Bourbon may be a natural companion for dreary winter weather, but it’s time to put down the Old Fashioneds and embrace something fresh. Sunny days are made for lighter libations using garden botanicals and zippy citrus. Pull out the sandals, put on the shorts, and let's celebrate spring.

Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
Sure, this downtown classic excels at the sort of old school ambiance and food that seems to go best with a neat glass of Bourbon or a big and bold red. But for spring, unbutton that dinner jacket and try a Clover Club instead. A take on a 1896 favorite, Bohanan’s slightly modernizes the classic formula with fresh raspberries instead of the original’s syrup. The result is a lively gin drink that provides a refreshing break from the warm days ahead.

The Brooklynite
While the dim lighting and damask wallpaper of this River North bar may seem more suited for winter coziness, there is no drink in San Antonio that celebrates the spring season more than The Brooklynite’s Pea Mojito. Starting with Puerto Rican white rum and lime cordial, the sparkler looks to the garden for its unique flavors, adding fresh mint and a pea cordial.

El Mirador
For the surprising El Chavo, bartender John Cox drew inspiration from popular 80s Mexican TV series El Chavo del Ocho, creating a Cinco de Mayo cocktail that is reminiscent of tiki drinks, horchata, and margaritas all in one. If that sounds weird, don’t worry. Somehow combining Oaxacan rum, reposado tequila, crème de cacao, key lime juice, cinnamon syrup, and condensed milk just works.

Hanzo
This Alamo Heights gastropub offers some of the most creative cocktails in town, using unexpected culinary ingredients and Japanese spirits. There are many lively libations to recommend, but on a muggy day it is difficult to beat the Far East Side, a gin and shochu slammer with a kick of wasabi and serrano syrup.

Mash’d
This eatery in The Rim called its food “rebellious American,” a nod to the no-holds-barred munchies like chicken-fried pepperoni. The drinks follow suit, giving classics a few twists to keep things interesting. You can’t go wrong with any of the selections, but the Knockout Punch with, count ‘em, three varieties of moonshine is just the thing before a nap in a hammock.

Rumble
Think of Rumble’s Sandia Sucia as an agua fresca with just a little bit extra. The spring sipper starts with watermelon tequila infused in-house before being mixed with spicy tajin syrup and a good dose of lime. It also comes garnished with a wheel of fresh cucumber, making it the perfect drink for all those patio selfies.

Sukeban
This contemporary sushi spot is best known for its bubbles, but they happen to have a full bar serving up delightful tropical cocktails, too. Case in point? The Pineapple Kasai, a bright concoction of Plantation pineapple rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Combier orange liqueur. One word of warning, it does come with an egg white foam topping. Bring a handkerchief if you’re rocking a mustache.