Boozy (and Booze-Free) Cocktails That Make You a Better Host this Spring Season

Spring is in full swing. The days are longer, the group chats are active, and your bar cart is probably overdue for a refresh. Whether you are planning a rooftop brunch or throwing together a last-minute backyard party, one thing is clear. People want more than just drinks. They want a vibe. They want options. They want to feel good while sipping something great.

Diageo North America is making it easier to elevate your hosting game with Serve and Sip, a seasonal cocktail guide that blends flavor, flexibility, and mindfulness. Every recipe offers full-strength, low-alcohol, and alcohol-free versions, so everyone at the party can sip something that fits their mood and mindset.

Here are three cocktails to put on rotation this spring, plus tips to help you become the kind of host who gets invited to everything.

Gates to Andalucía

Flavor profile: Tropical, citrusy, smooth
Perfect for: Late afternoon hangs with light bites and good music

This drink tastes like vacation without the flight. The blend of orange-infused gin, coconut cream, and elderflower tonic creates a rich but refreshing cocktail with just the right amount of floral finish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz orange-infused gin
• 0.25 oz fresh lime juice
• 3.5 oz coconut cream
• 0.25 oz elderflower tonic

Directions
Build in a Copa glass over ice. Top with tonic. Garnish with citrus slices and fresh herbs like mint or rosemary.

Zero-proof version
Substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic alternative. Same vibe, lighter feel.

Mint Cooler

Flavor profile: Crisp, cool, energizing
Perfect for: Brunch, poolside lounging, post-pilates recovery

This one proves that non-alcoholic does not mean boring. With fresh mint, watermelon, and lime, it is the ultimate refresher for warm days or clean slates.

Ingredients

• 2 oz non-alcoholic spirit
• 1 oz watermelon juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 mint leaves
• Club soda to top

Directions
Lightly muddle the mint in a shaker (an important bar tool every home bartender needs). Add all ingredients except the soda, shake with ice, and strain into a highball glass. Top with soda and garnish with mint.

Low-alcohol option
Try half tequila and half non-alcoholic spirit to keep the kick while keeping it light.

Strawberry Spritz

Flavor profile: Fruity, bubbly, fun
Perfect for: Rooftop parties, garden dinners, spontaneous dance breaks

This cocktail is sweet, tart, and ready for the spotlight. It blends frozen strawberries with grapefruit rosé vodka and finishes with a bubbly club soda topper.

Ingredients

• 1 oz grapefruit rosé vodka
• 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz club soda
• Frozen strawberries

Directions
Blend the vodka, lemon juice, syrup, and strawberries. Pour into a chilled wine glass with ice, top with club soda, and garnish with grated strawberry.

Zero-proof version
Use a non-alcoholic spirit and add grapefruit juice for the same pop of flavor.

Hosting Tips That Actually Make a Difference

Great cocktails are only half of the equation. A great host knows how to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, relaxed, and in control of their own night. That means making intentional choices and keeping everyone in mind.

Here is how to do it right:

• Offer well-made non-alcoholic options that feel just as special
• Serve food that pairs well with drinks to slow the pace
• Keep your guests entertained with fun drinking party games
• Avoid automatic refills and let guests ask for more
• Provide water in plain sight and encourage breaks
• Have a plan to help guests get home safely if they drink

You do not need to preach moderation. Just make it easier for people to choose it.

Cheers to a Conclusion

The Serve and Sip recipe guide is more than a collection of drinks. It is a shift toward smarter sipping and more thoughtful socializing. Diageo is encouraging people to take control of their choices and enjoy alcohol in a way that feels right for them.

This is not about restricting anyone. It is about expanding the experience. These recipes are built for all types of drinkers, whether they are cutting back, celebrating hard, or simply want something delicious without a hangover.

For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA