The warm air has finally arrived and the buds are breaking.
Get ready to embrace the warmer weather with these refreshing, spring-inspired cocktails from some of our favorite North Fork and Shelter Island restaurants.
Gin & Juice
Isola
Refreshing, citrusy and earthy, Gin & Juice is crafted with gin, thyme simple syrup, freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice, shaken and topped with seltzer. The garnish is a fresh sprig of thyme with a grapefruit slice. “The Isola Gin & Juice is crisp and refreshing, the key is the fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. Perfect for sipping on Isola’s front porch,” said Isola bar manager Jenna Wright.
Isola, 15 Grand Ave., Shelter Island, 631-749-9036
Rose Hip Margarita
Jedediah Hawkins Inn
This drink will surely make your spirits bloom! Colin Keillor, manager of Jedediah Hawkins Inn, made a Rose Hip Margarita with Milagros Silver Tequila, Koval Rose Hip Liqueur, agave, and fresh lime and orange juice.
Jedediah Hawkins Inn, 400 S. Jamesport Ave., Riverhead, 631-722-2900
Peach Pow
Caci North Fork
This refresher will have you sailing straight in to a cheerful spring season. It is a concoction of Bulleit bourbon, peach purée, lemongrass simple syrup, iced tea and — for that touch of green — muddled fresh mint and cucumber.
Caci North Fork, 56125 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-4383
(Spring Inspired) Gin & Tonic
North Fork Table & Inn
A creative twist on a Gin & Tonic. It is made with a sugar snap pea-infused gin with cucumber and mint. Pairs beautifully with Chef Stephan Bogardus’ spring menu that includes Confit Pork Belly and Peconic Bay Scallops.
North Fork Table & Inn, 57225 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-0177
Ginger Blush
Rams Head Inn
Created by Harry Brigham, the Ram’s Head Inn’s in-house mixologist, this cocktail is made with Aperol, Hendricks Gin, ginger syrup and that perfect splash of pineapple juice, served up ice cold. “This drink is refreshing, sweet but not too sweet, and definitely does not taste like anything you would have been drinking in the winter. It is the perfect libation to kick off the season here at the Ram’s Head,” Brigham said.
Rams Head Inn, 108 S. Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island, 631-749-0811