Here in Southern Wisconsin, we're lucky to have a culinary scene and a beverage culture that celebrate local produce and farmers. Area bars and restaurants with craft cocktail programs abound, and their menus feature not only local spirits, but also in-season herbs, fruits and vegetables. We asked some of our favorite beverage enthusiasts to craft a spring cocktail or mocktail that celebrates the season, and they did not disappoint. Beets, herbs, raspberries and rhubarb all find their way into these delectable drinks that feel as fresh and vibrant as the season.
Pickled Beet Gin Martini with Spring Salad
Public Parking Bar, located on Madison’s East Johnson Street, loves to serve up their cocktails with a bit of whimsy. This martini takes its influence from the Gibson, a martini created in the early 20th century in New York, and pairs it with one of Lucas Endres’ favorite spring salads—think of it as a garnish! The flavors of the pickled beet and onion inform both the drink and salad, building on one another to showcase the earthy richness of early spring.
Pickled Beet Gin Martini with Spring Salad
Public Parking Bar, located on Madison’s East Johnson Street, loves to serve up their cocktails with a bit of whimsy. This martini takes its influence from the Gibson, a martini created in the early 20th century in New York, and pairs it with one of Lucas Endres’ favorite spring salads—think of it as a garnish! The flavors of the pickled beet and onion inform both the drink and salad, building on one another to showcase the earthy richness of early spring.
Pickled Beets
For Lucas Endres of Public Parking Bar in Madison, this pickled beet recipe is the first step in crafting his Pickled Beet Gin Martini.
Spring Salad
Lucas Endres of Public Parking Bar in Madison pairs this spring salad with his Pickled Beet Gin Martini.
Raspberry Hyssop Julep
The official drink of the Kentucky Derby, the julep is meant to be a refreshing, simple drink to sip while watching the races or lounging in the garden. Wisconsin offers a variety of herbs and fruits that add nuance to this classic cocktail without requiring a ton of steps or ingredients. Traditionally, the julep uses granulated sugar to add extra sweetness to the cocktail. This recipe uses a homemade raspberry cordial to bring more flavor to the drink and make stirring the cocktail easier. Because the drink requires very few ingredients, Gibson Reichert recommends selecting a quality bourbon for this cocktail.
Raspberry Hyssop Julep
The official drink of the Kentucky Derby, the julep is meant to be a refreshing, simple drink to sip while watching the races or lounging in the garden. Wisconsin offers a variety of herbs and fruits that add nuance to this classic cocktail without requiring a ton of steps or ingredients. Traditionally, the julep uses granulated sugar to add extra sweetness to the cocktail. This recipe uses a homemade raspberry cordial to bring more flavor to the drink and make stirring the cocktail easier. Because the drink requires very few ingredients, Gibson Reichert recommends selecting a quality bourbon for this cocktail.
Raspberry Cordial
Gibson Reichert of Gib's Bar first crafts this raspberry cordial before using it to create his raspberry hyssop julep.
Secret Garden Sour
Embrace the season with a vibrant, grown-up mocktail. This nonalcoholic gin sour combines an arugula-infused gin with a strawberry-rhubarb simple syrup to create a celebration of fresh, spring flavors. The drink offers a sophisticated balance of sweet-tart fruit and surprising peppery herbaceousness. It's a great way to elevate any gathering and prove that zero-proof drinks can be the life of the party!
Secret Garden Sour
Embrace the season with a vibrant, grown-up mocktail. This nonalcoholic gin sour combines an arugula-infused gin with a strawberry-rhubarb simple syrup to create a celebration of fresh, spring flavors. The drink offers a sophisticated balance of sweet-tart fruit and surprising peppery herbaceousness. It's a great way to elevate any gathering and prove that zero-proof drinks can be the life of the party!
Arugula-Infused Zero-Alcohol Gin
Crafting this arugula-infused zero-alcohol gin is Michelle Duvall's first step in creating her Secret Garden Sour.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Simple Syrup
Michelle Duvall of Blind Shot Social Club adds this strawberry-rhubarb simple syrup to her Secret Garden Sour, giving it a brilliant pink hue.
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