indulgent. It’s crisp, aromatic, and just unexpected enough to stand out from more traditional martinis.

Chloe’s favorite, the spicy mezcal margarita, captures everything great about spring cocktails in one glass. It’s bright with lime, smoky from mezcal, and elevated by a subtle kick of heat—that balance of citrus and spice makes it especially appealing as the weather warms up.

Amanda Herbert’s pick, the French 75, is the definition of a springtime classic. Combining gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling wine, it’s bright, bubbly, and just the right amount of celebratory. Her go-to has been Mermaid Gin, thanks to trying their expressions at last year's Top Shelf!

Spring cocktails are all about contrast—bright citrus against smoky spirits, refreshing chill against subtle spice, and classic formats reimagined with fresh ingredients. Whether you lean toward a frothy pisco sour or a bold mezcal margarita, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

For more inspiration, explore award-winning spirits and cocktail trends through The Tasting Alliance and browse results from leading competitions like the upcoming San Francisco World Spirits Competition. You might just find your next favorite bottle—or your next signature spring drink.