Yards are starting to explode with color, birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, there's a light coating of pollen on the cars and people are experiencing itchy eyes and sneezing. That can only mean one thing. Spring is officially here (staring on Sunday)!
When I think Spring cocktails, I immediately think of strawberries, basil and mint. I know I'm rushing the season a bit when it comes to strawberries. But I can't help it. The wife lucked out at the market the other day and found a perfectly ripe carton of strawberries for tonight's cocktails. Don't worry, if you can't find decent berries at your grocery store, you can use frozen. They might not be as pretty when they thaw but I find that they can offer more flavor as they tend to break down quicker releasing more juice. 
His Cocktail - Strawberry Basil Irish Mule
2 oz Jameson
5 strawberries
5 basil leaves
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Ginger beer to top
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries with the basil and lemon juice. Add ice and Jameson. Shake until chilled. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Top with Ginger beer.
Her Cocktail - Strawberry Gin Smash
3 oz gin
2 strawberries
1/2 tsp sugar
1 lime wedge
Club soda to top
In an old-fashioned, muddle the lime wedge with the sugar until dissolved. Add the strawberries and lightly muddle. Fill the glass with ice, add the gin and stir until chilled. Top with club soda.
Happy drinking!