Wake up and smell the roses or drink them! Whatever you prefer, the esteemed boozehounds at The DiG have some tipsy tips on how to spruce up your cocktails this spring with a number of floral infusions and inspired recipes.

Much like steeping tea, infusing spirits is low-commitment and high-reward. All you have to do to create the perfect floral infusion is add fresh or dried flowers and the spirit of your choosing to a sealed jar, leave it in the dark for a few hours (if the flowers are fresh) to a few days (if dried) and shake the jar about once or twice per day. 

Supplies: 

• A large glass jar
• A cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve
• An empty bottle to store your flowery spirit

Once you achieve the flavor you like, strain the liquid and enjoy your infusion neat or add it to any cocktail recipe to put a springtime spin on your favorite sip! Here are a few delectable drinks to get you started:

Rose Gin in a French 75:

• 1.5 oz Rose-infused Gin 
• .75 oz  fresh lemon juice
• .5 oz simple syrup

Shake your cocktail and then double-strain it into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling Rosé for a delicate and mature finish. 

Lavender Mezcal in a Mule:

• 1.5 oz Lavender-infused Mezcal (best to use an Espadin as your base for a sweeter, less vegetal flavor)
•  .5 oz Italicus
• .75 oz fresh lime juice
•  .25 oz agave syrup

Shake with ice and then dump straight into a tall glass. Top the cocktail off with ginger beer for that added touch of sweetness and garnish with a fresh sprig of lavender.

Jasmine Vodka in a Martini:

• 2 oz Jasmine infused Vodka
• 1 oz Lillet blanc (a sweet aperitif wine) 
• 1 dash of chamomile bitters

Stir in a mixing glass with LOTS of ice until it feels like your hand might fall off, then strain into a frozen Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a curly orange twist!

Elderflower Tequila in a Margarita:

• 2 oz Elderflower infused Tequila (Blanco or Reposado – both are scrumptious!)
•  .5 oz elderflower liqueur 
• .75 oz fresh lime juice 
•  .25 oz agave syrup
•  1 good pinch of salt

Shake your margarita and then dump it into a glass rimmed with your choice of salt or sugar. Garnish with a big edible flower to capture the perfect spring vibes!