17 Lemon-Centric Cocktails To Enjoy All Spring

Forbes

15-05-2025

Lemons feel like they are the perfect accompaniment to spring. Their bright color and freshness are reflective of the season when all feels warm, sunny, and full of promise.
Light and refreshing, the lemon is also a perfect match for so many cocktails, making it a central ingredient on so many of the most creative bar and restaurant menus all season long.
The Eau de Vie at Le Petit Village in New York City.
The Eau de Vie at Le Petit Village in New York City is a sophisticated upgrade on the classic French 75. It's made with Grey Goose La Poire, Italicus liqueur (Italian bergamot), vanilla syrup, and fresh lemon, before finally being topped with Champagne and finished with a rim of white chocolate and truffle. "Eau de Vie is where elegance meets originality. An exquisite fusion of flavors that enhances your senses," said Le Petit Village's Beverage Program Consultant, Jeremy Le Blanche of Fantom Creative Hospitality.
Day One at baba cool in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
Day One at baba cool in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, this fun cocktail is reminiscent of a classic Vesper, but with a Brooklyn twist. Made with lemon peel–infused, coconut oil fat-washed vodka, Better Man Distilling Co.'s Golden Hour Dry Gin, Bottega Limoncino, and Forthave Yellow (a local herbal alternative to chartreuse), and served up with a long, expressive lemon twist. "Along with everything behind the bar at baba cool, Day One follows the trend of nontraditional seasonality. It's our ode to the rising heat—a fresh, modern answer to summer in Brooklyn," said baba cool Head Bartender Michael Seward.
Italo Disco at Leonetta in New York City.
Found at Leonetta in New York City, this cocktail is made with Mediterranean lemon gin, Aperol, Luxardo bitter Bianco, yuzu sake, and Sicilian lemonade. 'Our Italo Disco fits the bill for the 'Lemon as the star!' It is 100% what I was thinking when I created it. The goal was to highlight the vibrant citrus that the Italian and Sicilian Coasts are so well known for. The main spirit is a citrus-flavored gin, with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, Sicilian lemonade, and yuzu sake assisting to deliver the lemon punch. I added Bitter Bianco and Aperol to offer a bracing and herbaceous counterbalance, with the Aperol also offering bitter orange to round out the citrus profile," said Beverage Director for both Leonetta and its downstairs cocktail lounge, Leo's Famous, Mark Rancourt.
Matsuyama's Jacket at Umi in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood.
Matsuyama's Jacket at Umi, the modern Japanese restaurant located in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, is made with mezcal, shiso, citrus, and sugar. "Smoky-sour with an herbal twist, this cocktail layers mezcal's earthy depth with the bright zing of lemon and lime, all softened by fragrant shiso. The result is a lean, aromatic drink that walks the line between sharp and refreshing. We named the drink after Hideki Matsuyama when he won his first green jacket at the Masters," said Jose Buitrago, Mixologist at Umi.
Limoncello Spritz at TQ Restaurant at Tom Quick Inn in Milford, Pennsylvania.
At TQ Restaurant at Tom Quick Inn in Milford, Pennsylvania, and created by bartender Lynn Dobrowolski, this cocktail is made with Prosecco, fresh lemon juice, and a lemon slice garnish. "I took a trip to Italy in 2023 and wanted to bring back a taste of their culture to Milford. It's the perfect refreshing drink to enjoy on a summer's day on our deck," says Dobrowolski.
When Life Gives You Lemons, Dude White Russian at Lebowski's Taproom in Colorado Springs.
At Lebowski's Taproom in Colorado Springs, this isn't your average White Russian. "We've twisted The Dude's classic into a velvety dessert cocktail with a bright citrus punch. Featuring Lebowski's Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur balanced with sunny Italian Limoncello, this drink is smooth, bold, and unexpectedly refreshing—like tiramisu with a lemon zest kick. Sip slow, or don't - it's your choice man!" said-David Kowalski, Founder of Lebowski's Taproom.
Lemon Spritz at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar.
At The Katharine Brasserie & Bar in North Carolina, this cocktail is made with Pallini Limoncello, Wheatley Vodka, and Lemon Peach Pom Bingo Bango. It's a limoncello-inspired spritz that keeps things light, bright, and easy.
La Bella Figura at Leonessa at the Conrad New York Downtown.
At Leonessa, an Italian-inspired cocktail bar atop the rooftop of Conrad New York Downtown in collaboration with beverage authority Ariel Arce, this refreshing take on the whisky sour features Bourbon, the Italian liqueur Italicus, Lemon, Grapefruit and Honey. 'We wanted to play on a lighter riff of a whisky sour for the summer, by incorporating Italicus which boasts bergamot and a healthy amount of lemon juice. The richness of the bourbon softens for a refreshing sessionable cocktail," said Ariel Arce.
Lilliput at The Manor Bar at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito.
At The Manor Bar at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, this cocktail is made with Appleton Estate Rum and Remy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac, and is bright and savory, balancing tart lemon with sweet and creamy banana alongside the umami of miso and a kick of spice from ginger. It's inspired by Lilliput, the island civilization featured in Jonathan Swift's classic Gulliver's Travels. "Lilliput is a savory yet refreshing twist on the classic Sidecar, balancing complexity and whimsy in every sip. Crafted with cognac, aged rum, lemon, banana liqueur, and a miso-ginger syrup, this cocktail dances between sophistication and satire—just like the Lilliputians themselves. The cognac lends structure and depth, reflecting their refined social order, while the rum introduces a layer of playful sweetness, capturing their theatrical pursuit of power. Fresh lemon brightens the profile, adding lift and balance to the savory and sweet elements. Served in a large porcelain egg with a scroll tucked alongside, Lilliput is a sensory journey into a miniature world of absurdity and charm," said James Verlinden, the Director of Food & Beverage at Rosewood Miramar Beach.
Limoncello Smash at Kansas City-based Lazia at Crossroads Hotel.
At Kansas City-based Lazia at Crossroads Hotel, the limoncello is house made, and is shaken with St. Germain, fresh lemon juice, basil and Malfy Italian Gin. Served over pebble ice and garnished with fresh basil, it's light, bright and incredibly refreshing. "If lemonade had a more mature, boozy cousin it would be this cocktail. It's absolute perfection alongside Lazia's spring menu. This is what I want to drink after a day in the sun, herbal and slightly sweet. It's a little too easy to enjoy," said Kara Anderson, Director of Food & Beverage.
Summer Fling at The Mill at Fountain Inn in Fountain Inn, South Carolina.
At The Mill at Fountain Inn in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, this cocktail is made with Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Pomegranate liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of soda. 'This is a refreshing, vibrant cocktail that balances tartness, sweetness, and a touch of citrusy zing. I took lemon and pomegranate, shook it up and gave it a wink, and decided to call it Summer Fling. One sip, and you're on vacation!' said Summer Bruce, Bar Manager, The Mill at Fountain Inn.
Fiori & Limoni at Carversteak at Resorts World Las Vegas.
At Carversteak at Resorts World Las Vegas, this cocktail is made with St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Pallini Limoncello, lemon balm, Mionetto Prosecco DOC, Fever Tree Club Soda. "Fiori & Limoni is our ode to laid-back afternoons along the Amalfi Coast, and with its light, citrusy, and floral notes, it's the perfect summertime Spritz," says Francesco Lafranconi, Vice President of Hospitality and Culture for Carver Road Hospitality.
The Bee's Knees at The Parlour at InterContinental New York Barclay.
At The Parlour at InterContinental New York Barclay, New York City, the Bee's Knees is a signature cocktail of the InterContinental New York Barclay, artfully crafted with Hendrick's Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and our house-made Barclay Honey—harvested from the rooftop apiary. "The Bee's Knees is a timeless cocktail rooted in the spirited glamour of the 1920s—a Prohibition-era classic celebrated for transforming simple ingredients into something exceptional. Our signature version at the InterContinental New York Barclay features Hendrick's Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and house-harvested Barclay Honey from our rooftop apiary, resulting in a light and refreshing libation. With its bright citrus notes and delicate floral sweetness, The Bee's Knees beautifully captures the essence of spring while paying homage to our storied history, established in 1926," said Kristen Love, Director of Outlets.
Salty Summer at Andros Taverna in Chicago.
At Andros Taverna in Chicago, Alvear fino sherry, La Luna Mezcal, Lemon Juice, Giffard Apricot Liqueur. "This low ABV cocktail is perfect for summer days on the patio. It features a play on sweet-and-sour fruity flavors with the addition of lemon and apricot liqueur, as well as savory tones from the fino sherry and mezcal," said Thomas Kakalios, Beverage Director
Papillon at La Grande Boucherie.
Found at La Grande Boucherie locations in DC, NYC, Miami, and Chicago, this cocktail is made with Malfy Lemon Gin, Rockey's Botanical, Dolin Dry Vermouth , matcha, and lemon. The cocktail is also garnished with a butterfly-shaped lemon zest. 'The Papillon was created as an ode to spring. We started with Malfy Gin, infused with lemons from the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, and layered in matcha, vermouth, and Rocky's Botanical. The result is a bold yet balanced cocktail—bright, clean, and refreshingly perfect for warmer days," said David Kravitz, Beverage Director.
Spring Showers at AVEO Table + Bar at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.
At AVEO Table + Bar at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, the Spring Showers cocktail combines Caravella Limoncello, lemonade, Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, and Prosecco. 'I wanted to create a refreshing daytime cocktail that features bright citrus, sharp bubbles, and an aromatic journey through floral and herbaceous notes. It's the perfect cocktail to enjoy on the breezy outdoor terrace of AVEO Table + Bar, while taking in the SoCal sunshine and beautiful views of the resort and ocean beyond," said Joe Bonilla, Bar Manager of The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.
Herbal Lemon Smash at Rooftop Bar at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.
At Rooftop Bar at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, this refreshing seasonal cocktail leads with bright citrus, followed by a sweet-tart mid-palate and a subtly bitter finish. It's crafted with rum infused with lemon myrtle tea and house-made bitter lemon syrup and ingredients include Lemon Myrtle Infused Bacardi White, Italicus, homemade bitter lemon syrup, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, lemon slice, lemon verbena, and edible flower. 'I crafted this cocktail to bring a crisp, refreshing burst of lemon to the table – something light and uplifting to cut through the heavy humidity of Japan's rainy season in May and June," said Yasutoshi Yoshiwara, Head Mixology Bartender at Rooftop Bar.