With spring in the air and thoughts wandering toward patio gatherings with friends, our Elevated Liquid feature explores muddled cocktails that are simple and scrumptious.

Watermelon Basil Spritzer

6 large chunks watermelon

2 leaves of fresh basil

1/2 ounce simple syrup
(2 parts organic cane
sugar; 1 part water)

1/2 ounce fresh
lemon juice

1 ounce Woody Creek Vodka

2 ounces sparkling wine
of your choice

Lightly muddle the first two ingredients in a pint glass until fruit liquidates. Add sugar, vodka, lemon juice and ice. Shake vigorously. Dump into a cocktail glass. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with watermelon cube and lemon twist.

Pineapple Mint “Margarita”

4 large chunks ripe pineapple

8-12 leaves raw mint

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1/2 ounce triple sec

1/2 ounce agave nectar

2 ounces State 38 “The Clever Jack” Agave Spirits

Muddle the first two ingredients until pineapple liquidates. Add citrus, sugar and spirits. Top with ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into salt-rimmed glass (or bucket). Garnish with a pineapple wedge/mint flag.

Strawberry Daiquiri

6 strawberries

4 thin slices of fresh ginger

3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

3/4 ounce sugar
(simple syrup works best)

2 ounces Montanya
Platino Rum

Muddle the strawberries and ginger. Add citrus, sugar and rum. Top the glass with ice. Vigorously shake. Strain into a glass. Garnish with a lime twist.

Photos by Ryan Brown | Recipes by Connie Leaf